Promoting High-Order Thinking in Online Discussions

Review Of Studies Examining Online Discussions To Enhance Learning

In this section the learning process using online discussions is considered in three phases: design, implementation and evaluation to assist in the discussion of relevant studies and the presentation of the data that follows. In the design phase I consider the suitability and sequence of appropriate tasks and structures required for creating a virtual environment conducive to learning in which ideal learning outcomes may develop. In the implementation phase I consider the roles of the facilitator and learner and ways in which to promote productive collaborative learning exchanges among them. In the evaluation phase I consider the gains in student learning as a result of their contributions to the online discussions. Evidence of change in online discussions may be measured by increased levels of participation and/or by the quality of critical reflections on the connections between the theory and their applicability to real-life contexts. Of course, few studies fit neatly into one classification; therefore, aspects of studies are positioned according to best fit.