An analysis of temporal norms in online discussions

Understanding the temporal behaviors or norms that evolve during online communications may help course designers, instructors, and learners use Computer-Mediated-Communications more effectively. This research examined the temporal behaviors of fifty-seven students and two instructors who participated in online class discussions. When given a week to engage in a discussion activity, participation occurred consistently across several days with the least amount of interaction taking place on Saturday. During weekdays, the highest amount of participation took place in the middle of the week. In addition, a high amount of discussion activity occurred in the afternoons and early evenings.