scholarly journals Posting versus Replying: The Effects of Instructor Participation in MOOC Discussion Forums

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhao Du ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Shan Wang
Keyword(s):  
Author(s):  
Meghan Lynch ◽  
Irena Knezevic ◽  
Kennedy Laborde Ryan

To date, most qualitative knowledge about individual eating patterns and the food environment has been derived from traditional data collection methods, such as interviews, focus groups, and observations. However, there currently exists a large source of nutrition-related data in social media discussions that have the potential to provide opportunities to improve dietetic research and practice. Qualitative social media discussion analysis offers a new tool for dietetic researchers and practitioners to gather insights into how the public discusses various nutrition-related topics. We first consider how social media discussion data come with significant advantages including low-cost access to timely ways to gather insights from the public, while also cautioning that social media data have limitations (e.g., difficulty verifying demographic information). We then outline 3 types of social media discussion platforms in particular: (i) online news article comment sections, (ii) food and nutrition blogs, and (iii) discussion forums. We discuss how each different type of social media offers unique insights and provide a specific example from our own research using each platform. We contend that social media discussions can contribute positively to dietetic research and practice.


Author(s):  
Rubí Estela Morales-Salas ◽  
Daniel Montes-Ponce

A virtual learning environment is conceived as an interaction space that ease the realization of mediated activities by technology, in this case the internet; besides using multimedia materials, learning objects, social networks, among others; which have changed imminently the traditional education. In this article an instrument is proposed in a checklist format, to evaluate any platform that has interaction spaces such as a Virtual Learning Environment, in this case responding to four spaces or general indicators: information Space, Mediation / Interaction Space, Instructional Design Space and Exhibition Space. Criteria are used according to the interactions and activities carried out by the consultant and virtual student. These, in turn, come up from the analysis and interaction of the advisers achieved in the discussion forums and portfolio activities through collaborative work. It was situated as a qualitative research, with a descriptive nature since it is not limited to data collection only, but also it refers and analyzes the interaction of the advisers achieved in the discussion forums and portfolio activities through the collaborative work of the workshop course "Virtual Learning Environments" developed in a virtual learning environment.


Author(s):  
Bing Wu

AbstractAlthough some studies have explored massive open online courses (MOOCs) discussion forums and MOOC online reviews separately, studies of both aspects are insufficient. Based on the theory of self-determination, this paper proposes research hypotheses that MOOC learning progress has a direct impact on MOOC online reviews and an indirect influence on MOOC online reviews through social interactions in discussion forums, as well. Coursera the largest MOOC platform, is selected as the empirical research object, and data from learners who participated in the MOOC discussion forum and provided MOOC online reviews from August 2016 to December 2019 are obtained from the most popular course, “Machine Learning”. After processing, data from 4376 learners are obtained. Then, according to research hypotheses, multi regression models are constructed accordingly. The results show that the length of MOOC online review text is affected by the MOOC learning progress, the number of discussion forum posts, the number of follow, the online review sentiment and MOOC rating. This study highlights the main factors that affect MOOC online reviews. As a result, some suggestions are put forward for the construction of MOOC.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Cheong ◽  
I Keenan

Abstract Introduction Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have become increasingly popular for remotely delivering education to global audiences. MOOCs can provide an online platform for participants coming from a variety of professional backgrounds and international locations. Our systematic review investigated current literature surrounding MOOCs, and identified the value of such courses with respect to anatomical and medical education. Method Our literature search strategy involved exploring the PubMed database for the terms ’MOOC + Anatomy’ and ‘MOOC + Medical Education’ identified 290 relevant articles. Following implementation of the PRISMA criteria, 24 articles out of 290 were selected for inclusion in our systematic review. Results Participants completing MOOCs in anatomical and medical education generally showed increased knowledge and skills. We found that MOOC discussion forums encourage participants’ social learning development. MOOCs have shown to address participants’ needs and expectations while supplementing traditional learning approaches. However, the majority of experimental research studies did not include pre-post testing or appropriate controls. Furthermore, high levels of participant attrition, inability to address all learning approaches were identified as limitations with respect to MOOCs. Conclusions Although MOOCs have shown success in providing an excellent platform for learning, it has yet to show definitive improvements when compared to traditional teaching methods.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 213
Author(s):  
Rezaul Chowdhury

Engineering education must embrace several challenges, such as increased numbers of work-based students, increased demand for online education, mismatches in employability skills and industry requirements, and lack of student engagement. The hydrology course at the University of Southern Queensland attracts more than 100 students every year, where more than 70% of students are off-campus and most of them are work-based. This study explored how an online hydrology course can embrace industry practice and engage students in order to achieve learning outcomes. Industrial careers in hydrology involve extensive use of hydroclimatological data and modeling applications. The course modules, learning objectives and outcomes, and assessment tools have been designed to align with industry practices. Active participation of students was observed in self-assessment quizzes and discussion forums. The course was rated very well in achieving learning outcomes and in overall student satisfaction. Students appreciated the well-structured real-world and professional practice in the course.


Author(s):  
Lukas Lundmark ◽  
Fredrik Johansson ◽  
Bjorn Pelzer ◽  
Lisa Kaati ◽  
Johan Fernquist

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