Showing papers in "Electronic Journal of e-Learning in 2018"

A literature review of the factors influencing e-learning and blended learning in relation to learning outcome, student satisfaction and engagement

Abstract: In higher education, e‑learning is gaining more and more impact, especially in the format of blended learning, and this new kind of traditional teaching and learning can be practiced in many ways. Several studies have compared face‑to‑face teaching to online learning and/or blended learning in order to try to define which of the formats provides, e.g., the highest learning outcome, creates the most satisfied students or has the highest rate of course completion. However, these studies often show that teaching and learning are influenced by more than teaching format alone. Many factors play significant roles, and this literature review will look further into some of them.The review has a special interest in professional bachelor education and teacher training, and it focusses on factors that influence learning experiences in e‑learning, online learning and blended learning. Thus, the research question of the review is as follows: Which factors are found to influence e‑learning and blended learning in relation to learning outcome, student satisfaction and engagement in collaboration in higher education and particularly in professional education? The findings from the research papers included in the review show that among the many factors some seem to dominate more: educator presence in online settings, interactions between students, teachers and content, and designed connections between online and offline activities as well as between campus‑related and practice‑related activities. The article thus points in the direction of some significant factors, but it also discusses and questions the relevance of research focusing on comparisons between individual formats of e‑learning, online learning, blended learning or "traditional" face‑to‑face teaching and learning. Teaching and learning are complex and are influenced by more than just the teaching format. The review is based on systematic database searches conducted in January 2017, and it includes 44 peer reviewed articles and papers published between 2014 and 2017.

Students' and Instructor's Perspective on the Use of Blackboard Platform for Delivering an Engineering Course.

Abstract: The use of Information Technology (IT) has been growing over the years in various human endeavours. It has also been adopted in education sector for teaching and learning. Various studies have been conducted to assess the effectiveness and acceptance of e-learning strategy by students. In particular, the current research is an attempt to obtain students’ and instructor’s perspective on the use of Blackboard software. The technology is a course management system used in a blended learning mode to deliver a third year mechanical engineering course at the University of Botswana (UB). In terms of students’ views, the study covered a period of nine years and the questionnaire survey was administered to each succeeding cohort of students. Whereas in terms of the instructor’s perspective the motivation and the challenges faced during the years of use of the platform were described. Results indicate that students were generally comfortable with the use of Blackboard as they highly embraced it. Students indicate that their performance improved and communication with instructor was enhanced significantly. The respondents also recommended that Blackboard should be used in other courses in their programme of study. The instructor considered the time factor the most vital challenge related to the use of the platform. However, despite the challenges the application of the learning platform and the development of its material was a positive experience for the instructor and well received by the students.

Factors Influencing the Adoption of e‑Learning in an Open and Distance Learning Institution of Pakistan

Abstract: The revolution in technology has led to new approaches toward open and distance learning, particularly in the form of e‑learning. E‑learning governs the system of modern education by using Information and Communication Technology (ICT). There are different design approaches and interpretations of e‑learning, primarily involving variations in instructional strategies and pedagogical models employed with the technology. These innovations offer compelling opportunities to educational institutions, students and faculty alike, yet they have also posed formidable challenges for e‑learning. This is especially the case in the developing countries. This paper engages the concept and aims of e‑learning with regard to the issues in the developing countries. The next part of the paper presents the need of e‑learning in Pakistan and describes the major institutes offering e‑learning and distance education as an alternate mode of education. The paper also elaborates major challenges of e‑learning and explores the influencing factors for the adoption of e‑learning in Pakistan. The important factors are investigated in terms of available ICT infrastructure and other country specific parameters. The paper also presents results of a survey that was conducted to evaluate students’ preferences regarding e‑learning. The survey result demonstrates a strong preference for e‑learning by the students. The paper concludes by presenting a generalized model of e‑learning that can fulfill the needs of leaners under available technology infrastructure.

Blended Supervision for Thesis Projects in Higher Education : A Case Study

Abstract: The thesis component of a degree program is vital since the quality of it contributes to the quality of the whole degree. Maintaining the quality of the degree programs and handling the constantly increasing numbers of students entering higher education simultaneously is a challenge for many higher educational institutions. This paper presents a study of how ICT can be used to improve the quality and effectiveness of the thesis projects at Bachelors and Masters Levels. Further, how the blended model of supervision supports solving the issues of managing supervisor time efficiently and providing a quality guidance for thesis students are also explored. Supervisors’ perceptions of the ICT enabled thesis process are captured via interviews. Statistics about the completed theses and the user log data of the ICT system are triangulated to complement supervisor perceptions. Results revealed that the supervisors take advantage of the functions in the system to support improving the quality and the quantity of the theses, and the blended supervision model adapted in the thesis process support the supervisors to have a better collaboration with the students.

