Abstract
In order to investigate the efficacy of interaction among college students in a Web-based learning environment, three interactive tools (discussion board, e-mail, and online chat) were evaluated regarding the level of interaction and tool preference among a diverse group of college students in terms of age, gender, and online learning experience. A survey instrument was developed and used to assess and encourage interactive qualities in distance courses. A four-factor split-plot ANOVA was applied to analyze the data. The survey’s questions were repeated across each of the three tools in order to determine interaction efficacy levels in a Web-based environment. Discussion board, e-mail, and online chat each had statistically significant interactions with one another across four different factors: Instructional Design, Instructor Engagement, Learner Engagement, and Tool Preference. E-mail was the most preferred method of interaction, particularly among younger students. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Chang, C. (2009). Efficacy of Interaction among College Students in a Web-Based Environment. Journal of Educational Technology Development and Exchange (JETDE), 2(1). https://doi.org/10.18785/jetde.0201.02
Included in
Instructional Media Design Commons, Online and Distance Education Commons, Other Education Commons
