T3

How do students develop identities within online discussions, and why should you care? Join in an engaging conversation regarding recent findings regarding undergraduate students’ perceptions of online discussions within a wide variety of courses. Students approaching graduation were interviewed and transcripts from their online discussions were analyzed. Findings indicate a variety of factors that influence how the participants developed their social identities using elements of social presence and facework. Based on the results of this study, suggestions for instructors and instructional designers will be provided. Ample time will be allowed for discussion.