International undergraduates’ perceptions of social engagement in online and face-to-face learning environments : a photo-elicitation approach to thematic analysis

McLaughlan, Toni (2023) International undergraduates’ perceptions of social engagement in online and face-to-face learning environments : a photo-elicitation approach to thematic analysis. Smart Learning Environments, 10 (1): 11. ISSN 2196-7091

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Abstract

This mixed-methods study explores international undergraduates’ perceptions of social engagement with American peers at a US university comparing online to face-to-face environments. It addresses gaps in research on the social engagement of international undergraduates and on employing participant-generated visual approaches to investigation. Descriptive statistics from survey data showed that, while international students reported greater satisfaction, frequency, and comfort in engaging with American peers in face-to-face versus online contexts, they did not rate their overall of face-to-face interaction as highly as Americans did nor as lowly for online environments. Thematically analyzed qualitative data from photo-elicitation interviews prompted seven themes (disconnectedness, loneliness/homesickness, discourse expectations, building friendships, diversity and intercultural issues, anxieties, conflict) illuminating the nuances in attitudes among international undergraduates toward social engagement. Results suggest possible distinctions between international students based on region as a potential area of future study.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Smart Learning Environments
Subjects:
?? researchdistance educationsocial engagementinternational studentsphoto-elicitationhigher education ??
ID Code:
185963
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
06 Feb 2023 11:25
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 23:32