To see the other types of publications on this topic, follow the link: Online learning experiences.
Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Online learning experiences'
Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles
Consult the top 50 dissertations / theses for your research on the topic 'Online learning experiences.'
Next to every source in the list of references, there is an 'Add to bibliography' button. Press on it, and we will generate automatically the bibliographic reference to the chosen work in the citation style you need: APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago, Vancouver, etc.
You can also download the full text of the academic publication as pdf and read online its abstract whenever available in the metadata.
Browse dissertations / theses on a wide variety of disciplines and organise your bibliography correctly.
1
Kavun, Natalia. "Undergraduate Students’ Experiences of Online Learning Environments." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1627938399767033.
Full text
2
Kavun, Natalia. "Undergraduate Students’ Experiences of Online Learning Environments." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1627938399767033.
Full text
3
Meyers, Christopher Alexander. "Exploring the Experiences of Older Workers in Online Learning." Thesis, Griffith University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10072/366429.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis is concerned with an exploration of the experiences of older workers in online learning, with a view to identifying issues they face and thereby informing strategies for appropriate support. There is a fiscal imperative shared by many industrialised nations, including Australia, to increase the workforce participation of older workers, often requiring a consideration of the changing nature of work due to influences such as globalisation and the rise of the knowledge economy. Within this setting, there is a need for many older workers to further develop their knowledge and skills and for the provision of associated learning opportunities to be inviting and inclusive. However, learning opportunities within industrialised nations increasingly involve engagement with online learning, which current older workers may experience as novices, or with which they may be unfamiliar and which, thereby, present barriers to their learning.
Based on an identified gap in the literature, an empirical research study was conducted to explore the experiences of a cohort of older workers in undergraduate online learning, with a view to understanding, from their own perspective, the issues they may face. The study used interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) as a method particularly suited to researching in unexplored territory and one which enables the development of a deep understanding of a phenomenon. A pilot study of two older adult learners contributed to a refinement of the data gathering and analysis processes. The participants in the main study consisted of 10 older workers, 5 men and 5 women, being 45 years of age and older, who were each participating in undergraduate courses towards Bachelor degree qualifications in education and training provided by an Australian university<br>Thesis (PhD Doctorate)<br>Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)<br>School of Education and Professional Studies<br>Arts, Education and Law<br>Full Text
4
Wong, Bo Man. "Vocational teachers' experiences of using an online learning platform." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2018. http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/52495/.
Full textAbstract:
Much research has been carried out to demonstrate how the online platforms can be used to improve teaching and learning processes. However, they have been less explored in relation to vocational education, where the situation is often more complex and the possible solution options tend to be more constrained than in the contexts where these online technologies have been created. The aim of this research is to investigate the experience of teachers' current use of the online platform (Moodle) in vocational teaching by using a multi-method phenomenographic approach. With data collected by a quantitative survey and in-depth interviews, a complete picture has been developed for the phenomenon being investigated. Findings from the survey and interviews have been used to identify different approaches that teachers can adopt in using Moodle for their vocational subjects in Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education. Through an iterative process of analysis, numerous issues related to vocational teaching with Moodle are revealed in the research process to extend previous knowledge, including: shift in the vocational teachers' role, adjustment of communication with students, necessity of face-to-face coaching, blended learning, control of the learning progress, preparation of the online content, teaching and learning effectiveness, change of student quality and expectations, and amplified support by the media richness. In addition to analyzing the complexity of the phenomenon, the findings of this research highlight the value of sharing teachers' experience; this provides guidance and insights for other vocational teachers to explore the possibilities and opportunities of using the online platforms in their areas of vocational teaching. Complexity and opportunities have been created, not only for both vocational teachers and students, but also for the stakeholders such as course administrators, curriculum developers, faculty members, educational specialists, and organization leaders considering or using online learning platforms for vocational teaching. Recommendations are given in the conclusion for development of staff capacity and capability in vocational teaching with online platforms, particularly with Moodle. Above all, the results of this research substantiate previous ones in showing the importance of teaching with technology, rather than teaching about technology, or technology for teaching.
5
Robinson, Heather A. "Faculty Experiences with Collaborative Learning in the Online Classroom." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2016. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc862814/.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of this qualitative case study was to identify the perceptions and experiences that instructors in higher education have toward providing collaborative learning activities and opportunities in their online classroom. Through semi-structured interviews, the experiences of four higher education instructors from two universities were collected concerning their provision of collaborative learning opportunities in their online classrooms. A multi-phase coding process was used to analyze the information, including the constant comparative coding method for theme and category development. Three themes emerged from the study: online communication approaches matter, there are challenges and supports for online collaborative learning, and care is at the core of online learner support. The findings are discussed and recommendations are provided for the development and design of meaningful online collaborative learning.
6
Stefan, Silvia A. "The Differences of Faculty Voices: Views and Experiences with Online Learning." Youngstown State University / OhioLINK, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ysu1464786999.
