Learning Strategies to Engage in Quality Interactions Online

Abstract

This study examined students’ learning strategies to engage in quality interactions in asynchronous online discussions via computer conferencing. Quality interaction in this study was defined as students being able to construct knowledge by engaging in active interactions with others and deep information processing. This study used a mixed-method design and two data sources: observations of online discussions and semi-structured interviews. Observations of online discussions were used to identify active deep processors. Then interviews were conducted with the active deep processors to explore their strategy use. The findings identified several learning strategies contributing to students’ quality interactions in computer conferencing. Those strategies included online class preparation strategies, strategies to identify relevant information, strategies to process information in computer conferencing, strategies to process printed materials, strategies to keep learning on track, strategies to organize learning, and strategies to avoid internal and external distractions. The results revealed the importance of metacogntive awareness in achieving both quality and quantity level of interaction in online learning.