| dc.description.abstract | This article discusses a qualitative research project that revealed how online health-care practitioners in a
graduate studies program believe their primary source of help is other students in their class. The project was
framed from a constructivist theoretical perspective and an action research approach. The participants were
clinicians, such as advanced nurse practitioners, who graduated from a Master of Nursing or Master of Health
Studies program offered exclusively through a WebCT online environment. The data sources included a program
satisfaction survey, focus groups, and 10 individual audiotape-recorded and transcribed interviews. The
data were collected over a 2 year period, analyzed for themes by two researchers, and confirmed with the participants
through ongoing member-checking. The following four strategies to facilitate help-seeking interactions
among online graduate study learners are presented: award marks for participation, encourage
thoughtful, well-crafted introductions, create a coffee lounge, small group forums and private email within the
course environment, and identify non-contributing students. | en |
