An Exploration of How Students Prioritize Adaptive Help-Seeking Sources in Online Learning Environments (Poster 17)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Sixteen
  In Poster Session: Instructional Technology SIG Posters

Abstract

Learners seek help when they encounter problems in learning. Studies indicate that sometimes they intentionally avoid doing so or they do not know how to seek help more effectively. The purpose of this study was to explore factors that influence college students’ prioritization of help-seeking sources in online learning environments. Emphasis was placed on understanding which factors support or hinder students’ abilities to seek help. Results generated four factors that explained college learners’ help-seeking patterns. Generally speaking, friends and classmates, course instructors, and the internet were the primary sources of help-seeking based on this study. Contradicting opinions about these help-seeking sources exist. Implications as well as recommendations for future studies are discussed.

Authors

• Fan Yang, University of Georgia
  Presenting Author

• Xigui Yang, University of Georgia
  Presenting Author

• Jill Stefaniak, University of Georgia
  Presenting Author

• Meimei Xu, University of Georgia
  Presenting Author