Online classes keep students switched on

Encouraging class participation is one of the most challenging tasks for teachers, but Murdoch researcher Fay Sudweeks firmly believes the answer could lie with computers.

Ms Sudweeks, a senior lecturer from the School of Information Technology, used her own tutorial classes as a testing ground for her research into online technologies.

“Web-mediated environments have been regarded as tools for course delivery in which the students’ role is primarily passive,” she said.

“I was interested in evaluating the effectiveness of the online environment in drawing students into playing an active role.”

Ms Sudweeks designed an online tutorial program for her students, where each week one student gave a presentation and moderated a discussion group with their class.

The communication patterns between the students, including the amount and quality of discussion, was recorded and analysed.

“I found the online environment drew out much more participation than the face to face tutorials, and was used as a social chat session before and after class,” said Ms Sudweeks.

“Rather than the session being dominated by a handful of extroverts, the classes were more balanced and students had more confidence to share opinions.”

Ms Sudweeks found the online sessions were a preferred medium with 90 per cent of the class, but was not as popular with the more extroverted students who thrive in face-to-face groups.

“The technology has potential to be used far more extensively in organisations as an alternative to video conferencing as well as for distance education,” she said.

This research forms part of Ms Sudweeks PhD research about online environments.