Gli interventi del tutor in forum di discussione online. Da un modello teorico agli aspetti applicativi

On the basis of the results of previous studies, and taking into account some is sues recently published in literature, this paper presents an operative model of intervention in the areas of e-tutoring (forums, chats, blogs etc.). The model can be applied to different contexts of online interaction, especially in asynchronous contexts. The aim of the paper is to offer a few guidelines for online tutors and moderators in order to stimulate participation and open discussion among par- ticipants, thus reducing the frequently occurring risk of inhibiting participants’ intervention. The need for a moderate participation of the tutor for what concerns the open- ing of new topics, and for a moderate presence in terms of response frequency, are discussed. There appear also a need for a careful preliminary analysis of the general interactive context, for which some fundamental dimensions are provided