The Quest for Authenticity: A Study of an Online Discussion Forum and the Needs of Adult Learners

Autor/in	McDougall, Jenny
Titel	The Quest for Authenticity: A Study of an Online Discussion Forum and the Needs of Adult Learners
Quelle	In: Australian Journal of Adult Learning, 55 (2015) 1, S.94-113 (20 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1443-1394
Schlagwörter	Foreign Countries; Electronic Learning; Computer Mediated Communication; Adult Learning; Adult Education; Adult Educators; Critical Thinking; Group Discussion; Distance Education; Asynchronous Communication; Integrated Learning Systems; College Preparation; Universities; Educational Benefits; Qualitative Research; Australia + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Ausland; Computerkonferenz; Adulte education; Adult training; Erwachsenenbildung; Adult; Adults; Education; Adult basic education; Adult education teacher; Adult education; Teacher; Teachers; Adult educator; Erwachsenenbildner; Lehrer; Lehrerin; Lehrende; Kritisches Denken; Gruppendiskussion; Distance study; Distance learning; Fernunterricht; University; Universität; Bildungsertrag; Qualitative Forschung; Australien
Abstract	The objective of achieving a sense of "authenticity" in an educational context is one that might have immediate appeal, though how this is defined, let alone achieved, remains contested. The concept of "authentic discussion" has traditionally been used in the context of classroom English teaching in schools, but this paper explores its possible application to an online discussion forum at university. Participants in this forum were students in a program designed to prepare adult learners for higher education. Though communication in an online environment differs from face-to-face dialogue, it was found not to be a barrier to "authenticity" in some respects. Multiple perspectives were evident with students building on the ideas of each other, but also being prepared to disagree. The level of support and respect was such that they were willing to tackle sensitive issues, and share in an honest and sometimes revealing way. The role of the lecturer emerged as a critical component in achieving such outcomes. Though claims of "authenticity" are always difficult to substantiate, this study concludes that elements of an "authentic discussion" can be achieved in an online environment and this objective has a particular salience in the context of adult learning. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Adult Learning Australia. Level 1, 32 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra, ACT 2603, Australia. Tel: +61-02-6274-9515; Fax: +61-02-6274-9513; Web site: http://www.ala.asn.au
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01