ERIC Number: EJ1102712
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Apr
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1492-3831
EISSN: N/A
Growth Patterns and E-Moderating Supports in Asynchronous Online Discussions in an Undergraduate Blended Course
Ghadirian, Hajar; Ayub, Ahmad Fauzi Mohd; Bakar, Kamariah Binti Abu; Hassanzadeh, Maryam
International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, v17 n3 p189-208 Apr 2016
This study presents a case study of asynchronous online discussions' (AOD) growth patterns in an undergraduate blended course to address the gap in our current understanding of how threads are developed in peer-moderated AODs. Building on a taxonomy of thread pattern proposed by Chan, Hew and Cheung (2009), growth patterns of thirty-six forums were explored on three patterns: Short Thread Pattern (SHTP), Extended Thread Pattern (ETP), and Split Thread Pattern (STP). The impact of peer moderating supports on thread growth was also investigated. Types of peer moderators' supports were explored utilizing a coding scheme from Smet, Keer, Wever, and Valcke's (2010) study. STP pattern was found to be more common than the other patterns with 74 (37.94%) out of 195 threaded discussions growing on it. The results also showed that, compared to SHTP, in both STP and ETP the occurrences of "Information exchange" and "Knowledge construction" supports appeared to be more, while the presences of supports stimulating "Development", "Access and motivation" and "Socialization" were less. Furthermore, the use of "Access and motivation" and "Socialization" supports appeared to enhance early thread termination when used individually. Thread continuity was reinforced by the use of "Knowledge construction" support with other moderating supports.
Descriptors: Undergraduate Study, Blended Learning, Asynchronous Communication, Computer Mediated Communication, Group Discussion, Foreign Countries, Technology Uses in Education, Higher Education, Case Studies, Discussion Groups, Taxonomy, Peer Teaching, Tutors, Tutor Training, Online Courses, Undergraduate Students, Educational Trends, Content Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Malaysia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A