ERIC Number: EJ953011
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
Reference Count: 49
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0158-7919
Students' Experience of Synchronous Learning in Distributed Environments
Stewart, Anissa R.; Harlow, Danielle B.; DeBacco, Kim
Distance Education, v32 n3 p357-381 2011
This article reports on a two-year ethnographic study of learners participating in multi-site, graduate-level education classes. Classes sometimes met face-to-face in the same physical location; at other times part of the class met physically elsewhere. Yet all were linked through the virtual space. Ethnographic analysis of four data types explored how the instructor and students were able to interact through videoconferencing technologies. Most of the interaction occurred between the local and distance learners by way of "cultural guides," local students assigned to host a distance learner through Google Video chat. The distance learners were able to receive real-time attention from the instructor and were able to share differing perspectives that contributed to increased satisfaction in the course. These interactions allowed for a dynamic collaborative effort among a diverse set of actors in the field of education. (Contains 1 figure and 7 tables.)
Descriptors: Video Technology, Distance Education, Ethnography, Videoconferencing, Online Courses, Learning Experience, Synchronous Communication, Interaction, Higher Education, Educational Technology, Models, Blended Learning
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers: N/A

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