This research investigates students' peer interactions in the Design and Technology (D&T) environment supported by "Knowledge Forum". The sample comprised of 15 students who had no prior experience in using "Knowledge Forum" to mediate their D&T learning. Their interaction with peers occurred in three stages: design situation, ideation and…

The use of online discussion has a long history in distance education and higher education generally, and has recently been proposed as a means of supporting beginning teachers as they face the challenge of being new to the profession. Often using text-based asynchronous programs, online discussion is advocated to enable teachers to interact with…

This paper reports on the creation of an instrument for use by instructors, students, or researchers to identify, measure or promote critical thinking (CT) in online asynchronous discussions (OADs). Four models of CT were reviewed, synthesised, analysed, and evaluated to clarify the construct. Indicators of specific cognitive processes related to…