Abstract:

Asynchronous discussion forums have been examined for their usefulness in promoting online learning among students. This study proposed a structure for discussion forums and investigated its impact on computer science students' acquisition of different kinds of knowledge: know-what, know-how, and know-why. The study employed a field experiment using pre and post-tests for evaluating the knowledge level by the students in the three knowledge kinds before and after the participation in the online course. One hundred twenty three students from two academic education colleges participated in seven computer science fully online courses. The main findings of the study showed that: (1) students of the structured discussion forum acquired more knowledge of the kinds "how" and "why" compared to the students who participated in the unstructured discussion forum; and (2) the obtained differences in knowledge acquisition were also dependent on the student's prior knowledge of subject matter. The findings of the study can contribute to the field of asynchronous online learning in providing a structure for discussion forums that has the potential to enhance knowledge acquisition of different kinds by the students.

Keywords:

CMC, Online Learning, Structured Asynchronous Discussion Forums, Knowledge Acquisition.