Volume 38 Number 2 Winter 2005 Factors that Influence Participation In Online LearningSelma Vonderwell AbstractThis study explored what factors influenced learner participation in two sections of a graduate online course at a Midwestern university. Findings indicated that online learner participation and patterns of participation are influenced by the following factors: technology and interface characteristics, content area experience, student roles and instructional tasks, and information overload. Effective online learning requires interdependence for a shared understanding of learning goals in a learning community. Monitoring student participation and patterns of participation closely can help instructors identify student needs and scaffold learning accordingly.
ContributorsSelma Vonderwell is an assistant professor of educational technology at Cleveland State University. Sajit Zachariah is an associate professor of instructional technology and assistant dean of College of Education at The University of Akron. ContactDr. Selma Vonderwell Dr. Sajit Zachariah Copyright © 2005, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). All rights reserved. | ||||
