Defining and measuring quality in on-line discussion

In support of research examining relationships between learner characteristics and the quality of online discussions, this paper surveys different methods for evaluating discussions. The paper will present coding methods used in our own research as well as methods used by others interested in quality online discussions. Key topics include what constitutes quality in online discussions and how that quality can be measured? With the rapid evolution of communication technologies, distance education is becoming more prevalent in postsecondary settings. According to the U.S. Department of Education (2003), 89 % of public, four-year institutions offered distance education courses during the 2000–2001 academic year. Of those offering distance education courses, 90 % offered Internet courses. Online discussions, as a component of Internet courses, have become common activities in postsecondary education. While many embrace these activities, we currently know very little about the intricacies involved. In some ways these online discussions mirror face-to-face discussions. For example, norms about conversation shifts and tur