Rewards for Online Discussions?
Aug 12th, 2008
Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, Image# 5893466
Would you try harder if your online course discussions were rewarded through a point system? The Journal of Online Interactive Learning recently published a study examining this question.
They report:
"When asked if the availability of points affected their performance, nine students felt the points did not affect their postings and two students tried harder because of them. While these results do not capture a link between receiving rewards and improved quality in online discussions, this exercise may capture the process whereby compliments for good postings may set the standard for how graduate students think and contribute online."
According to the study, most online students don't put more effort into posts due to a point-based system.
This seems in line with what I've experienced in virtual courses. Mandatory or graded discussions often seem forced and unproductive. The best online course discussions I've encountered have been optional and thrive on the enthusiasm of participants who actually have something to say.
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