Types of Online Discussion Threads and Student Two-Way Interaction in Online Discussion

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Abstract

Asynchronous online discussion boards are effective instructional strategies to engage learners in knowledge construction and foster learning community building. However, the relationship between discussion interfaces and discussion participation remains unclear. This study examined how the two-way interaction in online discussion changed over time and how the types of online discussion threads (i.e., student-based vs. topic-based) moderated the temporal trend of two-way interaction in online discussions. The downward dip of two-way interaction was observed upon the shift from student-based to topic-based threads. Moreover, students exhibited higher level of reciprocity with the use of student-based threads relative to the use of topic-based threads. The finding of this study shed light on the dynamics of online discussions.

Authors

• Cherng-Jyh Yen, Old Dominion University

• Hoda Harati, Towson University

• Nesma Ragab Nasr, Northern Arizona University

• Huimei Chen, Northern Arizona University

• Patricia J. Peterson, Northern Arizona University

• Chih-Hsiung Tu, Northern Arizona University