An exploratory case study on the use of asynchronous online forums on a beginner Spanish course in distance higher education

This exploratory case study investigates students’ participation in asynchronous activity forums on a beginner Spanish course, and it considers potential benefits and barriers to participation and language learning through forums. Employing a mixed-methods research design guided by a constructivist paradigm, the study uses course data and interviews to provide insights into the nature of talk and interaction in distance language learning. While little evidence of collective discussion was identified, for some students, the forums appear to encourage the creative use of language. However, for others, they seem to be a source of judgement and self-criticism.