Title: Singapore teacher leaders' perception of using online discussion forum as a learning tool

Authors: Pak Tee Ng

Addresses: Policy and Leadership Studies Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, 1, Nanyang Walk, S(637616), Singapore

Abstract: With the advent of internet, computer technologies and digital media, educational institutions have been provided with e-learning tools for learning and teaching, one of which is the online discussion forum. But, while the use of such a learning tool has become increasingly popular, there are still various gaps in research regarding the efficacy of its usage. The research reported in this paper aims to examine the views of Singapore teacher leaders regarding the effectiveness of using online discussion forums in their professional development programme and in teaching their students in school. The results show that online discussion forums can provide an enriching learning experience, facilitate self-regulated learning and can be a useful learning tool for students in school.

Keywords: online forums; discussion forums; e-forums; electronic forums; Singapore; teacher leaders; professional development; learning tools; computer technologies; digital media; educational institutions; teaching; teachers; school students; schools; learning experiences; self-regulated learning; e-learning; electronic learning; online learning; internet; world wide web; innovation; education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIIE.2012.052734

International Journal of Innovation in Education, 2012 Vol.1 No.4, pp.301 - 310

Received: 08 Jan 2013
Accepted: 08 Jan 2013
Published online: 26 Mar 2013 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article