Asynchronous online discussion: Instructor facilitation vs. peer facilitation

Asynchronous online discussion forums have been widely used in schools and universities. They form an integral part of e-learning and blended learning. Many researchers and educators use asynchronous online discussion activity to develop student thinking skills, problem solving skills, and others. There are many factors that may affect student participation in asynchronous online discussion forums such as discussion topics, group size, ground rules of the discussion forums, facilitation skills, and others. We believe that facilitators play an important role in the success of asynchronous online discussion. Usually instructors or students serve as facilitators for online discussion activities. In this study, we explore participants" preference in terms of facilitator (instructor facilitator vs. peer facilitator). In addition, we also found out the reasons for their preference. © 2010 Wing Sum Cheung & Khe Foon Hew.