Discussion Prompts and Social Interaction: Social Network Perspective on Weekly Interaction in a MOOC

• In Event: 35.029 - Instructional Features of Online Learning Environments

Abstract

Many Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are heavily focused on content delivery and do not prioritize community building of learners. This paper reports on an experience of a free open online course whose primary aim was to facilitate a community of educators to learn about a pedagogical framework engaging in hands-on, project-based activities interacting with their peers. Using social network analysis and qualitative examination of a post-survey, the study investigated how different types of discussion prompts contributed to participants’ social interaction and their sense of community. The results showed that hands-on activities attracted more social interaction than reflection activities and some participants who lurked also experienced a sense of community. The paper provides some design implications drawn from the findings.

Authors

• Yumiko Murai, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Devayani Tirthali, Independent Researcher and Evaluator