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    Educational affordances of an asynchronous online discussion forum for language learners

    Zhong, Dr. Qunyan ( Maggie); Norton, Howard

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    TESOL_EJ_2018.pdf (339.0Kb)
    Date
    2018-11
    Citation:
    Zhong, Q., & Norton, H. (2018). Educational affordances of an asynchronous online discussion forum for language learners. TESL-EJ, 22(3), 1-19.
    Permanent link to Research Bank record:
    https://hdl.handle.net/10652/4418
    Abstract
    Information and communications technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for innovation in educational practice. Among all the educational technological tools, online discussion forums represent one of the most extensively adopted educational media in higher education. Yet a review of the literature indicates a lack of empirical studies investigating how learners utilize this tool to afford their language learning. This study aims to address this gap in the literature. Using thematic analysis, postings of 20 second language (L2) learners in a peer-moderated online discussion forum were analysed. Qualitative thematic analysis of the data revealed that the online discussion forum facilitated the co-construction of subject matter knowledge and enhanced learners’ critical understanding. The postings also showed that during the interactive, collaborative inquiry, students encouraged and helped each other emotionally and academically which helped foster group affiliation and learner autonomy. These findings suggest that the online discussion forum has many affordances which are conducive to effective learning. The paper concludes with pedagogical implications and suggestions for future research.
    Keywords:
    second language acquisition (SLA), asynchronous online discussion (AOD), English language students in China, affordance, learner autonomy, language learning, e-learning, educational technology in language learning, computer-mediated communication (CMC), collaborative learning
    ANZSRC Field of Research:
    130207 LOTE, ESL and TESOL Curriculum and Pedagogy (excl. Māori)
    Copyright Holder:
    Authors

    Copyright Notice:
    Copyright rests with authors. Please cite TESL-EJ appropriately.
    Available Online at:
    http://tesl-ej.org/pdf/ej87/a1.pdf
    Rights:
    This digital work is protected by copyright. It may be consulted by you, provided you comply with the provisions of the Act and the following conditions of use. These documents or images may be used for research or private study purposes. Whether they can be used for any other purpose depends upon the Copyright Notice above. You will recognise the author's and publishers rights and give due acknowledgement where appropriate.
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    • Language Studies Journal Articles [20]

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