According to research about critical thinking in online learning, online forums offer the potential for critical thinking, problem solving, and active group participation similar to FACE--to-FACE classrooms (Al
-Fadhli & Khalfan, 2009
Bunning (2005) The Role of Critical Thinking in the Online Learning Environment focuses on reflection, interaction, and feedback, not only to reinforce learning, but to raise learning to higher levels of critical reflective thinking. It demonstrates the value of interaction and learning communities to enhance quality and effectiveness of online learning, especially in problem solving and critical thinking skills. She provides an excellent example of how interaction online can enhance critical thinking with the use of "create a problem" exercise for students.
http://www.itdl.org/Journal/May_05/index.htm
Ramona Hall in her paper also provides a great review of critical thinking in an online environment.
In my view are such suggestions given in textbooks rather idealistic, critical learning develops best in direct interaction of controverse discussion with groups of students.
Hi Houda, I think that online discussion forums provide a great opportunity for students to engage in critical thinking but the tasks need to be carefully designed so there is a 'problem' to solve where they can draw on their experience, knowledge and new concepts they are learning about. Something controversial, as Hein suggests, but students need to feel 'safe' to contribute their ideas freely and without fear of being criticized for ideas that are likely to be still developing. However it can't be assumed that students (or their teachers) know how to interact effectively in this way, so they need to be appropriately supported, as well as know what the expectations are. I have been interested in how to foster effective asynchronous for a few years now - you might find some of the resources and strategies in this website useful http://fold.org.au/ and a Guide to Fostering Asynchronous Discussion is freely available here: http://fold.org.au/guide_intro.html
Hope this helps!
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