Abstract:

The overarching purpose of this study was intended to explore whether online discussion can be a way to improve students’ engagement in their English composition courses. Twenty-eight sophomore students who were major in applied English of a technical university situated in northern Taiwan participated in this study. A qualitative case study was conducted to focus on experiences and perceptions of students in an English composition course that integrated use of online discussion. The findings will be discussed in relation to whether online discussion, offering unlimited time and place, incorporating both peer’ review and social interaction learning, facilitated EFL writing processes and writing performance. In interpreting the data, the researcher learned that online discussion can motivate students to participate in discussion and thus can promote learning by encouraging active engagement with content. However, according to students’ reflection, online discussion creates critical instructional design considerations and decisions.

Keywords:

computer-mediated communication, online discussion, discussion board, computer-assisted writing, online writing.