ERIC Number: EJ766539
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 22
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1044-8004
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Understanding Interpersonal Interaction in an Online Professional Development Course
Githens, Rod P.
Human Resource Development Quarterly, v18 n2 p253-274 Sum 2007
This qualitative case study was designed to examine how interpersonal interaction benefited (and did not benefit) participants in an online professional development course. In recent years, e-learning courses in workplace and organizational settings have begun to include interaction and dialogue among participants. This case study is an in-depth exploration of interpersonal interaction and social presence within one such course. Notable findings include that (1) participants valued the sharing of specific case-based knowledge by fellow participants, (2) some participants valued professional socialization with others in the field, (3) enthusiastic learners revealed complex and contradictory perspectives regarding interpersonal interaction, (4) facilitators needed to model social presence for participants, (5) some "inactive" participants were actually engaged, and (6) learners may seek online courses for purposes of intellectual safety. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Interaction, Socialization, Professional Development, Online Courses, Distance Education, Case Studies, Interpersonal Communication
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Subscription Department, 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774. Tel: 800-825-7550; Tel: 201-748-6645; Fax: 201-748-6021; e-mail: subinfo@wiley.com; Web site: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/browse/?type=JOURNAL
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

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