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.
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.