Perspectives in Digital Engagement from Houston to Korea

• In Event: TLC at APSA: Utilizing Technology to Enhance Participation

Abstract

With the growth of online courses, academic researchers have been evaluating the academic viability of these online offerings. My past research on a cross-country online collaboration among students from Texas, New York and California find that students discuss current and controversial issues in American politics with “academic/reflectivity” in their discussions with each other. “Academic reflectivity” was computed as a compound variable measuring deliberative, reflective posts and responses, using class or text references, posing questions that furthered academic discussions and the length of the post suggesting thorough discussions. For this presentation, one semester of data from fall 2018 will be analyzed across international boundaries that between a class in Houston, TX in the U.S. and a class offered at a university in Korea. It is anticipated that their discussions will be academically reflective, and that they will be tolerant and respectful of each other in online spaces. This study will be among the first about the significant impact of online discussions promoting and enhancing the experience of e-learners and collaborative endeavors internationally

Author

• Anita Chadha, University of Houston, Downtown