The Chat Room as an Integral Part of the Virtual Classroom in Distance Learning Program Design for Adult Learners.
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| Title: | The Chat Room as an Integral Part of the Virtual Classroom in Distance Learning Program Design for Adult Learners. |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Williams, John W. |
| Peer Reviewed: | N |
| Page Count: | 29 |
| Publication Date: | 1999 |
| Document Type: | Reports - Research Tests/Questionnaires |
| Descriptors: | Adult Education, Computer Uses in Education, Continuing Education, Distance Education, Educational Technology, Higher Education, Internet, Listservs, Online Systems, Teaching Methods, Technological Advancement |
| Abstract: | The chat room is currently the most likely candidate to replace the interactivity of the traditional classroom. A study explored the experiences and opinions of adult learners and their instructors on how well the chat room substituted for the traditional classroom, their comfort level with the technology, and whether or not it enhanced the learning environment. Purposeful sampling of students and instructors who experienced using the chat room as a virtual classroom was employed. The qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with 3 females and 10 males who participated in courses using this mode of interactivity. The interviews were transcribed and verbatim transcripts were produced. The following eight major issues surfaced: (1) the nature of the chat room; (2) communication problems; (3) appropriate subjects; (4) advantages; (5) disadvantages; (6) mature learning skills; (7) design; and (8) the chat room's future. Comparing these findings to a current theory of adult learning principles, the interviewees indicated that the chat room has potential as an effective educational tool for adult learners as an alternative, supplement, or addition to traditional classrooms. A sample interview questionnaire is appended. (KC) |
| Entry Date: | 2000 |
| Accession Number: | ED439252 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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