Online Case-Based Discussions: Examining Student Engagement in the Afforded Problem Space

• In Event: Designing Technological Environments to Promote Learning and Engagement

Abstract

Case studies hold great potential for engaging students in disciplinary content. However, little is known about the extent to which students actually engage in the problem space afforded by a particular case study. In this research, we compared the problem space afforded by a case study with the actual content covered in an online case discussion. Additionally, we examined instructors’ facilitation prompts to both widen and deepen that coverage. Results showed that 76% of the afforded problem space was covered during the week-long discussion, although problem-space components were not covered equally. To keep students focused on relevant case details, the instructors used both reminder and clarification prompts, accounting for 12.6% of the total postings. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Authors

• Peggy A. Ertmer, Purdue University

• Adrie A Koehler, Purdue University