Graduate Nursing Students' Perceptions of Discussion Board Quality

Background: Nursing faculty use discussion boards in online environments to promote interaction, engagement, and reflection. Poorly designed boards deteriorate into burdensome exercises lacking intellectual challenge. This makes thoughtful design important in nursing education, where discussion boards support learning. Method: This concurrent mixed-methods study surveyed Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students ( n = 50) in an online, asynchronous program at a mid-sized midwestern university, collecting quantitative and qualitative data through one instrument. Results: The survey showed good reliability ( α = 0.874). The Skinner's DEARC Discussion Board Strategy (DEARC) was preferred by 52% of participants and demonstrated less variability than traditional discussion formats. While paired t tests showed no significant differences between formats, DEARC consistently showed larger effect sizes. Four themes were identified: (1) learning experience; (2) flexibility; (3) structure; and (4) engagement. Conclusion: While participants preferred the structured DEARC discussion method, a blended approach combining DEARC's depth with traditional formats' flexibility may offer the most comprehensive support for diverse learner needs.