The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to learner``s performance in terms of participation, achievement and satisfaction in the web-based discussion. For the research question, literature reviews suggested ten factors: the attitu...
The purpose of this study was to investigate factors related to learner``s performance in terms of participation, achievement and satisfaction in the web-based discussion. For the research question, literature reviews suggested ten factors: the attitude toward CMC, the attitude toward writing, intrinsic/extrinsic motivation, previous knowledge on the subject(learner-related factors), the relevance of the discussion topic, the interaction with instructors(design-related factors), physical environment, psychological environment., support(environment-related factors). The subjects for this research were 83 students enrolled in a course using the web-based online discussion as a supplement to face-to-face instruction at university level. 77 ques-tionnaire were analyzed for the research question. The subjects participated in the online discussion asynchronously. To proceed the discussion smoothly, 83 students were randomly assigned to 10 groups and had their own bulletin board. Multiple regression was conducted to analyze the data. The results of this study were summarized as follows: First, the significant predictors of the number of messages were extrinsic motivation(Beta =.298, p<.0l), attitude toward writing C Beta = 220, p<.05), interaction with instructors (Beta=.220, p<.05). Second, the significant predictors of the achievement of learners were the number of messages C Beta =.394, p<.00l), previous knowledge on the discussion topic (Beta=.271, p<.0l), attitude toward writing(Beta=.203, p<.05). Third, the significant predictors of the satisfaction of learners were intrinsic motivation(Beta=.320, p<.0l), relevance of the discussion topic(Beta=.306, p<.0l), interaction with the instructor(Beta=.205, p<.05), physical environment(Beta=.198, p<.05), the number of messages(Beta=.189, Based on the result of the study, the following recommendations were offend: alleviate anxieties on writing, assign students to the discussion group according to the previous knowledge on the topic, implement motivational strategies, assign grades for adequate portion, offer discussion topic which learners consider relevant to them, interact with learners actively, facilitate learners to interact with peer learners.