An open source forum is a web page that enables users to interact with one another publicly. Peers can comment, pose questions, and answering questions pose in the forum.

In some open source forum an unregistered users will not be allowed to pose, answer and comment on forum, except he/ she logs in or registers as a member. 

However, in an online education it is similar, because as soon as students have been accepted by the school, he will be required to sign in to the open source forum, with his user name and password, before he/she will be granted access to pose questions, comment and answer questions in the forum.

Benefits of an open source forum

By means of an open source forum, peers can interact with each other, and exchange ideas with their peers from all over the world. However, some online schools are restrictive to what peers pose links and discuss in the forums. Since some discuss and links may course harm to students or can be for selfish gain. Such as personal matters that are not associated with the schools’ line of taught, like discussions about sex, club, or how to get visa from other fellow peers to their country etc. Such discus may cause one to be expel from the school. It is advisable for peers to first read the schools’ terms and conditions and had agreed before partaking in the school forum. On the other hand, if peers discuss topics or subjects that are in line with the school terms of service, can be really beneficial and enjoyable , because it will enable them to develop both professional and personal skills to the fullest degree, as they will be fully equipped to express themselves well,  on topics or subjects they were taught by their teachers. Whether be it under supervision or not.