ERIC Number: EJ1097509
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1359-866X
EISSN: N/A
Understanding the Use of Online Role-Play for Collaborative Argument through Teacher Experiencing: A Case Study
Zhang, Li; Beach, Richard; Sheng, Yue
Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, v44 n3 p242-256 2016
As computers and the Internet are increasingly employed in language teaching and learning, preparing teachers for the impending reality of online teaching is of paramount importance. This study investigated 10 in-service teachers participating in an online role-play as part of a digital education methods course to acquire an understanding of the use of online role-play for collaborative argument. The role-play lasted for 3 weeks and underwent three stages: preparation, implementation and reflection. Analyses of data gathered from the questionnaire survey, the class website for role-play, the blogs and the interviews indicate that online role-play was an appropriate way for teaching collaborative argument given that the topics were well-chosen and well-prepared, and that asynchronous role-play was more helpful than the synchronous role-play given the challenge of tracking the development of ideas. Benefits and problems of online role-play through synchronous chat were analysed and solutions were discussed. The research provides a new perspective on how teachers can be educated to integrate technology into their language instruction through their own experience of learning.
Descriptors: Role Playing, Case Studies, Persuasive Discourse, Mixed Methods Research, Electronic Learning, Inservice Teacher Education, Methods Courses, Questionnaires, Web Sites, Interviews, Asynchronous Communication, Synchronous Communication, Experience, Elementary School Teachers, Middle School Teachers, College Faculty
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Middle Schools; Secondary Education; Junior High Schools; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A