Blog #7

Learning in an Online Distance Education Course:
Experiences of Three International Students

Zhang, Z., & Kenny, R. (2010). Learning in an Online Distance Education Course: Experiences of Three International Students. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 11(1), 17-36. Retrieved July 06, from ERIC database.

In this research, two researchers from Canadian universities examined the effect of language proficiency on the international students’ experiences with the online learning environment or long distance learning. Previous studies have shown that there are many advantages for non-native speakers to learn on line. Biesenbach-Lucas (2003) observes that while non-native and less verbal students tend to keep silent in face-to-face class, they “felt more comfortable participating more fully in electronic discussions” (p. 36).

Participants of this study are twelve international students enrolled in an online master’s program offered by a large university in Canada. They voluntarily enrolled in this study. The purpose is to understand their perspectives and to discover the biggest challenges they had to face in the online learning environment. Researchers used both qualitative and quantitative research methods in an exploratory case study to develop ideas for further studies. Data were collected through the use of an online survey to collect demographic data, online observation, email interviews, and telephone interviews.

The result of the study showed that English language proficiency was one of the most important cultural conditions related to the participants’ learning Experience. Language proficiency affected their participation and communication in course discussions. Because non-native speakers of English are not very confident about their English proficiency, they spent more time than their native speakers reading, writing, and proofread their messages before they were posted. For some non-native English speakers, if their posting did not get a response, they assumed that it might mean they did not express themselves clearly or in a meaningful way. Other participants think that other course members were more knowledgeable.

This research is very interesting and very relevant to me as a non-native English speaker and as an online student. When I started reading it, I found myself where those participants were. Sometimes I feel the same feelings. Reading and composing a message take long time, in addition to the time of revision and spelling check. I am glad that I read this research because now I know that what I am going through is normal for non-native English speaker and also for first experience in online courses.