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A comparison of undergraduate student experiences of assessed versus nonassessed participation in online asynchronous discussion groups: Lessons from a cross disciplinary study in health and sociology
Citation
Douglas, T and Mather, C and Murray, S and Earwaker, L and James, A and Pittaway, J and Robards, B and Salter, S, A comparison of undergraduate student experiences of assessed versus nonassessed participation in online asynchronous discussion groups: Lessons from a cross disciplinary study in health and sociology, Globally connected, digitally enabled: Proceedings of Ascilite 2015, 29 November - 2 December, 2015, Perth, Australia, pp. 424-428. (2015) [Refereed Conference Paper]
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Official URL: http://www.2015conference.ascilite.org/
Abstract
This paper discusses a pilot study investigating perceptions from undergraduate students enrolled in units in which asynchronous online discussion boards were utilised formatively or linked to summative assessment. Of the influences that determine level of student engagement in online discussions, one key factor is whether discussions are assessed. Whilst assessing student discussions does motivate participation, this approach is not always valued by students as they are critical of the value of asynchronous discussion boards to their learning. The type of postings can be an influencing factor in student engagement, with effective facilitation, clear purpose and group participation perceived to be important. Students also viewed discussion boards as a platform in which peer engagement and information sharing occurred. Students who were enrolled in a unit in which discussion postings were assessed demonstrated emerging critical thinking skills. Students strongly indicated discussion boards must be fit-for-purpose and integrated into the curriculum regardless of whether they are assessed or not.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | assessment, discussion boards, asynchronous, student, engagement, higher education |
| Research Division: | Medical and Health Sciences |
| Research Group: | Public Health and Health Services |
| Research Field: | Health Information Systems (incl. Surveillance) |
| Objective Division: | Health |
| Objective Group: | Health and Support Services |
| Objective Field: | Health Education and Promotion |
| UTAS Author: | Douglas, T (Ms Tracy Douglas) |
| UTAS Author: | Mather, C (Dr Carey Mather) |
| UTAS Author: | Murray, S (Ms Sandra Murray) |
| UTAS Author: | Earwaker, L (Ms Louise Earwaker) |
| UTAS Author: | James, A (Ms Allison James) |
| UTAS Author: | Pittaway, J (Ms Jane Pittaway) |
| UTAS Author: | Robards, B (Dr Brady Robards) |
| UTAS Author: | Salter, S (Mrs Susan Salter) |
| ID Code: | 105066 |
| Year Published: | 2015 |
| Deposited By: | Health Sciences |
| Deposited On: | 2015-12-04 |
| Last Modified: | 2017-11-04 |
| Downloads: | 70 View Download Statistics |
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