Virtual Interactions in Distance Learning

Virtual interactions play an important role in distance electronic learning. This chapter suggests an evaluation tool of virtual interactions in electronic forums and reports two case studies carried out using this tool. The first case study involves two issues: examining the differences, regarding feedback types, between high and low participating preservice teachers in an electronic forum, and examining correlations between the different characteristics of the electronic forum exchanges. The second case study involves examining the strategies of a successful distance learning instructor in interacting with students. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to analyze the collected data. It was found that the two groups of preservice teachers were different regarding their use of some types of feedback and similar regarding the use of other types. Significant correlations were found between some characteristics of the forum exchanges. The successful instructor used different interaction strategies that depended on the educational situation described by the participants.

El foro electrónico: una herramienta tecnológica para facilitar el aprendizaje colaborativo

La presente investigación tiene como finalidad mostrar una experiencia educativa en la que se utilizó el Foro Electrónico como herramienta tecnológica para facilitar el Aprendizaje Colaborativo. Para llevar a cabo este estudio se procedió a crear un foro electrónico en el cual se discutió el tema: “Evaluación de los Aprendizajes a través de los Software Educativos”. La experiencia se llevó a cabo con alumnos de la Maestría de Tecnología de la Información y la Comunicación para quienes era importante esta temática. La discusión on-line se desarrolló durante 15 días, en la cual se obtuvo una participación del 80% de los asistentes, quienes comentaron sus experiencias y opiniones con respecto al tema propuesto. Estas intervenciones permitieron ir construyendo algunos resultados más concretos sobre la temática. Entre las conclusiones más significativas se encontró que: El Foro Electrónico es un medio-estrategia que permite la discusión de un tema a distancia y asincrónicamente. El Foro Electrónico favorece el Aprendizaje Colaborativo y la construcción del conocimiento ya que permite la interacción y el intercambio.The electronic forum: a technological tool that fosters cooperative learning

ANONYMITY IN ELECTRONIC DISCUSSION GROUPS: EFFECT ON DIVERSITY DISCUSSION*

This article explores the use of an electronic FORUM in a social work diversity class as a way to increase and enhance outside discussions related to contemporary diversity issues. A total of 45 students from two different BSW programs participated in the FORUM. Students were encouraged to remain anonymous during the discussions to enhance the opportunity for honest dialogue. A five-point Likert scale was developed to measure students' perceptions about whether or not their participation in the FORUM was personally beneficial and how anonymity affected their responses. Overall, students felt positive about their experience with the electronic FORUM, and appreciated being able to express their opinions openly without fear of reprisal. They also reported an increased awareness about other cultures, customs, and beliefs.