Resistances
to Knowledge Building
An Analysis of Student
Practices in Asynchronous Computer Conferencing Environments:
Implications for
Distance Education
l Learners complained of information overload and compensated
by skimming notes or ignoring some
discussion threads. These strategies saved
students time, but it limited their engagement in the kind of progressive discourse that computer
conferencing was intended to engender.
l Students searched for topics of interest or notes containing
questions to fulfill
requirements rather than adopt learning-related goals.
l
lLearners are sensitive to the social
dynamics of the course and how they
are perceived by others (especially the instructor). There is a certain level of insecurity and uncertainty,
and reluctance, among some, to take risks.