A good sine? Seeking math help using crowdsourced online discussion boards

Abstract

We examined asynchronous online discussion boards, specifically those that are unmediated by teacher figures, to identify characteristics of these spaces that support or constrain students as they seek help in mathematics. We analyzed 86 questions and 114 associated responses posted to two Khan Academy discussion boards centered around two related trigonometry lessons. The platform created a space where students could ask a variety of questions ranging from those requesting math definitions and explanations of math procedures to justifications for why formulas are true. However, crowdsourced replies to questions were delayed, sometimes taking more than one year for a reply to be posted; content of student replies did not always match the content of the questions posed; and the quality of the replies varied considerably, some replies were helpful or resourceful while others were incorrect or vague. These challenges seemed connected to the unmediated nature of this type of asynchronous online discussion board. We argue that this online learning environment demands additional self-regulated learning strategies such as awareness of one’s needs and the timeframe in which they must be met. We also discuss implications for research and practice.

The Impact of Technology Factors Beyond School on Eighth-Grade Math Achievement

“…This type of online help comes with challenges and limitations. Crowdsourcing for information may not be immediate as users are in different time zones and may not be reliable for accuracy as the expertise of the user providing assistance is not always verifiable (Kim & Thacker, 2020).…”

“…For example, the accuracy of help received in online discussion forums rarely comes from an academic source and often is delayed in response. If this is the case for students using websites every day or almost, their lower average scale score suggests agreement with Kim and Thacker (2020) as to the obstacles of seeking online help.…”