Audio-Based Versus Text-Based Online Discussions: Studying Students' Preferences to Improve the Analysis of Case Studies

• In Event: 32.084 - Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: 32.084-6 - Learners' Perspectives on MOOCs, Knowledge, Interactions, and Preferences

Abstract

The primary objective of this paper is to examine the use of audio- versus text-based asynchronous online discussions. Sixteen students from a fall semester and thirteen students from a spring semester enrolled in an instructional design online course participated in the study. Both groups of students had the opportunity to experience Moodle (text-based) and VoiceThread forums (audio-based) to participate in asynchronous online case-based discussions. At the end of the semester, qualitative data via students’ reflections were collected and analyzed. Results revealed that students preferred to use text-based discussions during the discussion of case studies in instructional design. Reasons for their preferences and implications for research and practice will be discussed in this session.

Author

• Jesus Trespalacios, Boise State University