An Examination of Online Discussions in Higher Education: Leveraging Technology to Increase Learner Engagement and Collaboration

Abstract

Verbatim from Embry-Riddle Scholarly Commons. Not paraphrased, not summarized.

The online learning environment continues to evolve, seeking to meet the needs of students and researchers alike. The role of discussion boards in this process, however, continues to be an area of concern and research, particularly in aviation and aerospace higher education. While it has been argued that convenience should not replace quality, scholarship shows that many online discussion boards fail to achieve the intended transfer and collaborative construction of knowledge among students, which is of utmost importance for the education of aviation and aerospace professionals. Research also suggests that learner engagement and collaboration are necessary in order to achieve the highest standards of academic quality in this environment. The role of technology, however, may provide opportunities to address current challenges and inadequacies with online discussion boards. This research study evaluated the extent to which the inclusion of audio technology in online discussion boards enhanced learner engagement and collaboration, thereby enhancing the intended transfer of knowledge. Using Edward Deming’s Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) cycle for continuous improvement as the framework, an experimental research approach was taken, utilizing surveys from both students and instructors. The use of an experimental and control group was used to determine the extent to which the inclusion of audio technology, specifically VoiceThread, enhanced learner engagement and collaboration in the online learning environment.

Authors

• Mrusek, Bettina M., Ph.D. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• De Brito Neto, Felix, Ph.D. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• Aviation and Aerospace higher education; technology; online discussion boards
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Education
• Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
• Educational Methods
• Higher Education