Beyond Mere Racism: International Students’ Experiences of Discrimination and Microaggression in Online Learning Environment (Poster 2)

• In Event: Saturday Poster Session 1:15 pm
  In Poster Session: Online Teaching and Learning SIG Poster Session

Abstract

Using the Neo-Racism and Community of Inquiry as the theoretical frameworks, this qualitative study explored international students’ unique experiences and challenges of discrimination and miscroagression while they take online classes in the United States. By conducting three virtual focus group interviews with 18 international students, we identified four key themes that encapsulate participants’ challenges and experiences of racism, discrimination, and microaggression in online learning: feeling lonely and unwelcome in online learning spaces; experiencing racism and racial discrimination at virtual spaces; facing microaggression due to limited English proficiency in the online setting; and being treated as a foreigner in the online learning environment. Implications for research and practices to support international students’ online learning are discussed.

Authors

• Mei Jiang, East Texas A&M University

• Katie K. Koo, University of Georgia