Fairly simple paper describing some research that shows that moderated online discussions improve student writing. That said, I like the way the presentation is layered with some speculation as to why this happens: and a good theory emerges. The authors draw on Vygotsky to suggest that "children can perform at greater levels using peer collaboration with more capable peers." That's fine, but the effect doesn't extend to the more capable peers, who (by necessity) are separated from each other (so they can be placed with less capable peers). In an online forum, though, the more capable students are not separated from each other. "The level of performance for all students, not just the less able, will rise due to influence from more capable peers." Good stuff: nice bit of thinking.
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