Efficacy of Interaction among College Students in a Web-Based Environment

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]; Copyright of Journal of Educational Technology Development & Exchange is the property of Society of International Chinese in Educational Technology (SICET) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)