Online Peer Learning: What Influences the Students' Learning Experience

This paper reports on the preliminary findings of a research-in-progress project investigating what factors influence the students' learning experience while they study in an online environment. Online peer learning activities combined with current technology are expected to improve students' learning experience. The students were asked to respond to an online survey and attend virtual focus groups. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with the teaching team. The questions raised were in the areas of relevance, reflection, interaction, teacher support, peer support, making sense, and course technology. This research utilizes a mixed method (quantitative & qualitative) data collection and data analysis. The preliminary findings from the research to date show that at the end of semester, students shifted from focusing on teacher support and content knowledge to an increased focus on technology and interaction through personal reflection of what and how they were learning.