Incidental Learning in a Higher Education Asynchronous Online Distance Education Course

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine and describe the incidental learning activity of students in an asynchronous online course in a higher education setting. This research was conducted with data collected from interviews, journals, observations, email messages, and online conferencing software postings of 22 members of three sections of a graduate-level asynchronous online distance education course at Northwestern State University of Louisiana in the spring of 1998. Two types of incidental learning outcomes were observed. The first developed from the students' use of the technology itself. The second centered on an improvement in certain areas of the students' personal development. An increase in time management ability, self-directive behavior, self-confidence, and self-discipline occurred. The results of the study illustrate the value of incidental learning in an asynchronous online course and the need for coursework development that fosters the growth of incidental learning. (Author) ******************************************************************************** * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document. * ********************************************************************************