Using Online Discussion Forums to Assist a Traditional English Class

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Zhang, T., Gao, T., Ring, G. & Zhang, W. (2007). Using Online Discussion Forums to Assist a Traditional English Class. International Journal on E-Learning, 6(4), 623-643. Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/p/21720.

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Journal Information

International Journal on E-Learning
ISSN 1537-2456
Volume 6, Issue 4, October 2007
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)  Chesapeake, VA

More Information on IJEL

Authors

Tianyi Zhang, Michigan State University, USA; Tianguang Gao, Gail Ring, Ball State University, USA; Wei Zhang, The Second High School of Beijing Normal University, China

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of online discussion forums on student achievement in reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and critical thinking in English as Second Language (ESL) instruction. Fifty-four senior high school students participated in this study and were divided into three groups. Data were collected from achievement posttests, perception surveys, and procedural interviews. The results showed that online discussion forums did not improve students' performance in reading, grammar, or vocabulary, but could influence students' writing skills and provoke critical thinking in face-to-face discussions. This study also found that instructor interventions had an impact on students' attitudes toward online discussions and promoted critical thinking in online discussions.

Keywords

• Secondary Education
• Classrooms
• Achievement
• Languages
• Social Sciences
• eLearning
• Integration
• Teaching Methods

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