Craving Meaning: Adult Learning and Online Course Discussions

• In Event: 31.093 - Sheraton Roundtable Three - Osgoode Ballroom
  In Roundtable Session: 31.093-5 - Adults in Higher Education

Abstract

The growth of online higher education is well established, targeting adult learners who balance work and family responsibilities and bring a diversity of knowledge and experience to their education. Asynchronous online course discussions (AOCDs) are a primary site of interaction for these learners. While AOCDs are widely studied, a gap exists when it comes to qualitative, interpretative research. This paper reports on a study investigating the AOCD experiences of working adult online learners through 26+ hours of student interviews contextualized with instructor interviews, course analyses, and AOCD postings. Nearly all participants valued AOCDs, but believe they are not reaching their “full potential.” Implications include the need to establish the purpose of AOCDs, actively facilitate them, and improve user interfaces.

Authors

• Andrea Gregg, The Pennsylvania State University

• Davin Jules Carr-Chellman, University of Idaho

• Ali Carr-Chellman, University of Idaho