Survey: Participation in Discussion Lists
Interpersonal Computing and Technology
From: ip...@cac.psu.edu <mauri collins>
I am working on a paper and need some information about how
electronic mailing group participants feel they benefit from their
membership and if they consider thier participation a 'learning'
activity. I can't find much information in the books and articles
I am reading, so I thought I would query the participants of several
lists i am familiar with.
All responses will be combined, so no one person's responses will be
identifiable and no comments will be quoted without your permission.
DO NOT RETURN THIS TO THE LIST ADDRESS, BUT TO ME PRIVATELY
by August 5 at ip...@cac.psu.edu
Thank you for your participation.
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1. LISTNAME: IPCT-L
2. How long have you been a member of this list?
___ 1. <3 months ___ 2. 3-6 months ___ 3. 6-12 months ___ 4. >1 year
3. Why did you join this list? (please check all that apply)
___ 1. Generally interested in topic
___ 2. Had questions about topic
___ 3. Looking for personal resources
___ 4. Looking for job-related resources
___ 5. Looking for others interested in topic
___ 6. Looking for a marketplace for products
___ 7. Looking for forum to share opinions
___ 8. Looking for community/belonging
___ 9. Looking for recreation
___ 10. To develop/upgrade talents or skills
___ 11. Recommended by a colleague/friend
___ 12. Other (please specify)
4. How does your membership on this list benefit you?
(Please check all that apply)
___ a. I get information valuable to me
___ b. I get materials I can use
___ c. I can ask questions
___ d. I get answers to my questions
___ e. I can learn about list topic
___ f. I get help solving problems
___ g. Feelings of community/belonging
___ h. Feelings of increased self-worth
___ i. The possibility to express self/feelings
___ j. Exchange thoughts/ideas/opinions with others
___ k. Exchange experiences/stories with others
___ l. Professional development opportunities
___ m. Networking/making contacts
___ n. Staying updated in my field
___ o. Counts toward a credential/grade
___ p. Helps me find peers
___ q. Finding a job
___ r. Finding a mentor
___ s. Other (please list:)
5. How often do you:
at least once a
never day week month year
Ask for information 1 2 3 4 5
Provide information 1 2 3 4 5
Ask questions 1 2 3 4 5
Answer questions 1 2 3 4 5
Make short comments 1 2 3 4 5
Make elaborate comments 1 2 3 4 5
Share experiences 1 2 3 4 5
Reading posts 1 2 3 4 5
6. Without trying to, one can learn (acquire new knowledge, skills and
feelings about oneself) simply by undertaking different activities
at home, at work, and at play.
Is your learning from this discussion list:
___ 1. Mostly unintentional, incidental, just happens
___ 2. Mostly planned, deliberate, what I am here for
___ 3. Both, at different times
___ 4. I don't learn from this list
___ 5. Other (please specify:)
7. What do you think discussion on this list most resembles:
(Rank top 3 please)
___ 1. A series of private conversation(s)
___ 2. A ongoing small group discussion
___ 3. A ongoing support group meeting
___ 4. A ongoing argument
___ 5. A town meeting
___ 6. A newsletter
___ 7. A ongoing panel discussion with an audience
___ 8. A professional conference
___ 9. Broadcast Lecture(s)
___ 10. A classroom
___ 11. Other (please specify)
8. Do you think participation in electronic discussion groups can:
(Check all that apply)
___ 1. Change attitudes
___ 2. Increase knowledge
___ 3. Change behavior
___ 4. Increase skills
___ 5. Change perspectives/outlooks
___ 6. Improve literacy
___ 7. Reduce isolation/loneliness
___ 8. Reinforce prejudices
___ 9. Encourage sharing of resources
___ 10. Encourage antagonism/argument
___ 11. Other (please specify)
9. Do you belong to other lists? ___ 1. No ___ 2. Yes ___ How many?
10. Are you ___ 1. female? ___ 2. male?
11. Your age? ____
12. Highest education level?
___ 1. <High school ___ 2. High School Grad
___ 3. Some college ___ 4. Associate's degree
___ 5. BA/BS ___ 6. MA/MS
___ 7. Doctorate ___ 8. Post secondary career training
Thank you for your participaion
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ms mauri p. collins ma /\\//\ Calder Square Box 10002
Internet: ma...@cac.psu.edu > () < State College
Voice (814)238-3823 \/()\/ PA 16805, USA
URL: http://cac.psu.edu/~mauri/mauri.html