Effects of Communication for Conceptual Development in Online Discussion

Abstract

This study examined online disciplinary discussion by university students to determine how their shared ideas from personal experiences of conceptual change influenced the conceptual development of others. Collected messages in the resulting community were classified according to previously reported criteria. Subsequently, a dataset was analyzed using exponential random graph models to identify connection patterns in their communication. A state of connectedness provided students with a pathway that promote the acquisition of integrated concept types through access for shared content tailored to students’ academic curiosity.