Using Asynchronous Discussion Forums to Enhance Engagement of Students in Online Teaching

The shift towards HyFlex learning in the post-pandemic era has presented new challenges for higher education, particularly in maintaining student engagement and motivation in online learning environments. This paper explores the potential of anonymous asynchronous online discussion forums (AODFs) as a tool to enhance student participation and engagement in large online classes. The authors propose a new model of forum management that integrates the functions of question-answering and peer-to-peer interaction while maintaining anonymity for students posting questions and non-anonymity for those responding. This study explores the roles and new models of teachers and students in promoting and participating in forum activities from the perspective of students as partners. Data collected from the implemented AODF reveals increased student participation and motivation, with a significant portion of non-academic questions resolved through peer discussion. However, the study also acknowledges the challenges of lurking behavior and the limitations of relying solely on technology to enhance learning. The authors emphasize the critical role of instructors in evaluating and adapting emerging technologies to meet the needs of their students and foster a sense of community in online learning environments.