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A mixed methods evaluation of online discussion tools in higher education

Author

Listed:
  • Squires, Alex
  • Rigby, Dan

Abstract

We present a mixed methods comparative assessment of three online discussion tools widely used in higher education. We combine different data types (quantitative, qualitative) and sources (usage data, survey responses) to assess Piazza, Padlet, and Blackboard discussion boards. We highlight and discuss the differences between, and relative merits of, the tools and report the preferences of students on a large introductory Economics unit for them. We summarise lessons learnt from using the tools and make recommendations to engender greater student engagement with online discussion spaces.

Suggested Citation

  • Squires, Alex & Rigby, Dan, 2024. "A mixed methods evaluation of online discussion tools in higher education," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 47(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ireced:v:47:y:2024:i:c:s1477388024000161
    DOI: 10.1016/j.iree.2024.100298
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abdullah Al-Bahrani & Darshak Patel, 2015. "Incorporating Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook in Economics Classrooms," The Journal of Economic Education, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 46(1), pages 56-67, March.
    2. Proud, Steven, 2018. "You’ve got mail: The impact of online message-boards on performance in first year undergraduate mathematics and statistical methods units," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 28(C), pages 49-57.
    3. Boulatoff, Catherine & Cyrus, Teresa L., 2022. "Improving student outcomes in large introductory courses," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 41(C).
    4. Birdi, Alvin & Cook, Steve & Elliott, Caroline & Lait, Ashley & Mehari, Tesfa & Wood, Max, 2023. "A critical review of recent economics pedagogy literature, 2020–2021," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 43(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Asynchronous Message Boards; Student Preferences; Principles of Economics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A20 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - General

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

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