Bringing back channels up front: Towards an active learning environment

Honglu Du, Mary Beth Rosson, John M. Carroll

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

In many college classrooms, students are passive spectators and the transmittal model of teaching is prevalent in most classes. In contrast, Vygotsky's social-constructivist view emphasizes the importance of making students become active learners. Many active learning techniques have been developed, primarily focused on making students active participants in various kinds of in class activities like discussion, writing and talking. However, there is evidence that the typical university classroom setting presents some obstacles for realizing maximum effectiveness of class wide discussion. These obstacles include the effects of production blocking, the hierarchical power structures within the classroom and the lack of sense of community. Having realized the great potential of Web 2.0 social software in meeting these challenges, the objective in the proposed research is to build an active learning environment by bring backchannel discussion up front using CMC tools. A design based research method will be used to explore effects of using this tool in classes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 16th ACM International Conference on Supporting Group Work, GROUP'10
Pages333-334
Number of pages2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Event16th ACM International Conference on Supporting Group Work, GROUP'10 - Sanibel Island, FL, United States
Duration: Nov 7 2010Nov 10 2010

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 16th ACM International Conference on Supporting Group Work, GROUP'10

Other

Other16th ACM International Conference on Supporting Group Work, GROUP'10
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySanibel Island, FL
Period11/7/1011/10/10

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Computer Science Applications
  • Information Systems

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