Chapter 6: The Use of Discussion Forums in Learning Communities

The expansion of distance education is transforming the higher education environment (Kriger, 2001). The number of tertiary institutes offering blended and fully online coursework is expanding rapidly and the number of Internet-based distance education courses is steadily increasing. Asynchronous tools, such as discussion forums, are being used to replicate features available in traditional face-to-face education. When used to encourage knowledge building and social reinforcement, asynchronous communication tools provide opportunities for learning communities that are not available within the confines of the traditional classroom (Moller, 1998).

Asynchronous discussion forums are recognized as having the potential to support a learning environment in which learners actively interact and construct knowledge by sharing experiences and information (Jonassen, 1994). Educational researchers have reported positive outcomes using threaded discussions that encourage students to accept responsibility for building knowledge by reflecting on course materials and discussing content with fellow participants (Lamy & Goodfellow, 1999).