Student use of asynchronous Rapid Response Forums to support continuous assessment

Brown, Cath; Pawley, Susan and Thomas, Claudi (2025). Student use of asynchronous Rapid Response Forums to support continuous assessment. In: The 13th eSTEeM Annual Conference Proceedings: Sharing Best Practice - Implementing What Works (Pawley, Susan and Chang, Daphne eds.), 10-11 Apr 2024, The Open University, UK, pp. 86–92.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21954/ou.ro.00102271

Abstract

Asynchronous Rapid Response Forums have been used on a number of mathematics modules at the Open University since the academic year 2020/21 to provide quick responses to students for queries about continuous assessment. In this paper we examine the use of these forums and their impact on students. For modules where the continuous assessment has been consistent for a few years, we see a regular use of the forums that ranges between 4.2% and 9.5% of the cohort; however, when an assignment has more non-standard questions, or it is the first presentation of a module, we see noticeably higher usage of the forums. Forum usage generally peaks shortly before the assignment is due; as the module progresses, this peak tends to get closer to the deadline. It is seen that most students use the forums only once or twice, though there are a small number of students who use the forums on a regular basis. Whilst the forums are not used by a large number of students, there is evidence to suggest that these forums are vital for some of those who use them to complete the module and, even if the forums are not used, their existence helps students’ self-efficacy and allows them to attempt the assessment knowing support can be obtained quickly if required.

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