Page 273 - IJET_July2021_final
P. 273
Research Article
Comparative Study of Effectiveness of Fishbowl
Strategy in Synchronous and Asynchronous Mode of
Online Learning
1 Manali Joshi & Jayashree Shinde
2
1 Research Scholar, Department of Educational Technology and Programme
Coordinator, Teaching Learning Centre, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, India,
Email: manalijo@gmail.com
2 Director, Teaching Learning Centre (PMMMNMTT-MOE) and Faculty, Department of
Educational Technology, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai, India
Abstract
Educators have used Online Learning modes extensively to stimulate and nurture the
process of learning. However, Online Learning sometimes may lead to one-way lecturing.
This can leave the online learners experiencing loneliness, low self-motivation, lack of
interest, etc. Educators need to create opportunities for learners to interact with their
fellow learners. This generates the need to explore different pedagogical approaches
which keep them engaged in the learning process. Cooperative Learning (CL) offers a
solution. CL has been proved to impart academic, psychological, and social benefits to
learners when implemented. However, more focussed studies should be conducted to
understand its effectiveness in the online environment, particularly in India.
This paper revolves around a study aiming at finding effectiveness of Fishbowl Strategy
in Online learning. It is a discussion oriented, unique strategy with the potential of
imparting rich learning experience to the learners. Here it is essential to remember that
both synchronous and asynchronous modes of online learning offer different ways for
interacting with peers. Thus, it is essential to study if both the modes can support the
strategy and help learners to get maximum benefit from it. In order to study this aspect,
‘Two Experimental Groups Pretest-Posttest design’ was used. The study was conducted on
higher education teachers across the country. Learners were expected to participate in
the discussion willingly hence the purposive sampling technique was used. WizIQ Virtual
classroom and Google Groups were used as Synchronous and Asynchronous platforms
respectively. Statistical analysis of the achievement test scores indicated effectiveness of
strategy in both the modes equally. Thus, this paper will give insight to readers regarding
planning CL activity using online learning platforms for better learning experience. Also,
it will give some perspective regarding utilizing both Synchronous and Asynchronous
modes of Online Learning with equal ease.
Keywords: Cooperative Learning Strategies, Synchronous Online Learning,
Asynchronous Online Learning, Fishbowl Strategy
Indian Journal of Educational Technology 263
Volume 3, Issue 2, July 2021