“…Many studies have suggested that proper use of asynchronous online discussion in conventional formal learning environments engages learners and improves performance (Brewer & Klein, 2006;Chen & Chiu, 2008;Cheung & Hew, 2004;Hew et al, 2010;Khine, Yeap, & Chin Lok, 2003;Oliver & Shaw, 2003). Learners in these studies had similar backgrounds; for example, all learners were pre-service teachers (Cheung & Hew, 2004;Hew et al, 2010;Khine et al, 2003;Vonderwell, 2003) or had similar academic backgrounds: business (Brewer & Klein, 2006), mathematics (Chen & Chiu, 2008) and health science (Masters & Oberprieler, 2004;Oliver & Shaw, 2003).…”