Authentic Learning: Discussion Boards as a Critical.
We propose that the use of patchwork text combined with online discussion boards can facilitate critical thinking and collaborative working. This paper aims to report on the educational benefits of this combination of assessment methods to promote higher level thinking, and details the nature of the collaboration and outcomes of the assessment, providing guidance for future practise.
Online discussion forums increase the opportunities for student participation and enhance the participation of students who may feel inhibited when required to engage in discussions in a traditional classroom setting (Kanuka, 2005). Kanuka (2005) maintains that discussion forums can improve students’ critical thinking.
Background: In the last decade, asynchronous online discussion forums have become a primary focus of many educational researchers. Some advocates believed that the process of typing out messages in itself can promote in-depth critical thinking skills. Nevertheless, empirical research has not provided much support for this claim in natural settings.
Discussion. Overall, staff and students reported the assessed AOD was a positive course component. It encouraged engagement with staff, other students and the subtleties of complex course content, critical appraisal and discussion of evidence, and application to clinical practice.
This paper details an empirical study which explores an online environment and identifies the factors needed to enable work-based, distance students to learn from sharing their professional.
DISCUSSION: Overall, staff and students reported the assessed AOD was a positive course component. It encouraged engagement with staff, other students and the subtleties of complex course content, critical appraisal and discussion of evidence, and application to clinical practice.
Achieving better peer interaction in online discussion forums: A reflective practitioner case study Jianhong (Cecilia) Xia, John Fielder and Lou Siragusa Curtin University This paper documents the initial phase of a research project to improve peer interaction in a discussion forum for a Spatial Sciences class (unit) at Curtin University.