Using a discussion forum to enhance technical students' critical thinking ability through the internet learning system

On-line discussion forums have been emphasised as a tool for learning and instruction in recent decades. By using the on-line discussion forums to post and respond to messages for academic discussion and communication, technical students can enhance their active learning and critical thinking. The purpose of this article is to explore whether the use of discussion forums through the Internet learning system can enhance students' critical thinking ability, critical thinking disposition and student satisfaction. The study reveals that technical students going through the discussion forum have better critical thinking skills and critical thinking disposition, and experience higher levels of student satisfaction.