Online participation in digital classroom

Abstract

Online participation in digital classrooms is a common feature in many educational institutes. This research explores working adult learners’ perceptions with regard to the use of asynchronous online discussion (AOD). Findings suggest that participants on the whole were receptive to the use of AOD. Moreover, findings also suggest that many working adults preferred instructor to peer facilitation, and participants desired to receive a response from other participants within 24 hours. However, a clearer guidance on how AOD participation is assessed is needed. Participants suggested two possible areas by which online participation may be assessed: (a) the number of thread (e.g., participation rate, frequency of log-in and number of posts viewed), and (b) the content of discussion such as the demonstration of knowledge on topic taught, depth of discussion, content of discussion, relevancy of post, quality of comments, usefulness and constructive of the post.