This paper examines engagement with an online discussion forum, aiming to identify the different levels of participation and to investigate factors that encourage or discourage student participation. The case involved the posing of a short real-life problem via a forum on the university's virtual learning environment. An in-class survey was conducted to identify students' participation and attitudes toward the forum. Students understood the benefits of the task, but did not participate due to time pressures and lack of motivation. The reasons for this were found to be inadequate explanation and encouragement to do the task, and insufficient moderator participation. Recommendations for improving forum participation are provided. (Contains 3 tables and 4 figures.)