ERIC Number: EJ839667
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Dec
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0884-1233
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Discourse Analysis of Online Dialogs in Social Work Diversity Courses: Topical Themes, Depth, and Tone
Littlefield, Melissa B.; Bertera, Elizabeth M.
Journal of Teaching in Social Work, v24 n3-4 p131-146 Dec 2004
Online discussions can extend learning experiences beyond the time and space of the classroom, allowing students more time to process information, and an additional mode of expression for those who are less active in open classroom discussions. They may be especially appropriate for teaching sensitive or controversial subject matter such as oppression and diversity, which is required by the Council on Social Work Education. This study investigated topical themes, depth, and tone of online dialogs in social work diversity courses at two universities in the mid-Atlantic area. Discourse analysis--a type of content analysis--is employed to gain a deeper understanding of the learning experience, and to compare the impact of anonymous and identified participation in the dialogs. (Contains 4 tables.)
Descriptors: Discourse Analysis, Learning Experience, Social Work, Multicultural Education, Academic Standards, Curriculum Design, College Curriculum, Internet, Educational Technology, Technology Integration, Asynchronous Communication, Computer Mediated Communication, Discussion Groups, Controversial Issues (Course Content)
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A