In order to promote meaningful learning in the online discussion board, this study attempted to identify key factors that affect the online discussion by a literature review and propose an innovative instructional framework to deal with those factors. Through the literature review, five factors were identified. An innovative instructional framework through web 2.0 tools was proposed. One pilot study which applied the framework into the college-level course showed the evidence for supporting student learning. The school educators and instructors in higher education institutions may adopt the cost-effective framework to improve online education.
