An Evaluation of Computer Mediated Communication to Support Group Discussion in Continuing Education
Year: 2000
Type: article
Abstract: An evaluation of a taught module within a Post-Graduate Master of Education course is reported. Participants on the course were mainly teachers learning for continuing professional development. The evaluation studies the use of ICT to provide flexible learning support. A Virtual Classroom environment was developed using WebCT and within this environment CHAT seminars were used to discuss issues arising from students' pre-reading of set papers. Participation in seminars was evaluated in relation to the quality of both written assignments and collaborative group-work. The evaluation raised the issue of how to increase the participation of some students in on-line CHAT and group-work. Above average participation in the CHAT was accompanied by above average performance in group-work. However, there seemed to be no such relationship between speaking in the CHAT and performing well on the written assignment. From students’ questionnaires the main reasons for non-participation in CHAT seminars was difficulty in accessing the CHAT from home at the scheduled time. Issues arising from these findings are discussed in relation to structuring courses to meet the needs of full-time, part-time and distant students.
Source: Educational Technology & Society
Institutions: University of Leeds, University of York, King's College London
Language: English
Topic: Online and Blended Learning
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2172164350