Development of Critical Thinking Disposition Using an Online Discussion Board During a Fully Online Course

Abstract

Online discussion is a key learning activity for developing literacy of critical thinking disposition (CTD). The effectiveness and activities of online discussion during a blended learning setting have been analysed. The aim of this paper is to extract student's characteristics during online discussions in a fully online course in order to invite more participants to join and to encourage discussion. The differences in student's characteristics and learning performance between online discussants and non-participants were statistically analysed. Key characteristics were extracted and discussed using regression analysis. Also, causal relationship of the development of literacy of CTD were extracted and the learning progress of online discussants was examined.