Online courses and how they change the nature of class

Authors

  • Scott Reid House of Assembly, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v14i3.2167

Keywords:

Online courses, technological change, distance education

Abstract

This paper presents findings related to how the nature of class changes when asynchronous online courses are used rather than classrooms. The qualitative study involved interviews with 32 university professors who have taught both in-class and online courses. The findings provide insight into how when the medium of teaching changes, there is also significant change in the composition and indeed the very nature of class. Such change occurs as the students attracted have more work experience and groups such as those living in rural areas, older students with work experience or those living outside the province are more likely to be included in the composition of class. Also, the medium itself changed the dynamics of class interactions, not only those between students and professor, but also the interaction between students themselves.

Author Biography

Scott Reid, House of Assembly, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Scott Reid, PhD is a researcher with the House of Assembly of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. His research interests include human reactions to change, the integration of technology into teaching environments and the political aspects of technological change.

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Published

2009-02-25

How to Cite

Reid, S. (2009). Online courses and how they change the nature of class. First Monday, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.5210/fm.v14i3.2167