New Media and Teaching: A “Comfortable Distance” for Controversy? J. Lynn McBrien, University of South Florida New Agendas for Media Literacy Conference Austin, June 2008

BlackBoard

Podcasts

Elluminate – A Synchronous Online Platform

Research Questions  In what ways, if any, can online technologies create opportunities for students to confront diverse perspectives?  Does distance learning remove us further from one another, or can it be used to increase our consideration of multiple perspectives?

In Progress…  Lit review  Theoretical Framework Moore’s (1993) theory of Transactional Distance.Moore’s (1993) theory of Transactional Distance.

Methods  Primarily qualitative To date, about 170 student responsesTo date, about 170 student responses Indirect questions for my research questionsIndirect questions for my research questions

Theme 1: Comfortable Environment  It was nice to have class in the comfort of my own home, especially because it takes me approximately an hour to get to school.  I loved the opportunity to work from home and be present for sessions.  Allows for a more comfortable learning environment.  It’s convenient for working people who rush around to get to class like myself.

Theme 2: Enjoyment  It was fun and quite enjoyable.  Our session went better than I expected. Our time seemed to go by very fast.  I am excited about this new technology.  I really enjoyed this session. I feel like we all got a chance to communicate, and it almost felt like a debate which was great.

Theme 3: Increased Participation  I think more people were able to communicate on the subjects than in class.  I actually enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. We all got a lot out there to each other, so I think the little bit of confusion was worth it.  We held quite a good conversation during the session, and I don’t think we would have accomplished that in the classroom.  It allowed more peer feedback, being able to listen as well as read messages. I was encouraged to learn something new.

Theme 3b: Total Participation  It enables everyone to be able to speak and discuss, rather than just a few people in class. I also like in- class discussions, but there is no requirement that we have to discuss in class, so it is usually only a few people that end up discussing the whole time.

Theme 4: Psychological Comfort  It is a great way of having discussions because it is not intimidating.  I really enjoyed it because I felt more comfortable speaking. Students can freely speak without being put on the spot.  Very positive, felt ability to be more open, especially on controversial subjects.  It’s easier to open up in class discussions. Not everyone likes to talk in front of people.

Theme 4a: Quality of Learning  In class I may feel uncomfortable to ask a question because everyone looks at you. But on Elluminate, I felt I could really think for myself without the influence of others and I really liked that I could learn more because so many times in class you are worried about what others will think of your answer.  Positive. I enjoyed the discussion among peers which I feel contributed to my learning experience. I could talk without feeling embarrassed to speak in front of a class staring back at me.

Theme 4b: Comfort of Anonymity  I find it helpful to collect my thoughts before I write something because in class I know things but cannot answer them as fast as the young people.  No one knows that I’m one of the “older” students, and won’t dismiss what I say because my views are outdated. Everyone has an equal voice. I feel more comfortable to express my views online.

Theme 5: Reflection  I never thought I would like discussion boards. I am one who likes to learn in the classroom. I take notes and I study. Unfortunately, I don’t always understand. When I took my first online course, I began to read the inputs of other students. What a great technology tool. Not all students speak up in class: discussion boards allow me to understand other perspectives, and I grow in knowledge and learning. Online technology has actually benefited my learning. I can reread others’ inputs and I don’t have to try and write them all down, like I would in a regular classroom setting, because it is already written down.