Share Paper: Enhancing Student Participation, Interaction, and Engagement in Online Discussion Forums

  1. Haoyue Zhang, University of Houston, United States
  2. Susie Gronseth, University of Houston, United States
  3. Sara McNeil, University of Houston, United States
  4. Bernard Robin, University of Houston, United States
  5. George Zhao, University of Houston, United States
  6. Erwin Handoko, University of Houston, United States
Tuesday, March 7 5:30 PM-7:00 PM Capitol Ballroom D & E

Abstract: Online discussion forums are used as an essential part of online courses to increase student participation, interaction, and engagement. Student participation, interaction, and engagement in online courses are affected by transactional distance, in which emotional cues are absent and communication is asynchronous. Using online discussion forums effectively does not simply mean making a forum available to students, as students can participate without something showing much thought, reflection, or study of course materials. Effectively using online discussion forums includes clear instructions, proper guidance, and targeted questions. Instructors should be aware of the status and direction of students’ conversations, as well as ...