Abstract of

It's About Time: Using Electronic Literature Discussion Groups With Adult Learners

Dena G. Beeghly

This article describes what happened when adult learners in a literacy education class participated in online book discussions. Forty students, enrolled in a graduate literacy class, talked about the book Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor in an asynchronous online discussion. Findings included a higher level of satisfaction with online discussions than with face-to-face discussions during class. Students' comments about the experience clearly suggest that the electronic discussions provided things that could not be made available in class, such as varying amounts of time individual students had for reflecting and responding and affording students opportunities to participate in ongoing discussion. Students reported that the online discussions provided them with “think time” and that this time for reflecting and responding improved the quality of their discussions. They also reported that the asynchronous format allowed them to complete their thoughts without interruption. In addition, students noted that quieter classmates participated more fully online than during class. However, students also reported that prior face-to-face discussions were crucial for the success of the electronic experience in terms of building rapport, comfort level, and their willingness to take intellectual risks.

Abstract from Beeghly, D.G. (2005, September). It's About Time: Using Electronic Literature Discussion Groups With Adult Learners. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 49(1), 12–21. doi: 10.1598/JAAL.49.1.2