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The influence of peer facilitation techniques and other factors on online forum interaction in blended learning environments : a cross-case comparison study
Author
Ng, Connie Siew Ling
Supervisor
Cheung, Wing Sum
Hew, Khe Foon
Abstract
This study examines the peer facilitation techniques and contextual factors that influenced the interaction in peer-facilitated asynchronous online discussion forums in blended courses. A case study approach was adopted. Data were collected through interviews and online discussion transcripts. The content analysis method was used to examine each asynchronous online discussion forum to identify the peer facilitation techniques (e.g. showing appreciation, questioning) used by student facilitators in high Interaction Depth Quotient (IDQ) forums. To triangulate the findings from the online discussion transcripts, participants were interviewed to find out which peer facilitation techniques influenced their interaction in the discussion forums, and the reasons those techniques worked on them. Participants were also interviewed to identify other contextual factors besides peer facilitation techniques that influenced their interaction in asynchronous online discussion forums. Two case studies involving graduate students from two blended postgraduate courses are discussed in this research.
Cross-case comparison shows that the following four peer facilitation techniques motivated the participants to contribute more postings and knowledge construction in asynchronous online discussion forums: “considering others’ viewpoints”, “general invitation to contribute”, “questioning” and “challenging others’ points”. Besides these individual peer facilitation techniques, the following three combinations of the techniques also encouraged more interaction in asynchronous online discussion forums: “showing appreciation” and “general invitation to contribute”; “showing appreciation” and “considering others’ viewpoints”; and “challenging others’ points” and “showing appreciation”.
The more common factors that participants perceived to influence their participation were: familiarity with topic, timely feedback from facilitator, familiarity with facilitator, lack of time due to other commitments, reciprocity, interest in topic, and lack of response from facilitator.
As there is a lack of research into the factors influencing online interaction of students from Asia Pacific countries and in peer facilitation in asynchronous online discussion forums, the findings of this empirical study help to shed light on, and extend research in these areas. This could possibly help educators, especially those in the Asia Pacific region, in the selection and training of peer facilitators for asynchronous online discussion forums in blended courses.
Cross-case comparison shows that the following four peer facilitation techniques motivated the participants to contribute more postings and knowledge construction in asynchronous online discussion forums: “considering others’ viewpoints”, “general invitation to contribute”, “questioning” and “challenging others’ points”. Besides these individual peer facilitation techniques, the following three combinations of the techniques also encouraged more interaction in asynchronous online discussion forums: “showing appreciation” and “general invitation to contribute”; “showing appreciation” and “considering others’ viewpoints”; and “challenging others’ points” and “showing appreciation”.
The more common factors that participants perceived to influence their participation were: familiarity with topic, timely feedback from facilitator, familiarity with facilitator, lack of time due to other commitments, reciprocity, interest in topic, and lack of response from facilitator.
As there is a lack of research into the factors influencing online interaction of students from Asia Pacific countries and in peer facilitation in asynchronous online discussion forums, the findings of this empirical study help to shed light on, and extend research in these areas. This could possibly help educators, especially those in the Asia Pacific region, in the selection and training of peer facilitators for asynchronous online discussion forums in blended courses.
Date Issued
2011
Call Number
LB1044.87 Ng
Date Submitted
2011