Assessment of student understanding using on-line discussion groups

The computer and other technologies (i.e. the Internet, the World Wide Web, and various types of groupware) are currently being aggressively used by many educators as a tool in the learning process. As a result, a critical question has emerged. How can student understanding be effectively assessed when learning occurs using these new technological venues? This paper presents a critical look at how one technology, specifically online discussion groups, can be utilized to assess student understanding. This paper summarizes the results from a pilot study conducted at American University during the spring 1998 semester using an online discussion group with students in an introductory physics class. Finally, the results of a survey given to participating students are presented.