Read-Only Participants: A Case For Student Communication In Online Classes Summary
Introduction to Graduate Studies in the College of Education
6/25/2014
Larena Barnett
Article Summary: "Read-Only Participants: A Case for Student Communication in Online Classes"
The problem with the article is that it is very contradictory of itself, which made it confusing, especially the first half of the reading. Some research shows that students need to be actively involved with online discussion to learn, while other research argues that read-only lurkers learn as well. Other research states student participation means better course completion rate and benefits learning, and that the student that only lurks or “listens” doesn’t increase knowledge and often failed. The common theme that I saw in the research is that the researchers …show more content…
If the facilitator doesn’t entertain certain students as they learn and they do not feel instant gratification from participating actively in online discussions, then those students will simply stop participating and therefore will not benefit from peer-to-peer learning. Other reasons that concern me are that some lurkers may lack confidence to participate, may be introverted, or be a novice student and not understand the material or assignment. Some read only participants may care about themselves alone and are satisfied that their own learning needs are being met, thus being selfish. Lastly, some read-only participants may not be convinced that the course will benefit them and may not want to put the time or effort into the course work. The question is are these non-participants still legitimately learning and that conclusion wavered from yes to no in various …show more content…
Novice members, like myself, can learn from advanced members and grow into full participating students by collaborating with one another more often, which is a huge component amongst teachers, because interaction influences learning. Peers grading peers work prevents lazy work and therefore more students put forth more effort and have higher quality posts. Students being transparent of personal reasons of why they are struggling or missing an assignment can foster camaraderie and support amongst one another thus influencing us all to stay motivated and persevere. Online learning is entertaining oneself by being actively involved and putting in quality work over quantity, and being open to constructive
6/25/2014
Larena Barnett
Article Summary: "Read-Only Participants: A Case for Student Communication in Online Classes"
The problem with the article is that it is very contradictory of itself, which made it confusing, especially the first half of the reading. Some research shows that students need to be actively involved with online discussion to learn, while other research argues that read-only lurkers learn as well. Other research states student participation means better course completion rate and benefits learning, and that the student that only lurks or “listens” doesn’t increase knowledge and often failed. The common theme that I saw in the research is that the researchers …show more content…
If the facilitator doesn’t entertain certain students as they learn and they do not feel instant gratification from participating actively in online discussions, then those students will simply stop participating and therefore will not benefit from peer-to-peer learning. Other reasons that concern me are that some lurkers may lack confidence to participate, may be introverted, or be a novice student and not understand the material or assignment. Some read only participants may care about themselves alone and are satisfied that their own learning needs are being met, thus being selfish. Lastly, some read-only participants may not be convinced that the course will benefit them and may not want to put the time or effort into the course work. The question is are these non-participants still legitimately learning and that conclusion wavered from yes to no in various …show more content…
Novice members, like myself, can learn from advanced members and grow into full participating students by collaborating with one another more often, which is a huge component amongst teachers, because interaction influences learning. Peers grading peers work prevents lazy work and therefore more students put forth more effort and have higher quality posts. Students being transparent of personal reasons of why they are struggling or missing an assignment can foster camaraderie and support amongst one another thus influencing us all to stay motivated and persevere. Online learning is entertaining oneself by being actively involved and putting in quality work over quantity, and being open to constructive