Online Learning Environment: Taxonomy of Asynchronous Online Discussion Forums

2011 ◽  
pp. 706-714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jemal Abawajy ◽  
Tai-hoon Kim
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Online Learning Environment ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Asynchronous Online Discussion

scholarly journals Models to evaluate online learning communities of asynchronous discussion forums

2003 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khe Foon Hew ◽  
Wing Sum Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Communities ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Online Learning Communities ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Geographical Locations

Recent developments in learning theory have emphasised the importance of context and social interaction. In this vein, the notion of a learning community is gaining momentum. With the advent of asynchronous online discussion forums, learning communities now need not be confined to any specific geographical locations, as people can now interact with one another at any place and time convenient to them. In this paper, we describe appropriate models that can evaluate these online learning communities. We examine pertinent issues including learner-learner interaction, learner-teacher interaction, the thinking skills of the learners, the levels of information processing exhibited by learners in the online discussion, and the roles played by the online moderator. A practical example is also provided to illustrate how these models can be used. Finally, we discuss some drawbacks related to each model and ways for overcoming them.

scholarly journals Using Asynchronous, Online Discussion Forums to Explore How Life Sciences Students Approach an Ill-Structured Problem

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 138-160
Author(s):  
Foong May Yeong
Keyword(s):  
Online Discussion ◽  
Life Sciences ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Asynchronous Online Discussion ◽  
Domain Specific Knowledge ◽  
General Skills

To foster students’ learning of critical-thinking skills, I previously introduced ill-structured problems to provide students opportunities to apply content knowledge and thinking skills. However, I noted that my third-year, life sciences students were not solving such problems effectively. Therefore, I used a grounded approach and conducted content analysis of students’ forum discussions to understand their problem-solving approaches. The students worked in small groups using asynchronous, online discussion forums (AODFs) to discuss their approaches to solving an ill-structured problem posed. Each group submitted their solution to the problem in an essay. From my analysis of students’ posts at AODFs, students seemed fairly competent in using domain-specific knowledge and certain domain-general skills in scientific argumentation. However, they lacked the ability to properly define the problem scope and, consequently, failed to address the problem adequately. The study illuminated students’ challenges and provided me possible ways to plan relevant scaffolds in subsequent iterations of the activity.

scholarly journals Using Asynchronous, Online Discussion Forums to Explore How Life Sciences Students Approach an Ill-Structured Problem

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 138-160
Author(s):  
Foong May Yeong
Keyword(s):  
Online Discussion ◽  
Life Sciences ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Asynchronous Online Discussion ◽  
Domain Specific Knowledge ◽  
General Skills

To foster students’ learning of critical-thinking skills, I previously introduced ill-structured problems to provide students opportunities to apply content knowledge and thinking skills. However, I noted that my third-year, life sciences students were not solving such problems effectively. Therefore, I used a grounded approach and conducted content analysis of students’ forum discussions to understand their problem-solving approaches. The students worked in small groups using asynchronous, online discussion forums (AODFs) to discuss their approaches to solving an ill-structured problem posed. Each group submitted their solution to the problem in an essay. From my analysis of students’ posts at AODFs, students seemed fairly competent in using domain-specific knowledge and certain domain-general skills in scientific argumentation. However, they lacked the ability to properly define the problem scope and, consequently, failed to address the problem adequately. The study illuminated students’ challenges and provided me possible ways to plan relevant scaffolds in subsequent iterations of the activity.

scholarly journals Malaysian Private University Students’ Perception of Online Discussion Forums: A Qualitative Enquiry

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Serena Leow Wai Yee ◽  
Catherine Lee Cheng Ean
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Online Discussion ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Online Discussion Forums ◽  
Malaysian Students

The continuous advancement in technology has transformed physical learning platforms into digital spaces in higher education. In Malaysia, instructors and students are gradually adopting the e-learning or blended-learning approach by using online discussion forums (e.g. BlackBoard) or social networking sites (e.g. Facebook groups) to engage students’ participation in courses and encourage self-directed learning. This study presents a qualitative view of students’ perception of engaging in online discussion forums in a synchronous learning environment, and their views on the positive and negative aspects of using online discussion forums for learning. Results indicate that students perceive autonomy and sense of belongingness in the online community as main factors that influence their voluntary and active participation in the online discussion forums. Technical challenges remain as a key factor in determining students’ interests to utilize online discussion forums for learning. While future research is needed to assess the sentiments of Malaysian students in online learning, this study was intended to provide Malaysian instructors and higher education institutions a preview on the sentiments of students towards online learning to better improve the aspects of technical, pedagogical methods and policies for online learning as the nation moves towards Education 4.0. 

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