Full text
7
Atkinson, Shamanie. "The Urban Parents' Learning Experiences in an Online Training Program." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/7214.
Full textAbstract:
Research has shown a link between urban students' success in U.S. schools and the level of parental involvement. However, urban parents have historically low levels of engagement in their children's education. Increased involvement of urban parents in their children's education can increase student success in urban schools. The purpose of this generic qualitative research study was to understand the experiences of urban parents of children diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who have participated in an online training program to learn about their children's learning disability. Self-efficacy, andragogy, experiential learning, and sociocultural theory were used as conceptual foundations to guide the research. The research question was what are the experiences and perspectives of urban parents of children diagnosed with ADHD who participated in an online training program designed to develop their understanding of their child's learning disability. Participants in this generic qualitative study were 8 parents who participated in an online training program for parents of children with ADHD. Data sources included semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic inductive data analysis to identify patterns and themes. The key findings indicated that parents found the online training program helpful in understanding their children's specific learning needs and supported them to become more involved in their children's education. This study contributed to social change by providing insights into an innovative learning environment that advanced urban parent learning and fostered parental involvement in urban schools. Educational leaders can use this knowledge to encourage productive parental outreach programs for urban parents.
8
Henry, Melanie. "The online student experience: An exploration of first-year university students’ expectations, experiences and outcomes of online education." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2018. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/2059.
Full textAbstract:
Online higher education presents a critical opportunity to extend and diversify the student body. The Online Student Experience (OSE), and online student outcomes, however, remain shrouded in ambiguity. The literature presents conflicting reports of online education (OE) quality, confounded by a lack of appreciation for potential differences between online and on-campus education, and a diversity of interpretations for what constitutes OE. The present research conceptualises OE as representing university courses that require students to interact with instructors and course materials via the internet, with no expectation of attending a university campus. A broad student-centred perspective is notably lacking from the OE literature, with limited consideration of students’ expectations and perceptions, students’ experiences beyond the curriculum, and the role of students’ experiences in online student outcomes. Instead, prior research has relied on assumed benefits and limitations, or researcher-determined measures of online student suitability and online course quality. The first-year transition may be especially challenging for online students, furthermore, yet understanding of the online first-year experience has been limited to extrapolations from on-campus literature. In the absence of a deep, student-centred understanding of first-year online students’ expectations and experiences, combined with clear evidence for what may contribute to a quality OSE; it remains unclear whether OE presents a viable method of education, and how online student outcomes might be enhanced.
A deeper understanding of the OSE is critical to ensure universities attract and retain a diverse range of students. The present research contributes to this understanding, offering a rich description of how first-year students at an Australian public university constructed their lived experiences of OE, and attributed meaning to these experiences. Adopting qualitative inquiry and phenomenological case study methodology, online students’ expectations, experiences and outcomes were explored through in-depth online interviews with 43 students; and resultant transcripts analysed using thematic analysis.
Six themes were identified to describe students’ lived experiences of OE: learner Motivation, Ability and Circumstances; and institutional Interaction, Curriculum and Environment, forming a Motivation, Ability, Circumstances – Interaction, Curriculum, Environment, or MAC-ICE, thematic structure of the OSE. Discrete expectations and experiences formed sub-themes corresponding to each of these themes. Students’ experiences varied considerably, nonetheless, with no consistent explanation for how all first-year university students might experience OE, corresponding to frequent inaccurate expectations.
Each theme was perceived to have informed students’ outcomes, either directly contributing to their learning, performance, satisfaction or retention, or facilitating experiences conducive to these outcomes. In addition, where students’ expectations were met (or exceeded), or they were supported to manage inaccurate expectations, they felt more satisfied with their experience, and vice versa. Online student outcomes were also interconnected, with retention informed by students’ academic performance and satisfaction; satisfaction informed by learning and academic performance; and academic performance informed by students’ learning. A quality OSE, therefore, appears highly complex, dependent on a range of experiences connected to both the learner and their institution. This interconnectedness of the OSE was summarised through a MAC-ICE thematic matrix.
The findings bring together a fragmented and piecemeal understanding of OE, presenting a holistic and student-centred depiction of a quality OSE. The present research combines and builds upon Constructivist Learning Theory (Lesgold, 2004; Richardson, 2003), Expectation-Confirmation Theory (Bhattacherjee, 2001), and Kember’s Longitudinal-process Model of Drop-out from Distance Education (1989), to form a holistic and student-centred understanding of the OSE, enabling propositions that may clarify and enhance OE theory, and contribute to improved online student outcomes. The resultant MAC-ICE thematic structure and matrix furthermore, offer means through which prior research may be further scrutinised, and the OSE thoroughly examined, enabling researchers, policy-makers and universities alike, to identify, investigate and implement strategies that may ensure a quality OSE.
