Online Discussion Behavior Within Collaborative Learning Via E-Forum

Abstract

This paper investigates the students’ online discussion behaviors on e-forum and discusses the behaviors within the concept of collaborative learning. Using qualitative research design, seventeen undergraduate TESOL students' postings in e-forum were analyzed as they were going through two TESOL courses. These two courses were conveniently chosen because the same instructors taught these courses and who also implemented e-forum in both courses. Two research instruments were utilized, namely content analysis and questionnaire to retrieve data from the participants. Analysis of findings suggests that there was active display of discussion behaviours and that e-forum was indeed an effective tool that motivated the students’ collaborative learning at the university level. Finally, based on the findings of the study, some pedagogical implications have been recommended.

Quality Assessment of Online Discussion Forums: Construction and Validation of a Scale That Values Student Perception

“…Online discussion forums are tools that allow users or students to share ideas, questions, opinions, and interact with other members in a friendly learning environment. The forums are also a mode of Computer-Mediated Communication asynchronous, which allows participants to communicate with classmates in different situations (Conrad & Dabbagh, 2018;Tan, 2017;Ting, et al, 2013). According to Biondo (2018) and Sanchez (2005), the ODF can be understood as a space for communication characterized by dialogues and messages classified according to the topic discussed.…”

“…According to Silva (2003), the interaction that takes place in the virtual environment provides the cocreation. Thus, online forums provide an environment for collaborative learning (Ting, 2013;Tan, 2006). Davis (2012) also noted that the forums could be used as social media too.…”

“…In this sense, teaching and learning online tools are developed to support distance education. They are thereby resulting in the availability of new online learning tools that have enormous potential for collaborative learning (Cacheiro-Gonzalez et al, 2019;Ting, 2013;Tan, 2006). Among the educational alternatives available for the educations professionals can highlight the use of the Online Discussion Forums (ODF).…”