Asynchronous Interaction in An Online Course: ExaminingDynamics from the Action Research Perspective


Kaba E., Kurşun E., Aslan A., Turgut Y. E.

ASIAN JOURNAL OF DISTANCE EDUCATION, ss.1-20, 2024 (Hakemli Dergi)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Dergi Adı: ASIAN JOURNAL OF DISTANCE EDUCATION
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: IBZ Online, EBSCO Education Source
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-20
  • Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This action research aims to investigate the determinants of asynchronous interaction among students, interaction between students and instructors, and interaction with course content in an online learning environment. The study involves fifteen graduate students from a state university as participants. The research employed multiple data collection instruments, including commission meeting reports, focus-group sessions, semi-structured interviews, observation forms, emails, video recordings, researchers’ diaries, and system log records. The content analysis method was employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that in learner-learner interaction, instructional method, notifications, technical issues, and individual problems exert discernible effects. For learner-instructor interaction, feedback, instructional methods, and the utilization of diverse communication channels were identified as influential factors. Moreover, technical problems, time constraints, and system usability emerged as key elements shaping learner-content interaction. Notably, learners' personal preferences, encompassing attitudes toward the online course and time management, manifested both positive and negative effects across all interaction types. The study has concluded that assignments with open access, star-based scoring, and mobile notifications enhance learner-learner interaction. Instant feedback from instructors and notifications initiated by instructors enhance learner-instructor interaction. Overall, optimal system usability and minimal technical issues contribute substantively to augmenting learner-content interaction.