Shana, Zuhrieh. "Learning with technology: Using discussion forums to augment a traditional-style class." Journal of Educational Technology & Society 12.3 (2009): 214-228.

This study investigates the impact of incorporating a discussion forum on the achievement of university students enrolled in a Distance Education course in the Educational Technology Department at Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST) in the United Arab Emirates. Thirty-four students were divided into two sections: a treatment group and a control group, both exposed to the same teaching techniques and course material. After four weeks, both groups took the same test, but the treatment group then used a World Wide Web (WWW) interactive discussion forum for the remainder of the semester. At the end of the semester, a final test showed a statistically significant improvement in the treatment group's performance. Questionnaires and interviews indicated that students enjoyed using the discussion forum. Overall, the results demonstrate that discussion forums positively impact student achievement and attitudes in distance learning and educational technology courses.