9
Parker, Jennifer. "Designing authentic online community of learning experiences for higher education." Thesis, Parker, Jennifer (2015) Designing authentic online community of learning experiences for higher education. Professional Doctorate thesis, Murdoch University, 2015. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/28819/.
Full textAbstract:
A key challenge for university professionals is to identify how to construct more interactive, engaging and student-centred environments that promote key learning skills and encourage self-directed learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an online professional development course that would enable higher education practitioners to design more interactive and engaging online courses.
An extensive review of the literature identified principles of online learning that informed the development of an authentic community of learning framework that was used to guide the design and implementation of the professional development course. Key principles encompassed in the framework include: 21st century learning skills, authentic learning elements, Community of Inquiry components—social, cognitive and teaching presence, meaningful learning with technology and using open educational resources. The learning environment comprised a Moodle learning management system (LMS) and an open Google Sites website.
Specifically, the research sought to investigate which elements of the framework higher educational practitioners found to be most effective in helping create an interactive and engaging online learning experience, and whether the authentic community of learning framework influenced their existing teaching practices.
The study employed a design-based research approach in the form of an interpretive, qualitative study. Data collection methods included surveys, participant artefacts, contributions to forums, blog reflections and interviews with selected participants. Data was coded and analysed using a constant comparative method of analysis.
Findings suggest that the authentic community of learning framework was a successful alternative to models frequently used to develop online professional development courses and provided learners with greater flexibility and control over their learning. Participants themselves believed that the online course influenced their choice of strategy when designing their future online courses.
10
Cole, Amanda Elizabeth. "Experiences of Postsecondary Students with Physical Disabilities with Online Learning." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/6985.
Full textAbstract:
Over one tenth of students in postsecondary education have a documented disability as defined by the Americans with Disability Act. However, faculty and course designers often lack understanding of these students' experiences, which leads to insufficient accommodations. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the experiences of students with physical disabilities (SWD) in online courses. The research was grounded in self-determination theory, which posits 3 basic needs for self-actualization: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. This theory in combination with universal design for learning provided a lens for exploring these experiences. Data collection included 8 interviews with postsecondary students with a physical disability. Data were coded using a combination of value codes and organized thematically. Major findings showed that SWD experience barriers in self-regulation, minimizing of their disabilities, pressure to overachieve, specific knowledge of available resources, isolation, and miscommunication. However, through proper online learning, SWD experience benefits in self-regulation, self-pacing, an increasing sense of confidence and pride, stamina, connection to peers, positive discussions, and advocacy for themselves and others. This research has implications for social change as an evidentiary tool for advocacy when exploring the benefits of taking online courses for SWD and as an awareness tool for teachers and other stakeholders in online education who wish to adapt to best practices.
11
Bradley, Teri A. "Middle School Students' Experiences in an Online Problem-Based Learning Environment." ScholarWorks, 2018. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/6175.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of implementing educational reform is to improve the academic achievement and social skills of graduating students, but evaluating the benefits of a particular instructional method or curriculum design can be complicated. In an online and problem-based learning environment that allows students to choose content and assessment projects and self-pace, the motivation of students to learn and their engagement in the learning process significantly influences the success of the program. This generic qualitative study focused on the experiences of middle school students participating in an online and problem-based educational setting. The study included interview data and self-evaluation questionnaires about students' levels of motivation and engagement. Vygotsky's zone of proximal development (ZPD), Bandura's theory of self-efficacy, Dewey's experiential learning theory and other motivational theories provided the conceptual framework for this qualitative study of personalizing learning in constructivist environments. The data were analyzed through inductive thematic analysis with constant comparison. The findings highlighted the student perspective and identified factors that influenced students' buy-in to this type of personalized education. The results from this study may be used to help teachers plan and design curriculum and instructional strategies that encourage student motivation to learn and engagement in the learning process. Students who are motivated to learn and engaged in the learning process are more likely to graduate from school with the knowledge and skills required to enter the workforce and become productive knowledge workers in a knowledge economy.
12
Watters, Georgia George. "The Experiences of Military Parents Homeschooling Using Online Teaching Resources." ScholarWorks, 2015. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/529.
Full textAbstract:
U.S. military members and their families relocate from one duty station to another on average once every 3 years. Children in military families change schools often, introducing potential problems such as struggling to make new friends, having trouble adjusting to new teaching styles, and losing academic credits due to the transition from one school to the next. Homeschooling that incorporates online resources can provide instructional continuity, social interaction opportunities, and submission of required periodic assessments. The primary purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the experiences of military parents involved in homeschooling their children using online resources. The research questions were designed to explore these experiences and to create recommendations for other military families. A conceptual framework based on a constructivist learning approach and change theory informed this study. Data were collected from 9 parents with many years of experience homeschooling. The parents were interviewed via phone, e-mail, and Skype. Data were analyzed using open coding, axial coding, and hierarchical coding. Parent participants chose homeschooling due to dissatisfaction with available schools, family location, and flexibility. Online resources were described as making it easier and more engaging for students to learn and as simplifying the parents' instructional and management tasks. These alternative methods replaced or augmented traditional educational methods. Parent participants encouraged other parents to reach out and seek help early in the process. This study promotes positive social change by providing resources for alternative ways children can be educated while one or more military parent is serving and defending the United States of America.
