“Can We Talk?” Exploring Benefits, Limitations, and Alternatives to Asynchronous Discussion Forums for Building Online Student Engagement

Asynchronous discussion forum postings have a long history of use in online courses. But are they the only, or best, way to engage students? In this exploratory qualitative descriptive study, the researchers conducted in-depth interviews with eight online faculty and instructional designers to ask them how they view the benefits and drawbacks of asynchronous discussion forums in their current format. Interviewees also shared other additional ways that they engage students and attempt to build effective student learning communities. Results will be useful to faculty, administrators, and curriculum designers in creating maximally engaging learning spaces for communicating ideas effectively with fellow students and online faculty.