On-line discussions: a key to enhancing student motivation and understanding?

The use of the computer and other technologies (i.e. the Internet, world-wide web, etc.) are being aggressively used by many educators as tools in the learning process. This paper reports on an on-going research study at American University designed to address the role of student understanding in physics using an on-line discussion group format. In terms of gauging student understanding in physics, some critical questions are raised: (1) what factors serve to motivate students to participate in on-line discussions outside of class? (2) Can student motivation and performance be linked to students´ individual learning styles? and (3) can student participation in on-line discussions be linked to enhanced understanding? To address these questions, formal learning style assessment data along with results from a survey conducted in an introductory course for nonmajors during the 2000 academic year are shared