ERIC Number: EJ742447
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 10
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0270-4676
EISSN: N/A
Evolution and Online Instruction: Using a Grounded Metaphor to Explore the Advantageous and Less Advantageous Characteristics of Online Instruction
Campbell, Todd
Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, v26 n5 p378-387 2006
This research presents a case study of the first-time experience of the instructor-researcher in teaching an online class. Through thematic analysis and grounded metaphor, evolution was identified as the metaphor used to illuminate the emerging themes in creating a narrative. Advantageous and less-than-advantageous characteristics of online instruction were identified. The advantageous characteristics identified were (a) students actively involved in their own education, assessing their own learning and seeking additional information; (b) students constructing knowledge; (c) measured responses by students; (d) an increase in the quality of students work because of open access to peers' work; and (e) students' increases in technological confidence. The less-than-advantageous characteristics found were (a) concerns for clarity, (b) concerns for loss of personal or intimate interactions, and (c) misinterpretations resulting from communicating online. It is hoped that this work will assist in the understanding and the continued investigation of online instruction. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Evolution, Online Courses, Figurative Language, Distance Education, Case Studies, Teacher Researchers, Thematic Approach, Teaching Experience, Data Collection, Data Analysis, Criticism, Educational Technology, Educational Environment, Self Evaluation (Individuals), Student Participation, Responses, Peer Influence, Technological Literacy
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A