Roles and student identities in online large course forums: Implications for practice

Authors

  • Jacqueline Aundree Baxter THE OPEN UNIVERSITY UK Department of Social Policy and Criminology
  • Jo Haycock The Open University UK

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v15i1.1593

Keywords:

online forums, online identities, online learning, higher education, e-learning,

Abstract

The use of large online discussion forums within online and distance learning continues to grow. Recent innovations in online learning such as the MOOC (massive open online course) and concomitant growth in the use of online media for the delivery of courses in traditional campus based universities provide both opportunity and challenge for online tutors and learners alike. The recognition of the role that online tutors and student identity plays in the field of retention and progression of distance learners is also well documented in the field of distance learning. Focusing on a course forum linked to a single Level 2 undergraduate module and open to over 1,000 students, this ideographic case study, set in a large distance learning university, uses qualitative methodology to examine the extent to which participation in a large forum can be considered within community of practice (COP) frameworks and contributes to feelings of efficacy, student identity, and motivation. The paper draws on current theory pertaining to online communities and examines this in relation to the extent to which the forum adds to feelings of academic and social integration. The study concludes that although the large forum environment facilitates a certain degree of academic integration and identity there is evidence that it also presents a number of barriers producing negative effects on student motivation and online identity.

Author Biographies

Jacqueline Aundree Baxter, THE OPEN UNIVERSITY UK Department of Social Policy and Criminology

Lecturer in Social Policy. Working in the field of education policy,governance, online identity and professional identities.

Jo Haycock, The Open University UK

Associate Lecturer on Childhood, Youth and Education programme.

Published

2014-01-15

How to Cite

Baxter, J. A., & Haycock, J. (2014). Roles and student identities in online large course forums: Implications for practice. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v15i1.1593

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