A central component of online learning, asynchronous discussions have the potential to positively impact distance learners in myriad ways. For discussion to be most impactful, best practices associated with online discussion should be implemented, yet discernment regarding such practices too often remains elusive or unimplemented. To address this…

In the words of the philosopher and mathematician Rene Descartes, "Cogito, ergo sum," (I think; therefore, I am). Descartes concluded that although many aspects of reality are illusions; what is certain is that one's thoughts indicate one's existence. Understanding the mechanics of reality is fundamental to scientists and philosophers,…

This study aimed to identify factors that impact graduate health students' preference for synchronous or asynchronous online lecture participation. Constructive factors were proposed and then measured for each participant via the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire scales. It was hypothesized that students ranking lower in the domains…

Effective face-to-face (F2F) classroom discussions are those in which learners discover and explore dissonance or inconsistency among themselves. The learners are the ones asking and answering the questions with the instructors serving as guides on the side. Laughter emanates from these noisy discussions and as the semester progresses, friendships…

This article discusses how three assistant professors have worked to address the challenges their undergraduate and graduate students are facing as a result of changes made to distance learning in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many educators, they were faced with decisions regarding synchronous or asynchronous instruction. The authors…

There are differences in the benefits that are afforded by the two extremes of face-to-face and distance education. University campus courses are based on the assumption that the student community and interaction between learners and an expert teacher in the same physical location is essential to the learning process. In comparison, distance…

In response to the increasing implementations of online problem-based learning (PBL), this paper presents a new framework, 4S PBL, with a wide range of strategies and technologies to empower instructors and learners. Based on a critical synthesis of research on and practice of PBL, self-regulated learning (SRL), socially shared regulated learning…

As online education's prevalence increases, postsecondary institutions have not met online learners' mental health needs. In-person learners benefit from accessible and robust campus services and activities to support well-being. However, many postsecondary institutions do not offer teletherapy or comparative social activities. Furthermore, online…