A content analytic comparison of FTF and ALN case-study discussions

While much research has shown that ALNs can produce learning equivalent to FTF classrooms, there has been little empirical research that explicitly and rigorously explores similarities and differences between the learning processes that occur in ALN and FTF activities. Transcripts from eight case study discussions, 4 FTF, 4 ALN, were content analyzed. The study used a content analytic framework derived primarily from previous work of Anderson, Archer, Garrison and Rourke. These authors developed a model that studies cognitive, social, and teaching processes in ALN discussions. Based on the work of Aviv (2000), the current scheme also considers characteristics of the discourse process. The findings provide evidence that ALNs generate high levels of cognitive activity, at least equal to, and in some cases superior to, the cognitive processes in the FTF classroom.

[1]  Robin Mason,et al.  Evaluation Methodologies for Computer Conferencing Applications , 1992 .

[2]  D. Newman.  An Experiment in Group Learning Technology: Evaluating Critical Thinking in Face-to-Face and Computer-Supported Seminars. , 1996 .

[3]  Christina Haas,et al.  Writing Technology: Studies on the Materiality of Literacy , 1995 .

[4]  D. Garrison,et al.  Assessing Social Presence In Asynchronous Text-based Computer Conferencing , 1999 .

[5]  Robert Heckman,et al.  The impact of information technology on roles and role processes in small groups , 2000 .

[6]  Louise A. Mauffette-Leenders,et al.  Learning with Cases , 2001 .

[7]  D. Randy Garrison,et al.  Critical Inquiry in a Text-Based Environment: Computer Conferencing in Higher Education , 1999, Internet High. Educ..

[8]  Henk Sol,et al.  Proceedings of the 54th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences , 1997, HICSS 2015.

[9]  A. Tomey.  Learning with cases. , 2003, Journal of continuing education in nursing.

[10]  V. Kasturi Rangan.  Choreographing a case class , 2002 .

[11]  Maryam Alavi,et al.  Computer-Mediated Collaborative Learning: An Empirical Evaluation , 1994, MIS Q..

[12]  D. Vogel,et al.  Using Information Technology to Add Value to Management Education , 1997 .

[13]  Starr Roxanne Hiltz,et al.  Impacts of Asynchronous Learning Networks on Individual and Group Problem Solving: A Field Experiment , 1999 .

[14]  Starr Roxanne Hiltz,et al.  Network Nation: Human Communication Via Computer , 1979 .

[15]  E. White.  Assessing Higher Order Thinking and Communication Skills in College Graduates through Writing. , 1991 .

[16]  David R. Olson,et al.  The World on Paper: The Conceptual and Cognitive Implications of Writing and Reading , 1996 .