Familiarity with Technology among First‑Year Students in Rwandan Tertiary Education

Abstract: The more the students get experienced with technologies, the more the need for tertiary education systems to adopt innovative pedagogical strategies for accommodating different learning needs. Depending on students’ prior experience with computer‑based tools, they may have different degrees of familiarity with new technologies. At University of Rwanda (UR), for example, the familiarity and experience with technology for incoming students is not clearly known. Universities need to understand this phenomenon for efficient education planning and management. Therefore, this study aims to understand the degree of familiarity with technology for first‑year students at the University of Rwanda. Accessibility, ownership, usage and previous computer‑based training are used in this study’ conceptual framework as factors that determine the degree of familiarity with technology. Firstly, results indicate that the majority of participants are not familiar with technology and never had any previous exposure to eLearning systems. Secondly, regarding the digital tools, while smartphones are the most accessed, owned and used tools by respondents, they rarely or never used them for learning activities. Thirdly, findings portrayed a heterogeneous technology experience with a substantial variation of access, use, ownership and previous training on new technologies among the sample. Strategies for improving experience and confidence with technology, for first‑year students, are recommended for this institution. This will prepare new students for early technology uptake and readiness while empowering them to develop appropriate competencies and skills for the digital age. Further studies in the area of experience with technology are also proposed.

Going on Safari: The Design and Development of an Early Years Literacy iPad Application to Support Letter-Sound Learning.

Abstract: This paper explores the design, development and evaluation of an early childhood literacy iPad application, focusing on the English Alphabet, called ‘A to Z Safari’ trialled in Australian classrooms. A to Z Safari was designed to assist students in the early years of schooling with learning the alphabet and building on their knowledge of letter-sounds. This paper details the process that led to the design and development of A to Z Safari and evaluates the success of the application (also known as 'app'), using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), from a classroom trial in 2015. Quantitative data from the app statistics gathered on student use, and qualitative interviews with classroom teachers explores how students and teachers received A to Z Safari. It was found that the design of A to Z Safari exhibited ease of use and usefulness for the target cohort in regards to gameplay and teacher support, however a number of updates need to be made to the app’s functionality to satisfy future, larger scale use. Suggestions for those designing similar apps for use in classroom environments have been provided.

Beyond Stalemate: Seeking Solutions to Challenges in Online and Blended Learning Programs

Abstract: Concerned calls for more empirical research in the area of fully or blended online learning approaches have yet to be heeded. The concern is not unwarranted given that most higher learning institutions worldwide are moving increasingly to partial or complete online course offerings. Our own work in this area has been directed at uncovering challenges in Virtual Learning Environments (VLE’s), particularly those related to participatory issues that are being recognized in educational scholarship from a sociocultural perspective as the essence of successful learning, regardless of the field. The high stakes involved in learners´ proactive and critical participation in knowledge building through social interaction online, as opposed to passive assimilation, are closely connected to effective programs and their desired outcomes. We have argued that understanding the barriers that prevent these participatory practices involves a multifaceted perspective, including the voices of learners, and importantly, teaching practitioners. The significant quantitative and qualitative data we have generated in the different phases of our longitudinal inquiry using case study methodology have revealed disturbing challenges in the programs. These issues are primarily rooted in the degree of active participation on the part of many learners, especially in essential social interactive practices and this despite the commitment, enthusiasm and support of instructors for the VLE modality. Yet without significant student engagement and responsive participation not only are learning goals jeopardized, but so too is the underlying cost structure that often is assumed to support such programs. We are left with seeking a way forward. To do so, in this paper, we apply the investigative work we have done to emerging frameworks for evaluating these online programs. Our aim is to uncover a clear and evidenced‑based argument for solutions to offer to key stakeholders and concrete steps they can take for improving their blended modality program offerings. The results of this exercise we believe provide an accessible roadmap for action for the large‑scale online program in our investigation and new insight for online learning more broadly.

A Conceptual Understanding of How Educational Technology Coaches Help Teachers Integrate iPad Affordances into Their Teaching.

Abstract: Educational technology (ed tech) coaches can help teachers and students integrate iPad affordances into their teaching and learning. A brief overview of affordance theory is provided. While investigating the under‑researched practices of ed tech coaches, the authors identified iPad affordances and tabulated these, revealing links between the iPad’s technological capabilities, technological affordances and pedagogical affordances. Nine iPad technological capabilities, such as the camera, were aligned with some of their technological affordances, such as taking a photo. These were matched to some pedagogical affordances, such as taking a photo for educational purposes. Finally, different categories in the table were combined into six broad strands unveiling how ed tech coaches use them to change teacher pedagogy with benefits for teachers, students and parents. Ed tech coaches often naturally build teachers’ TPACK, mostly through the SAMR model. Specifically, they change teachers’ pedagogy by focusing on polysynchronous teaching and learning; digital, transformed learning; student ownership of learning with teachers as facilitators; students as teachers of content and technology; teachers’ triple agendas of content elaboration, academic argument, and digital citizenship; and student creativity.

