Discussion Forums as a Learning Material in Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Discussion forums, which have more features among the tools used in the online group discussion process, are the most preferred learning tool in this process. Instructors, from elementary school to college often use online discussion forums to encourage interaction and complex thinking that are not always effective in traditional face-to-face learning situations. Discussion forums are a tool that enables learners to create information, collaborate and interact simultaneously or asynchronously in the online learning environment. In addition, it allows more time for all learners to reflect on their own ideas and respond to other learners in the learning process. However, it is seen that there are not enough studies on the usability of discussion forums, which are an effective learning material used in online learning environments. From this point of view, this study investigates the usability of discussion forums in online learning environments. In this study, in which qualitative research method was used, the opinions of 8 field experts determined by purposeful sampling method were consulted in the context of the use of discussion forums in online learning environments. With the investigation of the usability of discussion forums in online learning environments, it is predicted that the efficiency to be obtained from these environments will increase.