Student experiences with learner-generated online discussion forum: active learning as both participants and content creators. (3rd April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Deborah B.; Anderson, Billie
• Is Part Of: International journal of teaching and case studies. Volume 13:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 310
• Page End: 322
• Publication Date: 2023-04-03
• Subjects: active learning -- student engagement -- online discussion -- higher education -- online learning -- learner generated -- student content creator -- student perceptions -- mixed-method design -- thematic analysis -- reliability measures -- chi-square test of association; Teaching -- Periodicals; 371.10205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1749-9151

Abstract

This study explored the perceptions and experiences of content creator students enrolled in an undergraduate course in lifespan development. A total of 284 students participated in this study over five semesters. A mixed-methods study design was adopted for data collection, and a thematic analysis of qualitative data was conducted to identify the key themes. The participants identified several themes about why they liked creating content were identified, such as seeing other students' perspectives and autonomy over the learning process, along with several negative aspects of this active learning approach, including having to summarise everyone's responses and unclear directions. These findings can guide other instructors to incorporate active learning online assignments into their existing courses.