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Edited by Dr. Lynne Schrum, University of Utah
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| formerly Journal of Research on Computing in
Education |
Volume 38 Number 2 Winter 2005
Factors that Influence Participation In Online Learning
Selma Vonderwell
Cleveland State University
Sajit Zachariah
The University of Akron
Abstract
This 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.
 Download
the full article PDF (PDF, 275 KB, PDF instructions)
Contributors
Selma 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.
Contact
Dr. Selma Vonderwell
Curriculum and Foundations
2121 Euclid Avenue
Rhodes Tower 1440
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH 44115
s.vonderwell@csuohio.edu
Dr. Sajit Zachariah
College of Education
Zook Hall 210
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325
zac@uakron.edu
Copyright © 2005, ISTE (International Society for Technology
in Education). All rights reserved.
| online learning, learner participation, asynchronous discussion, interface design, information overload |
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