13
Kehrwald, Benjamin. "Social presence and learner support: understanding learners' experiences with mediated social processes in text-based online learning environments." University of Southern Queensland, Faculty of Education, 2007. http://eprints.usq.edu.au/archive/00003555/.
Full textAbstract:
[Abstract]: This study focuses on the nature, role and function of online social presence in text-based online learning environments and how it relates to learner support. Ultimately, the study seeks to understand the relationships between the nature, role and function of social presence, the social learning processes employed in contemporary online learning environments and the mechanisms which support learning in these environments. This study is guided by the question: In what ways might social presence enhance the provision of learner support in text-based online learning environments? Of particular interest in this study is information related to (a) how participants in online courses experience social presence; (b) how learners in online courses perceive and/or experience learner support in online courses and (c) how these experiences affect learner activity in online learning environments.The research design employs a collective case study approach which focuses on learners in four separate online courses within a single university context to inform understanding of the phenomena in question. Using a combination of interview-like techniques, the study seeks to ground the understanding of social presence, mediated social processes (i.e., interpersonal interaction, collaboration and community development) and learner support in the experiences of online learners.The results suggest a number of important findings with regard to social presence and learner support. First is an understanding of social presence as a quality of individual actors in the online environments. Social presence exists as a response to the limits of the technology and media in text-based online learning environments. Next, the study identifies social presence an essential component of online learning environments because it facilitates and supports mediated social processes including interpersonal interaction (or transaction), the development of relations between individuals and amongst groups of individuals, the progressive development of productive collaboration and the establishment and growth of community. Finally, the study highlights a revised model for learner support in text-based online learning environments which is informed by the development of learning communities and understanding of mediated social processes.
14
Tucker, Virginia Miller. "Acquiring search expertise : learning experiences and threshold concepts." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2012. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/63652/1/Virginia_Tucker_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Expert searchers engage with information as information brokers, researchers, reference librarians, information architects, faculty who teach advanced search, and in a variety of other information-intensive professions. Their experiences are characterized by a profound understanding of information concepts and skills and they have an agile ability to apply this knowledge to interacting with and having an impact on the information environment.
This study explored the learning experiences of searchers to understand the acquisition of search expertise. The research question was: What can be learned about becoming an expert searcher from the learning experiences of proficient novice searchers and highly experienced searchers? The key objectives were: (1) to explore the existence of threshold concepts in search expertise; (2) to improve our understanding of how search expertise is acquired and how novice searchers, intent on becoming experts, can learn to search in more expertlike ways.
The participant sample drew from two population groups: (1) highly experienced searchers with a minimum of 20 years of relevant professional experience, including LIS faculty who teach advanced search, information brokers, and search engine developers (11 subjects); and (2) MLIS students who had completed coursework in information retrieval and online searching and demonstrated exceptional ability (9 subjects). Using these two groups allowed a nuanced understanding of the experience of learning to search in expertlike ways, with data from those who search at a very high level as well as those who may be actively developing expertise. The study used semi-structured interviews, search tasks with think-aloud narratives, and talk-after protocols. Searches were screen-captured with simultaneous audio-recording of the think-aloud narrative. Data were coded and analyzed using NVivo9 and manually.
Grounded theory allowed categories and themes to emerge from the data. Categories represented conceptual knowledge and attributes of expert searchers. In accord with grounded theory method, once theoretical saturation was achieved, during the final stage of analysis the data were viewed through lenses of existing theoretical frameworks. For this study, threshold concept theory (Meyer & Land, 2003) was used to explore which concepts might be threshold concepts. Threshold concepts have been used to explore transformative learning portals in subjects ranging from economics to mathematics. A threshold concept has five defining characteristics: transformative (causing a shift in perception), irreversible (unlikely to be forgotten), integrative (unifying separate concepts), troublesome (initially counter-intuitive), and may be bounded.
Themes that emerged provided evidence of four concepts which had the characteristics of threshold concepts. These were: information environment: the total information environment is perceived and understood; information structures: content, index structures, and retrieval algorithms are understood; information vocabularies: fluency in search behaviors related to language, including natural language, controlled vocabulary, and finesse using proximity, truncation, and other language-based tools.
The fourth threshold concept was concept fusion, the integration of the other three threshold concepts and further defined by three properties: visioning (anticipating next moves), being light on one's 'search feet' (dancing property), and profound ontological shift (identity as searcher). In addition to the threshold concepts, findings were reported that were not concept-based, including praxes and traits of expert searchers. A model of search expertise is proposed with the four threshold concepts at its core that also integrates the traits and praxes elicited from the study, attributes which are likewise long recognized in LIS research as present in professional searchers.
