Assessment of interaction in discussion forums on distance learning specialization of preceptorship in family and community medicine

Abstract

This research aims at understanding which criteria are important for the students’ perception of quality of interaction and interactivity in distance education. The transversal study aimed at analyzing the interaction in discussion forums on distance learning specialization of preceptorship in Family and Community Medicine with complementary analyses of quantitative and qualitative approach. After estimating the quality of the course’s interaction and interactivity in students’ perception, two groups were selected, and 16 forums were analyzed based on the principles of conversation analysis. The number of posted messages, tutor interventions, and enunciation chains were associated with quality. The results show that tutor’s autonomy, such as suggesting change of topic, influences participation and construction of enunciation chains that contribute to the perception of quality of interaction and interactivity.