Learning Anew: An Exploratory Study about New Online Learners' Perceptions of People Interaction and Learning to Learn in an Online Course
Patti Shank, Doctoral Student, University of Colorado, Denver
Venita Doughty, Doctoral Student, University of Colorado, Denver
December 15, 2001

Abstract: This study looked at how new online learners in the first course in a graduate level online instructional technology certificate program experienced interacting with others in an asynchronous online discussion and learning to learn online. The study followed twelve new online learners throughout the class using email questionnaires and email follow-up questions. Significant themes included difficulties and fears, time factors, and desire for more feedback and smaller groups. Over time, most participants adapted and found benefits in addition to challenges, One-fourth of the participants did not adapt and left the program at the end of the course. Postings gradually became more social and fewer were directed primarily to the instructor. Correlational and predictive analyses provided insights into the importance of computer skills, initial experiences in the course, and quantity of discussion postings.

The entire paper (with full literature review, and additional tables and participant data) is available in PDF format here (459 KB).