This paper reports on an innovative use of online learning, within a distributed learning environment (DLE), to support students in an undergraduate programme in Indigenous health and community development to reflect on their experiences in professional placements. The professional practice curriculum at Yooroang Garang School of Indigenous Health Studies, University of Sydney includes professional placements, for which students submit written reflections. As a response to the lack of analysis in students' writing, an interactive online reflection activity was developed, using an explicit four-step process to assist students explain and critically reflect on their placement experiences. Initial observations suggest the learning design has enabled students to reflect more deeply about key events and issues, while the online environment has enabled lecturers to provide more immediate and specific feedback. This paper outlines the rationale for the activity design and discusses the benefits and challenges it presents for lecturers and students within a DLE. Student reflections are incorporated to illustrate the activity's contribution to learning outcomes.