Online learning discussion formats provide an opportunity for learners to share their experiences, negotiate meaning, and take ownership of the subject matter. Chat rooms also provide learners with anyplace and real-time ways to participate in academic discussions. Shared understanding occurs when individual experience mediated through group…

Online distance learning has become increasingly common as a teaching method in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs around the world. As this trend continues, higher education consistently integrates more and more complex technology into the learning process. Typically, online learning takes either a synchronous or asynchronous approach…