The conversational dimensions of classroom and social media learning interactions

Abstract

The focus of this article is on learning conversations in school classrooms, what they are about, and how they form the basis of pedagogical activities and social communication in schools. The purpose is to develop an understanding of the features and benefits of learning conversations in classroom interactions, and how they may be extended by the growing use of social media. For this purpose, Conversation Analysis (CA) studies of classroom interactions are analysed and a summary is offered of the features of meaningful learning conversations. Examples of social media interactions are then analysed in terms of these features, to consider the implications for sustainable learning in school classrooms.