The research provides a deeper understanding of the transformative learning experiences involved in the acquisition of search expertise. It adds to our understanding of search expertise in the context of today's information environment and has implications for teaching advanced search, for research more broadly within library and information science, and for methodologies used to explore threshold concepts.
15
Bain, Yvonne Catherine. "Learning through online discussion : case studies of higher education student's experiences." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 2011. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=167158.
Full textAbstract:
Although much has been written about learning in online discussion, the research literature reveals the need for further empirical research to be carried out. For example, the use of online discussion is often seen as a means by which students can engage in a socially constructivist approach to learning, (Pena-Shaff et al., 2005; Hudson et al., 2006; Schrire, 2006) whilst others raise questions about the depth of engagement and the preparedness to learn in this socially constructivist context (Hawkey, 2003; Roberts and Lund, 2007). The need to gain further understanding of learning through discussion is raised by Ravenscroft (2005); McConnell (2006); Goodyear and Ellis (2008). This study adds to empirical research by exploring students’ engagement with online discussion at an individual and course level. Two key research questions are: What are the different approaches taken by students when responding to learning activities which ask them to engage in online discussion? What are students’ perceptions of how their engagement in online discussion impacts on their learning and the learning of others? The study is qualitative, phenomenographic in nature drawing on six case studies of Higher Education students’ engagement with online discussion. A rich set of empirical data is gathered within the case studies. A grounded approach to data collection and analysis is used, including the analysis of interview data in order to hear the students’ voices about their experiences. The findings from the analysis of the case studies reveal different strategies that students use when engaging in online discussion, and diverse students’ views of learning through online discussion, even from within the same course context. A framework for learning through online discussion emerges from the discussion.
16
Jenkins, Stephen Philip. "Online Learners: a Study of their Advising Attitudes, Experiences, and Learning." PDXScholar, 2018. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/4657.
Full textAbstract:
Academic advising for online learners has been identified in prior research as an important student service. However, little research exists to assist advisers in knowing how best to serve this growing group. The purpose of this study is to close that research gap by determining if and how online and on-campus learners differ in how they rate the importance of various functions of academic advising as well as determining if their frequency of access to academic advising and source of advising information differed. Additionally, the research examines if the types and levels of learning for online learners varied by frequency of advising, source of advising information, and satisfaction with advising received.
Participants in the non-experimental, survey-based, exploratory research study include 6,368 undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor's degree at three public institutions including two four-year institutions and one community college. Participants received a survey asking them about their experiences with and attitudes towards academic advising. Results indicate that online and on-campus learners differ in how they rate the relative importance of the different functions of academic advising and that those differences are uniquely related to learners' status as online learners. Additionally, online learners reported more of the types of learning expected from academic advising when they received their advising from an adviser as opposed to advising tools (e.g., web sites, advising guidelines) or their informal social networks, when they were advised more frequently, and when they were satisfied with the advising they received. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.
17
Nwankwo, Alex Azike. "Students' Learning Experiences and Perceptions of Online Course Content and Interactions." ScholarWorks, 2015. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/188.
Full textAbstract:
The recent economic downturn has increased demand for higher education. Because most postsecondary schools offer online courses, it is necessary to assess the effectiveness of those offerings and provide information that will assist colleges and universities in meeting citizens' educational needs. This qualitative case study was used to examine the learning experiences and perceptions of students in online courses at a university in the western United States. Moore's transactional distance learning theory was used to assess interactions among students, instructors, and course content. Purposive sampling was used to select 18 students from 3 university departments to participate in the study. Research questions focused on how participants perceived their learning experiences in online courses and how they described interactions with instructors and other students. Data collection was multimodal. The interviews were conducted in face-to-face format, electronic mail, and Skype. The questionnaires were completed by electronic mail. Field notes were collected during the interviews. Interview transcripts, field notes, and questionnaire data were coded against the 4 interaction factors identified from Moore's theory. Results showed that participants rated interaction with course material as most important, followed by interaction with the instructor. Next in importance was the character of the learner, followed by student-student interaction. This study contributes to social change by informing the efforts of postsecondary faculty and administrators to review and modify online course content. Doing so will ensure that the university is able to meet students' needs by generating timely, positive, and constructive, feedback; establishing a social communication network to foster student-student interaction; and creating a more student-friendly content material delivery method.
18
Bokosmaty, Rena. "Student learning experiences with the online component of a partially flipped teaching model." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2022. https://hdl.handle.net/2123/29916.
Full textAbstract:
Flipped learning has received increased recognition as an innovative pedagogical approach that has the potential to improve students’ learning experience in higher education. This approach creates a ‘reversed’ learning experience, where portions of the didactic lecture traditionally presented in class is moved online in the form of pre-learning materials. There is increasing evidence that this leads to improvements in academic performance with the online pre-learning materials being an underlying factor.
