Defining and Designing Community in Online Collaborative Spaces for K–12 Students

• In Event: 46.059 - Massive Open Online Course and Online Learning Spaces

Abstract

This qualitative study explored whether student interaction in a new online environment for 5th graders supported face-to-face science instruction specifically focused on developing a sense of community and how the new tools affected the learning opportunities of students who never met face-to-face. Using a sociocultural lens, I analyzed teacher scaffolding practices and student experiences as they utilized the space to extend thinking and gain peer feedback on the conceptualization of their science theories. Findings reveal clear differences between what k-12 students define as the necessary community components for effective learning and what higher education literature informs. While further research is needed to understand collaborative online space for k-12 students, this research provides insight for guiding design attentive to their needs.

Author

• Cathleen K. Kim, University of Washington - Seattle