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Article
Author(s)
Hanadi Mohammadmaki Bokhari
Full-Text PDF XML 900 Views
DOI:10.17265/2161-623X/2019.02.002
Affiliation(s)
Umm Al-Qura University (UQU), Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)
ABSTRACT
This exploratory case study
explored international graduate students’ views of online discussion boards (ODBs)
as a collaborative platform in different online courses at a major Midwestern
university. In addition, this study explored
factors that influenced students learning skills, specifically academic writing
skills. Data collection methods included students’ artifacts, such as online
discussion transcripts, submitted documents, and one-on-one open-ended
interviews. Interviewing the international graduate students made it possible
to identify the natural meaning of ODBs, as well as explore the key factors
that improved their writing skills in the ODBs. Three major themes emerged in
this study. The first theme inclusive learning environment, demonstrated how
students perceived ODBs as a positive platform that helped them to increase their
intercultural competence, construct their knowledge, and raise their confidence
as well. The other two themes, constructivism/collaborative social practice and
motivation/structure revealed what factors could improve students’ writing
skills. Students appreciated their learning from each other and asserted that
the structure, feedback, and assessment are the factors that motivated them to
develop their learning and writing skills. Further qualitative research is
needed to analyze the content of the students’ postings. In addition, it is
recommended that the level of learning, writing skills, and sense of community
among the forum members need to be examined. Broader perspectives are needed,
as well as future research using ODBs as a collaborative platform in blended
learning.
KEYWORDS
online learning, online discussion board, learning skills, academic writing, writing skills
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