Co-creation of the Digital Space: Examining the use of web-based tools in Fully Online Learning Community (FOLC) environments

Virtual Paper ID: 54936
  1. Shannon Webb
    University of Ontario Insitute of Technology
  2. aaa
    Roland van Oostveen
    University of Ontario Institute of Technology
  3. Wendy Barber
    University of Ontario Insitute of Technology
  4. Jennifer Percival
    University of Massachusetts Lowell
  5. aaa
    Elizabeth Childs
    Royal Roads University

Abstract: In order to participate in the co-creation of the digital space inherent in Fully Online Learning Community (FOLC) environments (vanOostveen, et al., 2016), learners must develop familiarity with the types of web-based tools that are available, and how these tools can be used to support collaborative learning. Bower (2015) states that educators have a narrow conception of web-based technologies, and consequently there are many web-based applications that have not yet been utilized. This paper describes an ongoing project that examines the awareness of web-based tools, as well as their use in learning contexts by instructors and students working in FOLC environments. Specifically, the investigation looks to determine if learners and faculty are aware of web-based tools that can help learners to understand concepts, models and theories, and how the tools allow for the development of learner autonomy within fully online learning environments. Participants in fully online courses at a medium-sized Canadian university were asked to respond to a survey, as well as participate in a series of repertory grid focus group sessions, held in an AV conferencing virtual room. Preliminary results suggest that while awareness of some tools is more prevalent than previously suspected, the use of these types of tools is constrained by several factors, including a lack of knowledge of how to incorporate the tools into online environments, and a lack of interest in using these tools.

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