Sentiments expressed on massive open online course (MOOC) discussion forums significantly influence learning effectiveness and academic performance. The evolution of learning sentiments on MOOC discussion forums is a dynamic process; however, a gap exists in the current understanding of the interplay between evolving sentiments and their impact on…

Likert-style surveys are a widely used research instrument to assess respondents' preferences, beliefs, or experiences. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate how network analysis (NA) can be employed to model and evaluate the interconnectedness of items in Likert-style surveys. We explore the advantages of this approach by applying the…

Learning a second language (L2) is dependent upon numerous external and internal factors, among which motivation plays a relevant role. In fact, motivation has been recognized as crucial in the L2 learning process (Ushioda, 2012). Such has been its importance that interest in L2 motivation has led to the development of theories such as the L2…

Dialectical thinking is a way of discussing and analyzing things from different viewpoints to reach a solution. It is often taught in language courses by conducting argumentation activities. However, without providing effective strategies or tools, learners generally encounter difficulties in structuring their viewpoints during the argumentation…

Increased levels of internationalization have led to individuals working in multicultural organizations, a trend that is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. To navigate these environments successfully, more emphasis is being placed on the importance of higher education in preparing and arming the future workforce with the international…

Diffusion can contribute to the spread of preventive intervention effects from participants to non-participants, but best practices for randomized trials prevent contamination of conditions. These practices conflict with cultural values of community benefit, which are salient among American Indians. This study embedded social network measures…

Motivation helps drive students to success in general chemistry, and active learning environments with social interactions has consistently shown to improve motivation. However, analyzing student outcomes in an interactive environment is best done by considering students not as isolated units but as working together and influencing each other.…

This paper addresses the potential of online environments as spaces for young people to develop intercultural competences by studying how otherness is created online and how this holds potential for learning. While online communication is an increasing part of young peoples' lives, not much is known about how young people use their online social…

The recent popularity of models that capture the dynamic coevolution of both network structure and behavior has driven the need for summary indices to assess the adequacy of these models to reproduce dynamic properties of scientific or practical importance. Whereas there are several existing indices for assessing the ability of the model to…

In this study, we carried out an online cross-cultural learning activity supported by speech-enabled language translation technology on a social network service with representatives from 13 nationalities. The participants were assigned into two groups: Group I discussed the traditions and related culture of interest whereas Group II discussed…

This study investigated the effects of Facebook and Twitter on foreign language (Chinese) learners' written production in both short- (10 days) and long-term (50 days) pseudo-experimental settings. Adopting two concepts (i.e. symmetric vs. asymmetric) from matrix theory in social network analysis, we categorized Facebook as a symmetric social…

The study examined the relationships between the usage mode of four kinds of computerized mediated communication (CMC) by students with and without learning disabilities (LD) and perceived social and emotional support. Little is known about how undergraduate students with LD interpret and perceive CMC. We investigated the impact of the use of CMC…

For the thirty-fourth year, the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) is sponsoring the publication of these Proceedings. Papers published in this volume were presented at the annual AECT Convention in Jacksonville, FL. A limited quantity of these Proceedings were printed and sold in both hardcopy and electronic…