This thesis reports student behavioural engagement, behavioural patterns, and approaches to learning with the online component of a partially flipped learning model and its impact on student academic performance in chemistry courses. An engagement index was developed to quantify student engagement levels with pre-learning materials. The findings revealed higher levels of engagement led to significant improvements in academic performance. Several patterns were detected when measuring students’ frequency of access for each of the pre-learning materials. The dominant pattern revealed that students tend to favour accessing a pre-learning quiz more frequently than the video. Most students self-identified to be strategic learners and were categorised to be moderately or highly engaged with a preference to accessing the quizzes more frequently than the videos. Students reported that weighting of the quizzes, although low, was a motivating factor for completion. The most pronounced differences in academic performance were observed in the mainstream rather than advanced courses, suggesting that the online component mainly benefited students with lower proficiency levels of chemistry. Recommendations regarding the design of the pre-learning materials were proposed to enhance student engagement, encourage the desired behavioural pattern and adoption of a deep learning approach.
19
Su, Bude. "Experiences of and preferences for interactive instructional activities in online learning environment." [Bloomington, Ind.] : Indiana University, 2006. http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3215221.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Indiana University, Instructional Systems Technology, Dept. of School of Education, 2006.<br>Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-04, Section: A, page: 1304. Adviser: Curtis J. Bonk. "Title from dissertation home page (viewed June 19, 2007)."
20
Green, Cable Thomas. "Visualizing Understandings Online: Nontraditional Pharmacy Students’ Experiences with Concept Mapping." The Ohio State University, 2003. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1059397698.
Full text
21
Robison, Scott A. "ONLINE COURSES IN APPALACHIAN OHIO HIGH SCHOOLS: PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF SUPERINTENDENTS AND PRINCIPALS." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1178119799.
Full text
22
Barty, Karin, and edu au jillj@deakin edu au mikewood@deakin edu au kimg@deakin. "Students' experiences of e-learning at school." Deakin University. School of Education, 2001. http://tux.lib.deakin.edu.au./adt-VDU/public/adt-VDU20040614.145900.
Full textAbstract:
The dissertation describes the experiences of senior secondary students taking an online course for the first time to further their language education. The experiences are presented from the perspective of students, of supervising teachers and the 'virtual' teacher. Issues of importance with younger learners are identified and discussed and guidelines for the conduct of online courses at school level developed. It is proposed that online courses may have a worthwhile place in school education if specific learning needs can be met using this medium.
23
Abu, Dawood Sumayah Mohammadlutfi. "Students' Attitudes toward Educational Gamification in Online Learning Environments." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2019. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1505265/.
Full textAbstract:
This study explored undergraduate and graduate students' attitudes toward the pleasurability of educational gamification in online learning environments. The study is a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research that investigated students' attitudes quantitatively, then qualitatively. In the quantitative phase, an online survey, the Pleasurable Learning Experiences scale (PLLEXs), was administrated at one of the largest public southwestern universities in the U.S. (N = 119). The qualitative phase involved conducting eight semi-structured interviews with selected participants. The PLLEXs uses a 4-point Likert scale that encompasses 4 subscales: (a) Preferences for Instructions, (b) Preferences for Instructors' Teaching Styles, (c) Preferences for Activities, and (d) Preferences for Learning Effectiveness. A series of analyses of variances (ANOVAs) were used to identify predictors of students' overall attitudes toward educational gamification. The main findings were: (a) students had strong preferences toward educational gamification with Preferences of Instructions rated the highest subscale and Preferences for Activities rated the lowest subscale, (b) major was a statistically significant predictor of students' attitudes toward educational gamification, (c) international students had statistically significant lower preferences toward educational gamification compared with U.S. domestic students, (c) online learning experiences measured by the number of previous online courses and the number of hours spent weekly on computers for academic-related work were statistically significant predictors of students' attitudes toward educational gamification, (d) instructor's feedback was the most important aspect and online collaboration was the most challenging aspect in online learning environments, and (e) the use of multimedia in LMSs can support or hinder teaching and learning activities.
24
Scheick, Amy. "VIRTUAL VISTAS: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DESCRIBING THEIR EXPERIENCES IN ONLINE COURSES." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 2007. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4012.
