How do female students participate in online debates?

New Search

Print Abstract

E-mail Abstract

Full Text

Save to My Collections

Export Citation

Davidson-Shivers, G.V., Ellis, H.H. & Amarasing, P.K. (2010). How do female students participate in online debates?. International Journal on E-Learning, 9(2), 169-183. Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/p/29430.

• Share:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Journal Information

International Journal on E-Learning
ISSN 1537-2456
Volume 9, Issue 2, April 2010
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)  Chesapeake, VA

More Information on IJEL

Authors

Gayle V. Davidson-Shivers, University of South Alabama, United States; Holly H. Ellis, University of West Florida, United States; Poonwilas Kay Amarasing, University of South Alabama, United States

Abstract

This case study focused on whether women, enrolled in a graduate course, would engage in online debate, and if so, whether their postings would contain traditional elements of argumentation (i.e., argue, elaborate, critique). Content analyses for two debates were performed. For the most part, the overarching messages in both debates were substantive in nature. Our analyses of embedded statements indicated that these women argued, provided evidence, elaborated on others' ideas and, surprisingly, critiqued others' comments in Debate 1. With the exception of critiquing others, they continued to use such elements even when directions became more general. Perhaps this was because of their initial guidance in debating and that this form of discourse was used periodically throughout the summer term. However, in both debates, they also chatted, acknowledged, and supported others, which are not typical elements of argumentation. This may indicate that women, at least in this instance, formed a different style of debating by incorporating their own communication style into the traditional argumentation format.

Keywords

• Communication
• Gender
• Adults
• eLearning
• Interaction

Also Read

• Designing with and for Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: The Evolution of GeoThentic
• Using e-Learning Technologies in Developing Remeditainment Products for the Treatment of Children with Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)
• Post degree online course in Haematopathology and e-Learning: description of an innovative curriculum in e-Learning
• Podcasts in Higher Education: What Students Want, What They Really Need, and How This Might be Supported
• Using RSS in Collaborative Course Development
• Teaching for Success: Technology and Learning Styles in Preservice Teacher Education
• Reducing E-Learning Development Costs Using a Streamlined XML-based Approach
• Using Authentic Situations and Avatars to Build Knowledge in an E-Learning Environment
• Inspiring Learning and Teaching: Using e-tools to Facilitate Change
• Five-Picture Charades: A Flexible Model for Technology Training in Digital Media Tools and Teaching Strategies

Tags