Using digital canvas to facilitate student questioning in large lecture classes: a mixed-methods study

ABSTRACT

A lack of student questioning is faced by many universities, where a large lecture is a common practice. Emerging technologies bring about possibilities to fill this gap. This study followed constructivist learning theory and used a digital canvas as a Digital Question Board (DQB) for students to freely pose questions and respond using mobile technology. A mixed-methods study with a quasi-experiment was conducted to investigate its effect. The study was conducted in two sections of an introductory research methodology course in a large comprehensive university in eastern China (n = 253). The pre–post quasi-experiment lasted six weeks. The data from surveys, observation, and online posts (log data) revealed that when the instructor discussed student questions after every 20–30 min in large lecture classes, students with DQB access had a significantly higher frequency of questioning than those without a DQB. The presence of the DQB enriched the types of questions and responses and encouraged mostly on-task learning questions. With technology, students employed a non-linear, constructivist questioning process and actively contributed to the co-construction of knowledge.

KEYWORDS:

• Digital canvas
• large lecture class
• student questioning

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Syracuse University, School of Education, under Grant Creative & Research Grant Program. We gratefully acknowledge Dr. Tiffany Koszalka, Dr. Moon-Heum Cho, Dr. Nick Smith and DWG members for their comments and support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lili Zhang

Lili Zhang is an assistant professor in Sichuan Normal University. She has a Ph.D. in Instructional Design, Development & Evaluation (IDD&E) from Syracuse University. Her research interests include instructional technologies, online learning, instructional design, and gamification. E-mail: [email protected] Address: College of Computer Science, Sichuan Normal University, No. 1819, Section 2, Chenglong Avenue, Longquan District, Chengdu, 610101, China

Jiaming Cheng

Jiaming Cheng is a post-doctoral research associate at Texas Tech University. She has a Ph.D. in IDD&E from Syracuse University. Her research interests include online learning, gamification, and technology integration.

Jing Lei

Jing Lei is a professor and chair of IDD&E. She holds a Ph.D. in learning, technology, and culture from Michigan State University. Her research interests include educational technology integration, social-cultural and psychological impact of technology.

Qiu Wang

Qiu Wang is an associate professor of Higher Education department. He holds a Ph.D. in measurement and quantitative methods from Michigan State University. His research interests include experimental psychology, applied statistics, educational measurement and quantitative methods.

Fuyi Yang

Fuyi Yang is a professor in East China Normal University. He holds a Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from East China Normal University. His research interests include psychology & education of children with special needs, cognitive & social development.