Abstract
This chapter relies on the analysis of communicative patterns, discursive sequences, and instructional strategies featured in an entirely online graduate level course featuring a combination of compulsory and optional chat sessions. Findings emphasize the use of communication dynamics to promote social presence and socially-mediated learning in online learning communities, which, for the purpose of this research project, are represented by the required synchronous discussions used in class. Recommendations focus on employing a flexible pedagogy that takes into account student characteristics, appropriate instructional and technological tools and strategies, course cadence or pace, creating and maintaining an online learning community, as well as clear and engaging communication. Further considerations relate to ensuring the identification of specific purposes for online chat sessions, their integration into the entire set of instructional strategies and resources, clear procedures for online discussion topic selection, and the associated grading policy.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Building Online Communities in Higher Education Institutions: Creating Collaborative Experience |
| Place of Publication | usa |
| Publisher | IGI Global |
| Pages | 132-156 |
| Number of pages | 25 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781466651791 |
| ISBN (Print) | 1466651784 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Feb 28 2014 |
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