Other papers and publications by the writer are available from his
personal website
Reference:
Uys, P.M. & M.K.M Magowe (2002, July). Poster.
Breaking the silence online: using
Web-based threaded message boards at the University of Botswana Barcelona , Spain
OR
http://www.globe-online.com/philip.uys/200207uyshivaidsboardsatUB.htm
Breaking the silence online: using
Web-based threaded message boards at the
Dr Philip Uys philip.uys@globe-online.com http://www.globe-online.com/philip.uys
Deputy Director: Educational Technology, Centre for Academic
Development, University of
Ms M.K.M Magowe
mahowem@mopipi.ub.bw
Lecturer, Department of Nursing Education, Faculty of Education,
Major Issue: Cultural and other taboos on
University Campuses can prohibit the free flow and open discussion on HIV/AIDS.
Anonymous participation in Web-based message boards can bridge some of these
problems of information dissemination and thus provide an immediate source of
expert information on prevention of HIV/AIDS, care for sufferers and relief for
sufferers.
Description: The
research is a case study to encourage open discussion, information-sharing and
entry-level counselling on HIV/AIDS by using public Web-based threaded message
boards at the University of Botswana as anonymous Q&A forums for an expert
to answer questions of staff and students on HIV/AIDS.
Lessons learned:
v Anonymous
participation seems to encourage open discussion
v Expert
advice based on real life situations can be provided online
v
Electronic media such as message
boards has the potential to be an effective mode of information dissemination
on HIV/AIDS when contextualised within the culture of the people using these
facilities
v Efficiencies
are possible through having an expert deal publicly with questions that may
benefit many