As an instructor one of the problems I encounter is students not interacting together appropriately in group projects in a traditional classroom. Students miss the concept of working as a group in a classroom setting. On-line courses force students to interact within a group to accomplish the project. You will have students who in a regular classroom setting would not be forth coming with ideas and interact, because they feel dominated by students who are more vocal. Discussion boards give students an even playing field when presenting their ideas for the project and discussing with their groups.