The effectiveness of MyGuru2 asynchronous online discussions and factors that influence students adoption

The Effectiveness of MyGuru2 Asynchronous Online Discussions and Factors That Influence Students'  Adoption. Mahizer Hamzah, 2012: Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S.  Fischler School of Education. ERIC Descriptors: Computer Mediated Communication, Internet, Teacher  Education, Discussion Groups. A university in Malaysia has been using MyGuru2 as their learning management system for nearly 5  years, and the number of courses that use the online discussion tool in MyGuru2 has increased every  year. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the MyGuru2  asynchronous online discussion tool and identify the core factors that influenced student adoption  of MyGuru2 asynchronous online discussions after 5 years of use. A mixed-methods approach with an explanatory design, specifically the follow-up explanations model, was used for this study. The data-collection process was divided into two  phases: a quantitative study using the survey method and a qualitative study using semistructured interviews. The results of the study indicated that the use of the MyGuru2 online discussion tool has  positively impacted student learning. Students reported that this online discussion tool was easy  to use and very useful in helping them with their learning. Among the 5 attributes of innovation  (relative advantages, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability) that influence  student adoption, compatibility and complexity had the greatest influence on the students' adoption  of the MyGuru2 online discussion tool with 4 underlying dominant themes: freedom of learning,  students' needs, usability, and support.