Online discussions forums: Its roles for EFL learners

Abstract

The aim of this study is to find out how learners perceive the use of discussion forums (ODFs) in a learning platform used in the teaching and learning process. A descriptive qualitative method was implemented in conducting the study with total respondents of 39 second-semester students of the English Department at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jember. The study results indicate that having the ODFs has been effective in helping learners to share, comment, give feedback and understand the learning materials from their peers and the lecturer during the discussion activities throughout the learning process. The use of ODFs has a significant role in assisting learning for EFL learners.