چکیده (انگلیسی):

Rapid technological advances in the areas of telecommunications, computer technology and the
Internet have made available to tutors and learners in the domain of online learning, a broad
array of tools that provide the possibility to facilitate and enhance learning to higher levels of
critical reflective thinking. Computer mediated communication tools such as email, threaded
discussion lists, chat rooms, voice over IP, and whiteboards, can enhance online interaction and
the development of critical thinking skills, giving learners a real chance to make their learning
experience as close to a face-to-face situation. For this to happen, instructors have to adopt
teaching strategies that create a successful student-centred learning environment in which
students feel motivated and comfortable to participate and construct knowledge and meaning. This
paper discusses the learning opportunities the online environment provides and the pedagogical
changes that entails for quality learning, and focuses on instructional p ractices that fostering
students’ participation through appropriately designed interaction, effective communication and
problem solving activities.