ERIC Number: EJ1041283
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Oct
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1042-1629
EISSN: N/A
Online Case-Based Discussions: Examining Coverage of the Afforded Problem Space
Ertmer, Peggy A.; Koehler, Adrie A.
Educational Technology Research and Development, v62 n5 p617-636 Oct 2014
Case studies hold great potential for engaging students in disciplinary content. However, little is known about the extent to which students actually cover the problem space afforded by a particular case study. In this research, we compared the problem space afforded by an instructional design case study with the actual content covered by 16 graduate students participating in an online case discussion. In addition, we examined prompts used by two instructors to both widen and deepen that coverage. Results showed that 86% of the afforded problem space was covered during the week-long discussion, although problem-space components were not covered equally. To keep students focused on relevant case details, the instructors used a variety of prompts, accounting for 15% of the total postings. Implications for research and practice are discussed including ways to use case mapping as both a teaching and analysis tool.
Descriptors: Instructional Design, Graduate Students, College Faculty, Teacher Role, Cues, Case Studies, Case Method (Teaching Technique), Electronic Learning, Computer Mediated Communication, Problem Solving
Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
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