Abstract

PAEZ, Haydée Guillermina. Critical thinking in an online forum. Investigación y Postgrado [online]. 2008, vol.23, n.2, pp.145-174. ISSN 1316-0087.

At the same time, it is generally accepted that using the Internet as a learning resource is a fundamental part of an Information Society. The research presented in this paper evaluates the viability to strengthen the critical thinking abilities of professionals, registered as graduate students in the education program, by using an online forum. From September 2006 a course has being designed to include a combined learning model which utilizes the conferencing application of the learning management system nicenet.org. The purpose was to establish a channel for asynchronous discussions. The comments submitted by the participants were analyzed in order to determine if they contained certain voices, tones, and contributions which are associated, according to some theoreticians, with critical thinking skills. Based on an interpretative paradigm, naturalist-descriptive method, a chronological log was kept of the interventions on each forum in order to elaborate a content matrix. Analyzing the data in the matrix we were able to determine that participants progressively: a) make enriching contributions which require analysis and critical evaluation of the topics in discussion; b) use strategies for focalizing attention and going into depth; c) explore answer to isolate the most important areas for discussion while aware of multiple perspectives; d) support rationally their answers and arguments; e) formulate questions in order to clarify meanings, explore assumptions, indentify causes and consequences. All these indicators were expressed in analytical, inquisitive and thoughtful tones. The results seem to strongly indicate that an online forum is a didactic strategy viable in order to develop and strengthen critical thinking skills.

Keywords : information technology (IT); critical thinking; combined learning; postgraduate studies.