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Peer interaction in university-level distance education

Fink, Mark L
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1183500982

Abstract Details

2007, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toledo, Curriculum and Instruction: Educational Technology.
Course management systems (CMS) are widely used in higher education to deliver courses completely at a distance. Although research suggests learning is influenced by social interaction, there is comparatively little research on why and how students enrolled in a CMS-based, fully online course interact with their peers. A review of the literature suggests the history of distance education is primarily constructed of applied practice, largely unchanged throughout periods of technological innovation. The purpose of this study is to discover students’ perceptions of social interaction among peers enrolled in a university-level, fully online, CMS-based course. An online survey provided an objective measure of peer interaction. The results revealed hierarchical patterns in reasons for interaction, communication methods used, and the perceived value of interaction in academic success. The study also revealed significant demographic differences regarding reasons for interaction and communication methods used. Content review suggests students have a strong interest in how instruction is provided online. Improvement in learning skills, communication literacy, and information literacy are recommended to increase online learning outcomes. Additional research is suggested to expand the knowledge of distance education.
Robert Sullivan (Advisor)
166 p.
Education, Higher
eLearning; Distance Learning; online learning; course management system; Distance Education; interaction; peer interaction; student interaction; discussion board; email; higher education; accrediation

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Citations

  • Fink, M. L. (2007). Peer interaction in university-level distance education [Doctoral dissertation, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1183500982

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Fink, Mark. Peer interaction in university-level distance education. 2007. University of Toledo, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1183500982.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Fink, Mark. "Peer interaction in university-level distance education." Doctoral dissertation, University of Toledo, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1183500982

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

toledo1183500982
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© 2007, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Toledo and OhioLINK.