The Relationship Between Gender, Language, and Posting Type in an Online Course Discussion Forum

• In Event: Moscone Center North Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Gender Considerations in Learning With Technology

Abstract

This study explores gendered language used in an online course's discussion forum to understand if that particular aspect of engagement helps or hinders learning outcomes. Findings reveal that although gendered-language use is not delineated by gender, it is widely used throughout the forums. The use of gendered language is strategic, however, and varies by the goal of the discussion post (i.e., posting a solution to a homework problem, asking a question, or answering a question). Ultimately, gender, language, and posting type were found to be related to final grade.

Authors

• Michelle Perry, University of Illinois

• Genevieve M. Keyser, Saint Louis University

• Suma Bhat, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign