Using content analysis to identify and quantify higher-order interaction in asynchronous online discussion (AD).
Abstract: This presentation describes content analysis (CA) procedures for asynchronous discussion (AD) transcripts using the Transcript Analysis Tool (TAT) developed and first described by Fahy et al. (2000). The use of the TAT involves segmentation of the AD transcript, quantifying message exchange and coding rhetorical complexity. Since the everyday use of CA is not currently amendable to automation, and since CA is too labor intensive for everyday useāthe presenter suggests that the experience of CA by online instructors using AD is primarily useful for recognizing (and fostering) higher-order engagement. This deeper understanding of AD is critical in capstone or graduate level courses, where the development of higher-order analysis and communications is a central goal. Additional issues in content analysis, such as units for analysis, inter-rater agreement and conducting statistical analysis, are discussed.
Presider: Koen DePryck