Full textAbstract:
Current research indicates that distance education courses can be as effective as traditional courses when the method and technologies used are appropriate to the instructional tasks. The number of states, counties, and school districts that provide online courses for high school students has rapidly expanded during the last ten years. The number of students, who enroll in these courses, has often grown by double digits each year. Understanding K-12 students' experiences in, and expectations of, online learning is important for many reasons. Online learning is certainly growing and may become a graduation requirement in more states. Currently Michigan requires every student must participate in some form of online learning as a high school graduation requirement. High school students enrolling in online courses may have a measurable influence on higher education courses in the future, as students become more experienced with online learning. A great deal has been written about the development of virtual high schools, some of the issues surrounding them and basic student demographics. There are only a few studies that have interviewed students in detail as to why they have chosen to participate in a virtual school and examined how this choice has impacted them. The purpose of this study was to describe from the student's perspective, why they had enrolled in online courses and allowed them to characterize their experiences. Further, this study sought to identify the personality types and traits of the students enrolled in online high school courses and reported on one measure of the student's cognitive style or cognitive tempo. Forty-three students who were enrolled in a state sponsored virtual high school participated in this study. The study used three online instruments to collect data. The Matching Familiar Figures Test-20 was used to measure the impulsive or reflective responses of the students. The Long-Dziuban Reactive Behavioral Survey was used to determine the students' personality types. The third instrument was an online questionnaire of open-ended questions asking the students about their online experiences. In addition, twelve students participated in follow-up interviews. The study found that the students enrolled in online courses for a variety of reasons; students were concerned about and wanted control over the timing and pacing of their learning. Students' comments suggested that there may be a relationship between cognitive tempo as classified by the MFFT-20, and the students' preference for pacing through the online course materials. In addition, the distribution of personality types and cognitive styles represented in this sample were different from the general school population suggesting that perhaps some students are more interested in online learning than others are. After reviewing the results of the students responses to the MFFT-20, it may be that students may are becoming faster at processing visual information with fewer errors. More research is needed in this area. There does seem to be a trend in this direction and this could have implications for students enrolled in virtual high school courses. Finally, the students in this study characterized their online learning experiences as positive but did not feel that online learning should be a high school graduation requirement for all students.<br>Ph.D.<br>Department of Educational Research, Technology and Leadership<br>Education<br>Education PhD
25
Meyer, Salome M. "An investigation into the affective experiences of students in an online learning environment." Thesis, Pretoria : [s.n.], 2005. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-07292005-090343/.
Full text
26
Hess, Taryn. "COMPARISON OF LEARNING EXPERIENCES AND OUTCOMES BETWEEN A SERIOUS GAME-BASED AND NON-GAME-BASED ONLINE AMERICAN HISTORY COURSE." Doctoral diss., University of Central Florida, 2010. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/2108.
Full textAbstract:
The use of online courses continues to increase despite the small amount of research that exists on the effectiveness of online educational environments. The little research that has been conducted has focused on evaluating factors taken into consideration during the adoption of online learning environments. One notable benefit often cited is the ability to incorporate multimedia such as video games. Although game researchers and developers are pushing for the use of video games for educational purposes, there is a lack of research on the effectiveness of serious video games. When paring the increasing use of online educational environments, the push to use serious video games, and the lack of research on the effectiveness of online learning environments and video games, there is a clear need for further investigation into the use of serious video games in an online format. Based on current literature, no other known study has conducted an analysis comparing a serious game-based and non-game based online course; making this a unique study. The purpose of this study was to compare student learning experiences and outcomes between a serious game-based and non-game based online American History course. The data sources were data provided from Florida Virtual School (FLVS) and student and teacher interviews. Random samples of 92 students were statistically analyzed. A group of 8 students and 4 teachers were interviewed. FLVS data provided were analyzed using an independent t-test and the Mann-Whitney test and the student and teacher interview were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results of an independent t-test revealed that there was a significant (p < .01) difference in the mean number of days necessary to complete the course (MGB = 145.80, SDGB = 50.64, MNGB = 112.63, SDNGB = 49.60). The Mann-Whitney results indicated a significant difference between course performance and the type of American history course (Z = -5.066, p < .01); students in the serious game-based online course had an A average whereas students in the non-game-based online course had a B average. The thematic analysis of the relationship between student performance and motivation in both courses indicated that students and teachers of the game-based online course provided more reasons for student motivation than the students and teachers in the non-game-based online course. The thematic analysis of what aspects do students perceive as helpful and/or hindering to their learning indicated that students and teachers of the game-based online course provided more desirable, more helpful, less undesirable, and less hindering aspects for their course than the students and teachers in the non-game-based online course. As a result of the unique nature of this study, the findings provide new information for the fields of research on online learning, serious video gaming, and instructional design as well as inform instructional-designers, teachers, education stakeholders, serious video game designers, and education researchers.<br>Ph.D.<br>Other<br>Education<br>Education PhD
27
Britton, Gwendolyn Suzanne. "Using Online Project-Based Capstone Experiences to Enhance Soft Skills Development." NSUWorks, 2013. http://nsuworks.nova.edu/gscis_etd/101.
Full textAbstract:
Employers of newly minted information technology graduates are concerned that students graduating with information technology degrees offered in online environments are lacking critical noncomputing skills (soft skills). Further, it is unclear whether online environments have the capacity to foster the "soft skills" necessary for graduates to be successful in actual work environments. On-ground universities have tried multiple solutions including integrating soft skills into lower division courses--both technical courses and general education courses. On-ground universities have also suggested incorporating performance-based capstone experiences into technical degree programs.
