Participation in Online Discussions Is About More Than Making Posts: Understanding Learners’ Online “Listening” Patterns Using Cluster Analysis

• In Event: Online Learning Environments

Abstract

An important pre-condition for interactivity in online discussions is engaging with others’ posts. In this study, these actions are conceptualized as “online listening behaviors” and studied in large blended undergraduate business course. Cluster analysis of click-stream data from online discussions identified three distinct patterns of behaviors: (1) Superficial Listeners, Intermittent Talkers; (2) Concentrated Listeners, Integrated Talkers; and (3) Broad Listeners, Reflective Talkers. Clusters differed in time spent attending to others’ posts, number of messages viewed, number and length of sessions in the discussions, and number of own posts contributed and reviewed. Results indicate that there is great variety in how students listen in online discussions that needs to be understood to support the development of more productive participation patterns.

Authors

• Alyssa F. Wise, Simon Fraser University

• Jennifer Speer, Simon Fraser University

• Farshid Marbouti, Purdue University

• Ying-Ting Hsiao, Simon Fraser University