Mandatory Participation in Asynchronous Learning Networks

In this paper, we report on our experiences with an asynchronous learning network (ALN) based course in higher education in which participation was not an option but a requirement. Mandatory participation in collaborative learning was the primary examination that had to be passed in order to qualify for the secondary examination, the authoring of a short essay. The evaluations show that mandatory participation as examination (MPE) is a viable format of examination for ALN based learning. The main strength of this format of examination is that it promotes active participation, which is a main ingredient in the desired learning process. Surprisingly in practice, ALN based learning with MPE was not considered beneficial for learning by the students. This is explained by the problematic shift from teacher-centered to learner-centered education and the traditional view of examination as separated from learning.