A listserv can also be moderated - that is, set up so that only the owner of the listserv can send messages to the list. On a moderated list, messages from other members of the list are rejected and do not go out the list. Participants use their regular email to participate, and messages are waiting for them when they check their email. Participants can join in when it's convenient for them, rather than on a fixed schedule. Users can get to newsgroups from a command line such as the VAX or with a graphical news reader such as NewsWatcher or Netscape News.
Users can post or just browse through other people's posts.
Newsgroups are asynchronous - users can read news or post at any time. Local newsgroups can be set up for classes. These are based on web pages and can be used by anyone with a web browser. Users can join in the discussion or just browse. Forums can be open to the public, limited to campus users, or password-protected so that only authorized users can read or participate.