Interacting with Purpose: What is the Difference Between Face-to-Face and Online Student Relationships in a Combined Program?
Abstract: This presentation reflects the first phase of analysis of a study that gathered data about student relationships in a doctoral program. This program is unusual, because face-to-face and online students are combined in a single program so the interaction and maintenance of student relationships relies on computer-mediated communication. As this is the first phase of our analysis, this presentation will focus on the types of relationships the students within the group have with each other, the technologies they use to interact, and the purposes they are fulfilling by interacted with each other. Our analysis indicates the types of relationships and interaction that students prefer and choose differs by mode of participation (face-to-face and online) and by students’ year in the program.We will also use this session to solicit feedback for our next phases of analysis.
Presider: Todd Cherner, University of North Carolina - CH