Interaction in an Asynchronous Online Course: a Synthesis of Quantitative Predictors

Authors

  • Daniel Zingaro OISE - University of Toronto
  • Murat Oztok OISE - University of Toronto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24059/olj.v16i4.265

Keywords:

asynchronous learning, sustaining discourse, threads

Abstract

The effectiveness and potential of asynchronous online courses hinge on sustained, purposeful collaboration. And while many factors affecting interaction have been uncovered by prior literature, there are few accounts of the relative importance of these factors when studied in the same online course. In this paper, we develop a literature-informed model of six predictors on the likelihood that a note receives a reply. We corroborate earlier findings (such as the impact of the date that the note was posted) but also obtain one contradictory result (that reading ease does not appear to be a significant predictor). We offer hypotheses for our findings, suggest future directions for this type of research, and offer educational implications.

Author Biographies

Daniel Zingaro, OISE - University of Toronto

Daniel Zingaro is a PhD student at OISE - University of Toronto. His online learning research interests include peer facilitation, content analysis of asynchronous transcripts, and measuring higher-order learning in online courses. Dan's teaching passion is post-secondary Computer Science; related research includes work on Peer Instruction, possible shortcomings of CS assessments, and understanding students' CS1 experiences. Dan probably won't graduate on-time unless he can control the amount of time he spends playing the online game LORD. Dan can be reached by email at daniel.zingaro@utoronto.ca.

Murat Oztok, OISE - University of Toronto

Murat Oztok is a PhD candidate at OISE - University of Toronto. He is interested in educational technology, distance education, and online learning. His current research is in the field of learning sciences and computer-supported collaborative learning. He likes to frame his research within socio-cultural learning theories, critical pedagogy, ideology and curriculum studies. In other news, he has been stuck for several weeks on level 97 of the computer game Supaplex. He can be reached at murat.oztok@utoronto.ca.

Published

2012-06-23

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 4 (2012)

Section

Other Topic

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