The Nature of Adolescent Learner Interaction in a Virtual High School Setting

• In Event: Online Teaching and Learning in K-12 Environments

Abstract

The characteristics of today’s K-12 students make interaction in an online context especially important. Unfortunately, the majority of research addressing the topic has been conducted in university settings, and the difference in the context and student characteristics prevents generalizations from adult to adolescent learners. To address this gap, this study measured the effect of learners’ interactions with content, peers, and instructors on several course outcomes in a virtual high school situation. The large majority of students viewed all investigated types of interaction as educational and motivational. Nine significant correlations were found involving course outcomes and the time students spent on interactions with their peers and course instructor.

Authors

• Jered Borup, Brigham young University

• Charles R. Graham, Brigham Young University

• Randall S. Davies, Brigham Young University