A new study from the Journal of Online Interactive learning shows that online class message board discussions can be one of the most effective ways of involving students with the course material. However, instructors rarely make the best use of this medium:

"One of the most popular and pedagogically effective forms of virtual classroom interaction is via threaded discussions...Results indicated considerable variability in both frequency and time investment of threaded discussion participation. While research indicates the threaded discussions are a very effective means of promoting active involvement with course materials, it appears as though there is little consistency among experienced online instructors as to the instructional investment required to take advantage of the educational gains available through this type of electronically-mediated instruction."

If you've ever frequented a popular, subject-specific message board, you'll know that threaded forum discussions can be a great way to learn from other people. Unlike chat rooms, message boards give users the chance to think out their responses and contribute to the best of their ability. Users ask relevant questions and freely share their knowledge. The discussion threads are usually saved and are searchable by keyphrase.

Sadly, message boards for online classes often lose steam before they even get going. I recently enrolled in an online class given by a popular media website. The class had a dedicated message board. But, unfortunately, it was abandoned after only a few posts by newcomers. The instructor didn't interact with the class through the message board and class members soon gave up on it too. As a student, I was disappointed - we missed a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and network with each other.

For more information about the study see: Frequency and Time Investment of Instructors' Participation in Threaded Discussions in the Online Classroom.