ERIC Number: EJ1101019
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2292-8588
EISSN: N/A
An Exploratory Study of Levels of Interaction Occurring with Graduate Students in an Online Literacy Course
Selvaggi, Tina
International Journal of E-Learning & Distance Education, v30 n2 2015
This study surveyed graduate students prior to, and immediately following, a literacy course offered online to determine their interactions with the content, interactions with the instructor, and interactions with peers throughout the semester. The study also examined graduate students' opinions about the convenience and perceived benefits of taking this course in an online format. Findings indicated that, prior to the course, less than one quarter of the graduate students (22%) expected the online experience to enhance their understanding of course content at a high level. Prior to the course more than half of the students (52%) also expected a high level of frequent and meaningful interactions with the instructor. When asked about their expectations of meaningful interactions with peers, more than half (52%) of the students indicated high-level expectations on this item. Following the course, students were again asked to rate their interactions with course content, with the instructor, and with peers. In all instances interactions were described as high level and increased following the course. This exploratory study provides interesting insight into the importance of aligning course content and instruction with student expectations when taking online courses. More research is needed to evaluate the impact interactions with content, instructors, and peers has on the learning experience for graduate students enrolled in online courses.
Descriptors: Graduate Students, Student Surveys, Literacy Education, Online Courses, Educational Technology, Electronic Learning, Student Attitudes, Teacher Student Relationship, Peer Relationship, Interaction, Expectation, Course Content, Likert Scales, Qualitative Research
Canadian Network for Innovation in Education. 260 Dalhousie Street Suite 204, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E4, Canada. Tel: 613-241-0018; Fax: 613-241-0019; e-mail: journalofde@gmail.com; Web site: http://www.ijede.ca/index.php/jde
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Pennsylvania
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A