Developing Reflective Skills of Student Teachers in the Virtual Learning Environment

Abstract: A technology supported environment in the educational context has been identified as a useful work space with the potential to deepen the learning experience. This study focuses on ways of using it for the development of reflection as a key teaching competence within initial teacher training. It is based on the premise that enriched reflection conducted in a technology supported environment will result in more a specific, more profound and thus deeper learning experience of student teachers. The purpose of this study was to measure the level of depth of the reflection conducted in a regular higher education ELT methodology course after a microteaching session and to compare it with the reflection student teachers provided after their experience had been enriched by other classmates´ suggestions within VLE. The study was conducted over 2 semesters and the research sample consisted of 52 undergraduate students. Non‑probability sampling was applied, namely convenience sampling. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used including content analysis and semi‑structured focus‑group interviews. To increase the internal validity and objectivity in coding the responses and data interpretation multiple researchers were used. The results of the current study suggest that enriched reflection provided student teachers with such a depth of stimuli that their approach towards their own reflection demonstrated a significant difference in comparison with regular reflection conducted in face to face learning.

Navigational acts and discourse: fostering learner agency in computer-assisted language learning

Abstract: Fostering learner agency is a primary goal of Integrative Computer Assisted Language Learning, a type of CALL (Warschauer, 1996) that encompasses networked learning and multimedia, including hypermedia. Although navigation has been a focus of attention in some more established CALL scenarios such as Intelligent Computer Assisted Language learning (ICALL) systems in second language acquisition (SLA) research, much less focus has been on more emerging CALL scenarios such as augmented reality, amongst others. Therefore, if learner agency is to be fostered, identifying how it manifests is important. This study focuses on ‘directional agency’ (Knight, Barberà and Appel, 2017) which is agency exercised in relation to navigational acts during language learning tasks. Using our own case study data as a starting point (where learners carry out navigation as part of the tasks), the paper draws attention to the somatic acts of navigation while using spoken language as part of the multimodal experiences learners can face. A specific literature review was carried out on other current and emerging CALL scenarios that were considered as cases in order to survey the presence of intentional navigational acts and talk, explore and understand it as a phenomenon in the field and to refine directional agency as a construct. Results suggest that directional agency is present across other CALL scenarios and task types; directional agency can be shared across learners and technological features; there are multiple forms of navigation including embodied navigation and whole or partial human body navigation that can occurr in the same task. Navigational acts can accompany learner-learner talk and they can also form part of learner-computer ‘talk’. Learners and computers can act as “semiotic initiators and responders” (Coffin and Donohue, 2014), resembling sequential turn-taking of talk so that both learners and digital technologies can be understood as potential actors in the task discourse.

Effect of a Metacognitive Scaffolding on Information Web Search.

Abstract: The objective of the research was to determine the effect that a metacognitive scaffolding for Web information searches exercises on the development of school students, through a general chemistry course in a blended learning modality. One hundred and four students from a school of the city of Bogota D.C.‑Colombia participated in the study. The research followed a quasi‑experimental design with a pretest and posttest. Three tenth‑grade groups, previously established, worked with a b‑learning environment with three versions: the first group worked with a fixed scaffolding, the second with an optional scaffolding, and the third group interacted with a b‑learning environment without any type of scaffolding whatsoever. The Metacognitive Awareness Inventory (MAI) test was used to measure metacognitive abilities before and after data treatment. To analyze the data, a Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) was conducted, which showed that the fixed scaffolding favors the development of metacognitive abilities, especially those related to procedural knowledge, planning, organization, monitoring, and evaluation. This tool, possibly based on the analysis and reflection of their own performance in task development, allowed students to consolidate structured strategies in Web information searches. In contrast, the use of the optional scaffolding did not exhibit the expected results since it was not used by a high percentage of students. These findings, among others, are discussed in the study.

Assessing Air Force Officers’ Satisfaction on the Use of SOC Virtual Classroom: Input to Professional Military Education e‑Learning Design and Implementation

Abstract: As the power of Learning Management System (LMS) in supporting classroom instruction has been observed in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), only few has been documented in military environment using this kind of learning technology. This paper is the first attempt to investigate the satisfaction of air force officers on the use of Squadron Officer Course Virtual Classroom (SOCVC) in the Philippines. The popular Modular Object‑Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment (MOODLE) was used to implement the SOCVC. A total of 47 Philippine Air Force (PAF) officers enrolled in the SOC participated in this study. Satisfaction in terms of learner interface, learning community, content and usefulness on the use of SOCVC was obtained using a questionnaire. The respondents are seen comfortable and satisfied with the use of the virtual classroom. Profile variables used in the study when taken separately do not show significant difference as to the respondents’ satisfaction on the use of the virtual classroom. The findings oppose what are already established pertaining to the variables that affect the use of Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in civilian setting.