Discourse analysis of computer-mediated conferencing in World Wide Web-based continuing medical education.

INTRODUCTION: Computer-mediated conferencing (CMC) is a computer messaging system that allows users to engage in asynchronous text-based communications that are independent of time and place. It has been suggested that CMC is an effective modality for facilitating constructivist learning environment...

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Published in:Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions Vol. 23; no. 4; pp. 229 - 239
Main Authors: Curran V, Kirby F, Parsons E, Lockyer J
Format: research tables/charts Journal Article
Published: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Fall2003
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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      dt: Fall2003
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      pub: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
      place: Baltimore, Maryland
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        atl: Discourse analysis of computer-mediated conferencing in World Wide Web-based continuing medical education.
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          Curran V
          Kirby F
          Parsons E
          Lockyer J
        affil: Centre for Collaborative Health Professional Education, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's NF A1B 3V6
      sug:
        subj:
          Education, Medical, Continuing
          Education, Non-Traditional
          Teleconferencing
          Adult
          Collaboration
          Course Evaluation
          Descriptive Statistics
          Discourse Analysis
          Discussion
          Educational Technology
          Internet
          Interviews
          Learning Environment
          Learning Methods
          Learning Theory
          Middle Age
          Newfoundland and Labrador
          Physician Attitudes
          Student Satisfaction
          Funding Source
          Human
          Adult: 19-44 years
          Middle Aged: 45-64 years
      ab: INTRODUCTION: Computer-mediated conferencing (CMC) is a computer messaging system that allows users to engage in asynchronous text-based communications that are independent of time and place. It has been suggested that CMC is an effective modality for facilitating constructivist learning environments that enable adult learners to engage in a continuous, collaborative process of building and reshaping knowledge and understanding. The goals of this exploratory study were to assess the nature of the interactions and collaborative learning characteristics exhibited in World Wide Web-based continuing medical education courseware programs that used CMC and to examine physicians' satisfaction with on-line CMC discussion as a planned learning activity of Web-based CME. METHOD: The Transcript Analysis Tool (TAT) was used to analyze the nature of the discourse that took place in four different Web-based CME courseware programs. Course evaluation surveys and interviews were also conducted with participants to evaluate their satisfaction with on-line CMC discussion. RESULTS: The results suggest that the nature of participation in the programs consisted primarily of independent messages with a minimal amount of learner-to-learner interaction. Elements of critical reflection, interaction, and debate between participants appeared to be missing from these discussions. As such, these discussions were not characteristic of the principles of constructivist learning environments. DISCUSSION: Interactive participation will not occur just because CMC is being used. The design of Web-based CME learning activities, participant characteristics, and facilitation are key factors that influence the effective use of CMC.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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