Investigating the Design of an Asynchronous Online Discussion (AOD) in Distance Education: A Cooperative Learning Perspective

Abstract

An asynchronous online discussion (AOD) is considered a commonly used cooperative learning activity in distance education. However, few studies have explored whether AODs are designed in accordance with the conditions of cooperative learning and whether students are able to achieve higher levels of cognitive learning through interactions in AODs. This case study explored if an AOD was designed to meet cooperative learning conditions and whether students generated interactions and accomplished higher levels of cognitive learning. The results suggested that in an AOD where cooperative learning conditions were rarely met, students barely interacted and only manifested lower levels of cognitive learning. The researchers proposed that an AOD may not achieve the expected cooperative learning outcomes unless it is well-structured with a systematical integration of cooperative learning theory.