Students’ Perception of Learning in the Online Discussion Environment

Tatiana Krasnova,Alexandr Ananjev

doi:10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s1p202

Abstract

Online courses have become a part of academic initiatives to supplement instruction in a blended learning format. They create numerous opportunities for collaborative learning based on learner-centred approach. Asynchronous online discussion forums set an environment developing a sense of community and engaging students in collaborative discussions making them meaningful learning activities. The main benefit of such activities for students is generating new knowledge and sharing it with peers. Online discussions open up new vistas on students’ writing skills and make them exposed to a range of alternative viewpoints. This paper reports about the investigation of asynchronous online discussion efficacy in the learning process. Students’ attitudes and expectations in such type of online collaboration were analyzed in order to present student’s perception of learning in the online discussion environment. The findings of this study indicate certain benefits and positive overall perception though some problems were identified and potential solutions were highlighted. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s1p202

Highlights

Technological advancements, growth of Internet importance in everyday life and usage of mobile communication technologies affected education as well
International academic community recognizes the fact that the transfer to information society is impossible without integration of e-learning technologies into the educational process
Higher education in Russia is affected by significant changes and these changes are inevitable if we want to respond the demands of the society

Summary

Introduction

Technological advancements, growth of Internet importance in everyday life and usage of mobile communication technologies affected education as well. Modern education should take into account individual peculiarities of students, their diverse personal work styles, studying habits, and individual pace, it should provide the students with self-paced learning. This need for flexibility brings to life a blend of traditional face-to-face instruction and online delivery using different Learning Management Systems (LMS). This method exposes academics to new ideas and practices and makes the educational process learner-centered and result-focused

Methods

Results

Conclusion