Share Paper: Increasing authentic participation in asynchronous online discussions: Tips for instructors and instructional designers

1. Kimberly Harrison, Aurora University, United States
2. Cynthia York, Northern Illinois University, United States
3. Hayley Mayall, Northern Illinois University, United States

Abstract: Asynchronous online discussion has become a staple of many higher education courses. This study was designed to understand more fully social identity development within undergraduate online discussions. Using a case study design, the authors examined the online discussions of five students aged 20-25 who had senior status at a four-year university in the Midwest. Specifically, the research examined students’ impression management techniques to develop social identities within asynchronous online discussions. Findings indicate a variety of factors that influence how the participants developed their social identities using elements of social presence and facework. How participants develop their social identities influenced their ...