Home PublicationsJRTEPast IssuesVolume 33 Number 2

	Edited by Dr. David J. Ayersman, Mary Washington College, and Dr. W. Michael Reed, New York University
formerly Journal of Research on Computing in Education

JRCE, Volume 33, Number 2, Winter 2000

Student Participation in a Discussion-Oriented Online Course: A Case Study

Dawn M. Poole
California State University Stanislaus

Abstract

Online course offerings are expanding. Although many are independent study courses with some contact with instructors and other students, discussion-oriented courses are also delivered on the Web. This study examined the nature of student participation in one such course. Access to course materials varied widely from student to student but reflected an overall commitment to learning. Student posts to the threaded discussion were very focused on the course content. Participation in the course changed while students served as course moderators, suggesting the positive effect such a role may have on learning and community building. A strong sense of community was established as students engaged in dialogue with each other and with the instructor.

Contributor

Dawn Poole is an associate professor of educational technology at California State University Stanislaus. Her research interests include online learning and technology integration into the K–12 curriculum.

Address: Dawn M. Poole, Advanced Studies in Education, 801 W. Monte Vista Avenue, Turlock, CA 95382; dpoole@toto.csustan.edu.

Copyright © 2001, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). All rights reserved.