Online discussion forum for nonsynchronous content development and class interaction

The online discussion forum is a powerful tool for students to interact and collaborate in a transparent manner. When the nature of distance learning is nonsynchronous, e.g. lecture is recorded and downloadable on demand, the online discussion forum becomes a flexible way for students to contribute content, give feedback, and take topic ownership. The method of assessment (rules of engagement) and evaluative feedback steer the forums, from primitive to advanced. The author traces student development in time management, English writing skills, critical thinking, and other learning outcomes over a semester through eleven forums in a music course given via lecture in classroom and broadcast, with downloadable recorded video on-demand.