5 Things Students Hate about Online Group Discussions and Tips on How to Fix Them
Start
1-30-2019 1:45 PM
End
1-30-2019 2:30 PM
Short Description
Online group discussions when effectively implemented, can help to enhance learner experience and achievement. However, student perceptions of online group discussions can be negative, which may have adverse effects on their overall online learning experience. This presentation will provide five things that students typically dislike about online group discussions and tips on how to improve them.
Abstract
Interaction and social learning have been proven to enhance knowledge retention and overall achievement. Traditionally, this is done in a face-to-face setting, through small group discussions facilitated by a course instructor with the most popular alternative for an online course being the use of online group discussion forums. Online group discussions have been shown to encourage learners to use critical thinking skills, achieve greater cognitive and exploratory learning, and develop a stronger sense of community. Unfortunately, despite the known benefits of online discussions, learner perceptions are often negative and as such may adversely affect their overall online learning experience. Since, learner perceptions are important to the continued success and growth of distance learning, it is important to develop strategies and best practices that focus on the continued enhancement of learner perceptions of various elements of the distance learning environment. This presentation will aim to improve learner perceptions and participation in online group discussions by highlighting five (5) aspects of online group discussions that students typically dislike and targeted strategies on how to improve them.
Format
Snapshot Presentation
Institutional level targeted
Higher Ed
5 Things Students Hate about Online Group Discussions and Tips on How to Fix Them
Interaction and social learning have been proven to enhance knowledge retention and overall achievement. Traditionally, this is done in a face-to-face setting, through small group discussions facilitated by a course instructor with the most popular alternative for an online course being the use of online group discussion forums. Online group discussions have been shown to encourage learners to use critical thinking skills, achieve greater cognitive and exploratory learning, and develop a stronger sense of community. Unfortunately, despite the known benefits of online discussions, learner perceptions are often negative and as such may adversely affect their overall online learning experience. Since, learner perceptions are important to the continued success and growth of distance learning, it is important to develop strategies and best practices that focus on the continued enhancement of learner perceptions of various elements of the distance learning environment. This presentation will aim to improve learner perceptions and participation in online group discussions by highlighting five (5) aspects of online group discussions that students typically dislike and targeted strategies on how to improve them.