UNDERSTANDING PARTICIPATION IN ONLINE COURSES

Applying the three types of interaction and the analytical model help teaching and learning become more effective. When the instructor applied the analytical model: frequency of interaction, patterns of online interaction, the level of the learner- instructor interaction in online course increased. Furthermore, social cues encouraged learner- instructor interaction when the instructor allowed students to build rapport with their instructor and classmates in the first week of the class. When the instructor led online interaction by using the frequency of interaction and patterns of online interaction from the analytical model,it also promoted the learner-learner interaction. Moreover, using social cues in the beginning of the online course assisted students in becoming familiar with their classmates. As a result, students felt more comfortable sharing information with their fellow classmates. When instructor used cognitive and metacognitive approaches in the assignments,it assisted students to think critically and develop skills and knowledge that they can use outside of the classroom.

Autorentext

Noppadol Prammanee holds a B.A. from Burapha University, Thailand, a M.S. from Fort Hays State University, USA, and Ed.D. from Northern Illinois University, USA majoring in Instructional Technology. He is currently a faculty member at International Graduate Studies Human Resource Development Center, Burapha University, Chonburi, Thailand.