Using Activity Theory to Examine Social Interaction

of Online Learning*

I-Chun Tsai¹, Krista Galyen², Xiaolin Xie² & James Laffey²

(1.Educational Foundations and Leadership, University of Akron,Akron,Ohio,USA;

2.School of Information Sciences and Learning Technologies,University of Missouri,Columbia,MO,USA)

Abstract:This study aims to build new knowledge about social interaction during online learning using perspectives of activity theory and social ability.Based upon a joint framework of activity theory and social ability,a set of serial interviews and final interviews were conducted with participants in online learning and the interview transcripts were analyzed via content analysis.The results include four themes: 1) Course design and task requirements interact with student biography and noncourse needs to shape means and motives for course activity; 2) The social nature of online learning is important for accessing help and building motivation,and is partially shaped by available tools; 3) Awareness of social information influences learning behavior; and 4) Making work visible promotes social learning and satisfaction.

Key words: activity theory;social ability;social interaction;online learning

【CLC numbers】G434

【Document code】A

【Article ID】1007-2179(2012)05-0049-09

*Note:Support by a grant from the Fund for Improving Post Secondary Education (# P116B06-0045),2007-2010.

利用活动理论分析在线学习中的社会交互