Participants in the study centre realise that they are engaged in self-paced learning and tend to work independently. Although there are many messages in the system, users are given the option to display only new messages. There tend to be periods of activity as a topic is discussed, then a lull before the next point is raised. The main use of the bulletin board tends to be for technical queries, but it is also used to swap web addresses, allow users to air their own interests and to ask for general advice. As these are answered, they become part of the growing resource of the Study Centre.
New users come across answers to commonly asked questions in the bulletin board.
The Online Study Centre has been running for almost one year now and will soon be internally evaluated as part of TALiSMAN's ongoing analysis of its' courses. The results of this evaluation will be made available when complete. Appendix D of that report provides a case study report from one user and a questionnaire completed by another. The evaluators do point out that those replying to the questionnaire are likely to be those with a more positive attitude to the courses. From the questionnaire responses, many positive aspects of the Centre are highlighted.