A number
of developed countries have started online educational programs and more are
likely to follow suit. The study by Arulchelvan (2011) helps highlight some key
concepts in developing strong online discussion. Some of these concepts are
content based while others are more technology driven. Having the right design
and development are important for ensuring that the forums stimulate learning.
Online
forums can be even more beneficial than traditional methods of learning. The
ability to discuss concepts in a 24/7 environment allows for students to have
constant access to each other. When there is full engagement this ability
encourages flexibility and interest in the educational process.
Forums can
promote critical thinking, problem solving and knowledge construction. Critical
thinking is a process of judging premises and finding alternative meanings.
Problem solving encourages solutions and knowledge construction creates the
framework for knowledge. Each contributes and fosters the other.
The primary job of the instructor is to use their knowledge
to foster individual and social learning within the forum. This can be found
through the asking of questions, having students respond to other classmates,
and moving discussions along to conclusions. It requires a skill set based in
topical knowledge and technology functionality.
Instructors should avoid knowledge overload. This
occurs when there is too much information in the forums that take away from the
central knowledge component of the forum. Putting too much information within
the forum may confuse and disperse the knowledge to a point students cannot
make meaning from it.
His work has come to a few conclusions for online
forums:
Visual Design: Ensuring that visual design is
appealing through easy to use, attractive, and functional design. It is
beneficial to allow emotional icons for expression.
Usability: Encouraging proper usability that
encourages easy responses and work completion. Links, resources, and other
tools should be integrated and easy to access.
Hottest Threads: Make it easy to find new posts by
using an icon. Use threads with the most responses in other courses.
Context Structure: Each forum should be organized by
content topic and sub-topic for easy understanding.
Visual Effects: Allow for the uploading of files,
link sharing, and video posting for students.
Arulchevan, S. (2011). Online interactive forums as
a learning tool among the media students-an analysis. Turkish Journal of Distance Education, 12 (4).
