| Description |
Purpose: This study sought to (1) identify and describe the experiences of international students participating in U.S. cohort- and text-based asynchronous online courses and to 2) analyze perceptions of belonging/isolation within online environments through group and organizational socialization theory. Research Methods: Data from interviews with international undergraduate students were collected at a U.S. institution of higher education offering asynchronous online courses. Targeted sampling methods were used to seek a broad sample within a greater university international student population base by time of participation in an online course, gender, and major. Discussion board asynchronous communication text was reviewed after the interviews were conducted to better understand the context of the interview data and to inform the ongoing analysis process. The data were analyzed by determining open and axial codes that emerged as categories, themes, and findings. Implications for Research and Practice: This study helps curriculum designers, teachers, administrators, and policy decision makers better understand and appreciate the implications of an expanding enrollment of international undergraduate students within U.S. based online courses. |
