The design of an effective learning activity is enhanced by understanding and applying principles derived from learning theory, cognitive theory, and theories of motivation. My effective practice applies these principles to the design of discussion forums in which each learner takes responsibility for adding teaching presence. The pedagogical effectiveness of these discussion forums is enhanced by taking advantage of the learners' psychological need for competence, relatedness and autonomy. Additional motivational factors contributing to the effectiveness of this forum design are the learners. need for achievement, need for cognitive complexity, and need for self-efficacy. Principles of self-regulated learning are also leveraged by facilitating the development of time-management skills.