Investigating Changes in Interaction in Peer-Facilitated Online Discussions: A Mixed-Methods Study

• In Event: Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: Online Teaching and Learning Poster Session

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the changes in interaction with respect to network structure and level of knowledge construction and to explore the factors influencing interaction in peer-facilitated online discussions. This mixed-method study was conducted with 11 graduate students participating in peer-facilitated online discussions for seven weeks. The study revealed that network density and level of knowledge construction were generally low. Elaborating facilitation technique and messages connected to the real-life experiences influenced the interaction positively, whereas long messages and lack of time and controversial questions influenced negatively. Indicating unequal distribution of power and low level of knowledge construction in peer-facilitated online discussions, the study proposed some guidelines for the design of online learning environments.

Authors

• Ecenaz Alemdag, Middle East Technical University

• Dicle Colpan, Turkish Education Association

• Evrim Baran, Iowa State University