Effect of behavior patterns on the death of threads in asynchronous discussion forums: a study of informal learners from China

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (6) ◽  
pp. 3371-3392
Author(s):  
Mengmeng Cheng ◽  
Kinshuk
Keyword(s):  
Asynchronous Discussion ◽  
Behavior Patterns ◽  
Discussion Forums

The Role of the Online Instructor as a Guide on the Side

2011 ◽  
pp. 224-241
Author(s):  
Margaret Mazzolini ◽  
Sarah Maddison
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Asynchronous Discussion ◽  
Pedagogical Issues ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Prior Learning ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Online Experience ◽  
Online Instructor ◽  
Student Instructor

We present research results and advice on the role of the online instructor in relation to a particular example of technology-supported learning and teaching — the use of asynchronous discussion forums. Pedagogical issues and studies discussed here are based on six years of designing, coordinating, and teaching into Swinburne Astronomy Online (SAO), an online international program. We discuss some implementation issues associated with the use of asynchronous forums and the induction of instructors, plus the role of the online instructor as a “guide on the side.” As an example of issues involved in maintaining a constructive online learning environment, we discuss strategies used to accommodate students with varying degrees of prior learning. We also summarise results of our research on student-instructor interactions, plus feedback on students’ and instructors’ perceptions of the online experience. The results of this research are used to inform the induction and mentoring of instructors in SAO.

scholarly journals The impact of institutional surveillance technologies on student behaviour

2002 ◽  
Vol 4 (1/2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shane Dawson
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Asynchronous Discussion ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Writing Style ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Contemporary Education ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Learning Options

Contemporary education institutions are increasingly investing fiscal and human resources to further develop their online infrastructure in order to enhance flexible learning options and the overall student learning experience. Coinciding with the implementation of these technologies has been the centralisation of data and the emergence of online activities that have afforded the capacity for more intimate modes of surveillance by both the institution and education practitioner. This study offers an initial investigation into the impact of such modes of surveillance on student behaviours. Both internal and external students surveyed indicated that their browsing behaviours, the range of topics discussed and the writing style of their contributions made to asynchronous discussion forums are influenced by the degree to which such activities are perceived to be surveyed by both the institution and teaching staff. The analyses deriving from this data are framed within Foucault's works on surveillance and self governance. This paper discusses the implications of this new mode of governance for learning and teaching and suggests areas of further investigations.

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