Title: Designing and implementing online discussion forums: an Australian case study

Authors: Jacquelin McDonald

Addresses: Learning and Teaching Support Unit (LTSU), The University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, 4350, Queensland, Australia

Abstract: Effective online learning requires both teachers and students to move beyond traditional face-to-face and correspondence modes and adopt strategies that take advantage of the flexibility and connectivity in the virtual or online classroom. In higher education, a common approach to connectivity is the use of online discussion forums, so the design and implementation of these forums significantly impacts on students| learning experience and outcomes. The case study used a grounded theory approach to generate insights into the critical success factors that promote student learning outcomes in online discussion forums in an Australian post-graduate online course. The paper outlines the findings and presents recommendations for the effective design of online forums.

Keywords: virtual forums; grounded theory; e-learning; electronic learning; online learning; online education; Australia; virtual classroom; online classroom; connectivity; online forums; online discussion forums; learning outcomes; students; web design; higher education; universities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNVO.2009.027394

International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations, 2009 Vol.6 No.5, pp.518 - 531

Published online: 21 Jul 2009 *

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