How Intersubjectivity and Time in Course are Correlated within Asynchronous Online Course Discussions

• In Event: Collaboration in Online Learning

Abstract

One measure of quality in asynchronous, online course discussions is intersubjectivity - the representation of knowledge construction achieved through a synergistic progression from individual contributions to sequences of interdependent contributions. Educators would benefit from the identification of those elements that influence intersubjectivity within peer discourse. Time in course (TIC) is one such element. TIC refers to the percentage of time elapsed since the beginning of the course. An explanatory correlational design was used to measure the TIC and intersubjectivity of 167 peer responses. Kendall’s tau-c was 0.096 with a significance level of 0.032. There is a positive correlation between intersubjectivity and TIC within the threaded discussions of online course rooms. Higher levels of intersubjectivity were observed later in the course.

Author

• Barbara M. Hall, National University