ERIC Number: EJ962651
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Jul
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2156-7069
EISSN: N/A
Learners' Perceived Information Overload in Online Learning via Computer-Mediated Communication
Chen, Chun-Ying; Pedersen, Susan; Murphy, Karen L.
Research in Learning Technology, v19 n2 p101-116 Jul 2011
Many studies report information overload as one of the main problems that students encounter in online learning via computer-mediated communication. This study aimed to explore the sources of online students' information overload and offer suggestions for increasing students' cognitive resources for learning. Participants were 12 graduate students from two online courses in the United States. Their learning experiences in both online discussions and on the course website were explored through semi-structured interviews. They also completed a background questionnaire that assessed three constructs that limit learner readiness and are likely to lead to online students' perceived information overload: inadequate prior knowledge, inadequate English proficiency, and lack of technical skills for participating in computer-mediated communications. The findings suggest that varied learner characteristics led some students to be more susceptible than others to information overload. Emerging data-driven risk factors were: lack of efficiency in reading from computer screens, visual and auditory learning preferences, and time constraints. Difficulties associated with students' perceptions of information overload are addressed and implications for course design are offered. (Contains 3 tables and 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Electronic Learning, Graduate Students, Computer Mediated Communication, Discussion, Student Attitudes, Prior Learning, Risk, Semi Structured Interviews, Educational Technology, Cognitive Processes, Difficulty Level, Education Courses, Negative Attitudes, Preferences, Learning Modalities, Time Factors (Learning), Student Characteristics, Language Skills, Readiness, Student Problems, Instructional Design, Synchronous Communication, Web Based Instruction, Distance Education, College Instruction, Instructional Effectiveness, Questionnaires, Online Courses, Web Sites, Computer Literacy, Teleconferencing, Mixed Methods Research
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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