‘Webagogy’ - the next milestone after pedagogy and andragogy?

Traditional university benches are gradually being replaced with the intensification of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. With more courses going online, the main challenge is to bridge the `separation' between distance learners and tutors. In this respect the Discussion Board (DB) is gathering great interest and has become the locus of considerable research. The objective of this paper is to assess the readiness of ODL learners to embrace the discussion board as an e-learning platform using multi-pronged qualitative approaches. It investigates if learning expectations are legitimate and if the Mauritian ODL learner is ready to break away with traditional practices and become beneficiaries of a learning system which is highly mediated by the functionalities of ICT. This case study involving ten students reading for a Master's degree at the Open University of Mauritius revealed that the DB is a valuable learning tool with great potential for peer tutoring, tutor/learner interaction and development of reflective and analytical skills. On the other hand there is a need for both tutors and leaners to familiarize themselves with the functionalities of this tool. This study purports that learners must be encouraged to develop their writing skills in order to make the most of the DB platform. The acronym “TELEPHONE” is proposed in this paper to describe some key facets of DB and online learning.