Interaction in Asynchronous Discussion Boards: A Campus-Wide Analysis to Better Understand Regular and Substantive Interaction

• In Event: Making Space for Learner Interaction in Online Courses

Abstract

We used LMS data to explore how instructors and students interacted in discussion boards in online courses at one institution. Results from 415 courses found that the average number of posts by an instructor was 32.9. The average instructor interaction was 1.49 instructor posts per student. 23% of courses had no instructor posts. Student posts averaged 470 per course and the average posts per student was 19.9. Based on the discussion board activity, the most interaction occurred during the first two weeks of the semester. Results also suggested that there is no relationship between student satisfaction and the number of total posts in a course. We will conclude this session discussing implications for research and practice.

Authors

• Crystal Gasell, University of Colorado - Denver

• Patrick R. Lowenthal, Boise State University

• Lida J. Uribe-Flórez, Boise State University

• Yu-Hui Ching, Boise State University