ERIC Number: EJ1278507
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 34
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2292-8588
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Available Date: N/A
Exploring the Use of #Hashtags as an Easy Entry Solution to Enhance Online Discussions
Raman, Preeti; Avery, Teresa; Brett, Clare; Hewitt, James
International Journal of E-Learning & Distance Education, v35 n1 2020
Growing interest in online learning has instructors looking for new ways to engage learners in asynchronous discussions. Building on experiences with hashtag use to connect on social media platforms, the purpose of this study is to investigate the contexts of hashtag use and its associated impact on learner engagement in asynchronous online discussions. In more detail, this mixed-methods case study will answer the following questions: 1) How and in what context do students use hashtags in online discussions? and 2) In what ways, if any, does the use of hashtags promote engagement in an online community? Findings suggest that while classifying and organizing course information was a strong motivator for tagging posts, hashtags were also used to connect to others in the learning community, express opinions, and encourage knowledge building. The results from our study contribute to a better understanding of engagement with and through hashtag use.
Descriptors: Social Media, Computer Mediated Communication, Asynchronous Communication, Discussion, Learner Engagement, Communication Strategies, Classification, Electronic Learning, Distance Education, Online Courses, Blended Learning, Communities of Practice, Indexing, Graduate Students, Foreign Countries
Canadian Network for Innovation in Education. 260 Dalhousie Street Suite 204, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E4, Canada. Tel: 613-241-0018; Fax: 613-241-0019; e-mail: journalofde@gmail.com; Web site: http://www.ijede.ca/index.php/jde
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
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