The analysis of the posts in an on-line community of practice by means of discourse analysis

Abstract

This study analyzed the messages in an on-line discussion forum in which Information Technologies teachers and academicians participate based on the concept of community of practice. This forum is a platform where members discuss the developments in their subject area, share their resources and materials, and conduct joint studies. The participation patterns of the members and types of posts in the forum by doing discourse analysis were exposed in the study. The study findings revealed that the categories in which members shared posts were personal problems, sharing files and resources, help and support, recent news and developments, common issues and discussion. The results also showed that the experienced members contributed to the subject titles most often, and the members’ sharing lasted from one day to 91 months. The authors argued that the online community of practice analyzed in the study had a dynamic process of sharing and along with a repertory of resources. Moreover, new participants were able to find solutions for their professional problems. Finally, the members felt responsible to each other.