Lit. Review Article 11

Literature Review

Article 11

APA Citation: Dickey, M.D. (2004). The impact of web-logs (blogs) on student
perceptions of isolation and alienation in a web-based distance-learning
environment. Open Learning 19.3, 279-91. Retrieved from Academic First
Search database 31 July 2007.

I. Title: The impact of web-logs (blogs) on student perceptions of isolation and alienation in a web-based distance-learning environment

II. Author: Michele D. Dickey

III. Author’s Purpose for Writing: To report the results of the study on how blogs impact student perceptions of isolation and alienation in a web-based distance-learning environment

IV. What are the points made in the review of the literature? Do they support the need for the study? The learner’s perceptions of community and alimentation do impact learning. Understanding learners’ perceptions should enhance the effectiveness of web-based coursework.

V. Author’s Inquiry Question: Do blogs reduce students’ feelings of isolation and alienation in a web-based distance-learning environment


VI.
A. Author’s methodology: They collected data during a summer semester

B. Who is being studied? 111 College students

C. Over what length of time? Fall semester 2003

D. What data is being collected? Observations of post bloggings, informal interviews, email interactions, and course evaluations.

VII. How the author collected information: From students who volunteered to be part of the study

VIII. What the author discovered:
q Students use blogs to respond to their assignments, but also evident in postings were elements of socialization, reports of activities and events, signs of support, and reports of feelings and emotions (p.283).
q There was evidence of the students using blogs to initiate “ and support casual socialization. (284)
q The blogs also included “recounting of personal, technical, and health related event . . .” (284)
q The passed along advice and asked for technical help. (285)
q As due dates of final assignments drew near, students supported each other through their despair and shared their elations when projects were completed.