students’ experience of the online discussion forum as a tool for asynchronous learning
In this study, we explore and document students’ experiences of the online discussion forum as a tool for promoting asynchronous learning to complement the face-to-face instructions at a private Emirati university. We used a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches to collect and analyze data. Our study indicates that many participants were familiar with the platform despite being in their first year. They also find it helpful to gather information to address real-life issues and prepare for examination asynchronously. However, using the forum as a learning tool was not without some problems. Students find it challenging to respond to the initial questions and to respond to peers’ posts. Our study reveals that these problems can be mitigated by active instructors’ involvement, probing questions related to exams, and provision of real-life examples. (Published abstract)