While much research has been done in evaluating the value of capstone experiences in face-to-face environments, research investigating the potential of such an experience to enhance and demonstrate soft skills resulting from the engagement in an online environment is lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine the value of a project-based capstone experience in promoting and assessing the enhancement of soft skills in an online undergraduate information technology degree program. The main goals of this research were to discover whether online competency based programs and the culminating project-based capstone promoted enhancement and demonstration of critical soft skills necessary to succeed in information technology work environments.
Results of the study were based on analysis of interviews, curriculum and literature reviews, and extant survey data. A standout outcome of the study includes a new Gains' in Soft Skills Scalelet based on National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) survey questions to measure gains in soft skill competence.
Several conclusions can be drawn from this study. First, critical soft skills are taught and demonstrated as a result of engagement with the online competency-based undergraduate information program. Second, it appears that some soft skills are more strongly emphasized than others thereby implying that the online learning model may be well suited to teaching and demonstrating some soft skills and not others. Finally, the culminating project-based capstone experience appears to be missing two key requirements: team participation and oral presentations.
28
Lim, Hwee Ling. "Constructing learning conversations: a study of the discourse and learner experiences of online synchronous discussions." Thesis, Lim, Hwee Ling (2006) Constructing learning conversations: a study of the discourse and learner experiences of online synchronous discussions. PhD thesis, Murdoch University, 2006. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/159/.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of this qualitative case study is to gain greater insight into the impact of online synchronous (chat) interaction on the learning process from a sociocultural constructivist perspective in the context of an online undergraduate unit. Given the sparse research on the effectiveness of chat interaction in supporting knowledge construction processes, few appropriate analytical methods available for examining educational chat discourse, together with the pedagogical imperative to determine the extent to which the real-time computer-mediated communication (CMC) mode satisfies student learning needs, this study fills the gaps in current research by examining the impact of chat interaction in facilitating participation, knowledge construction, and quality of online learning experience of two different online tutorial groups.
Although the literature largely regards chat interaction as fragmented and characterized by interactional incoherence that disrupts the dialogic knowledge construction process, findings from this single-embedded case study of tutorial groups 1 and 4 (G1 and G4), involved in weekly critical discussions on set-readings over 11 weeks (one semester), show that chat interaction is more structured and complex than the literature suggests.
This study utilizes a new methodological design that integrates discourse and social network analytical methods which are triangulated with self-reports of learning experiences from an online survey instrument. The application of a refined Exchange Structure Analysis coding instrument (Kneser, Pilkington, and Treasure-Jones, 2001) with social network analysis (Wasserman and Faust, 1994; Scott, 2000) to transcripts of chat interaction shows educational chat discourse to be coherent; reflecting the typical structure of pedagogical classroom exchanges. Findings from this study further establish that chat interaction enables participation opportunities in tutorial discussions which are valued as important, with variations in levels of participation within and between groups suggesting a pattern of active and peripheral participation which is not necessarily detrimental to learning.
Chat interaction is also found to facilitate collaborative sharing of individual understandings and critical negotiation of meaning which are characteristic of the knowledge construction process, in the form of information-sharing and topic development phases in the exchanges of both groups. Although it is beyond the scope of this study to determine the exact form of knowledge constructed, individual and mutual appropriations of shared knowledge through chat interaction are reported by both groups.
A between group comparison of available tutor scaffolding reveals consistently weak G1 tutor presence compared to strong G4 tutor support at the initial learning stages with gradual withdrawal of scaffolding over time. These results suggest differences in quality of online educational experiences which are confirmed by findings that compared to G1, G4 reported greater satisfaction with more chat tutorial factors; indicating an overall more positive, higher quality of experience with collaborative learning and group work processes afforded by the chat interaction.
With its methodological design, instruments, and findings, this study contributes to existing knowledge on online interaction, advances on previous studies regarding impact of chat interaction on learning, and offers directions for future work in the fields of educational technology, linguistics, and group dynamics in educational social networks. When extrapolated to comparable cases, findings from this study could guide the pedagogical design of collaborative-constructivist learning activities that takes into account the role of chat interaction in the construction of learning conversations.
29
Lim, Hwee Ling. "Constructing learning conversations : a study of the discourse and learner experiences of online synchronous discussions /." Lim, Hwee Ling (2006) Constructing learning conversations: a study of the discourse and learner experiences of online synchronous discussions. PhD thesis, Murdoch University, 2006. http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/159/.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of this qualitative case study is to gain greater insight into the impact of online synchronous (chat) interaction on the learning process from a sociocultural constructivist perspective in the context of an online undergraduate unit. Given the sparse research on the effectiveness of chat interaction in supporting knowledge construction processes, few appropriate analytical methods available for examining educational chat discourse, together with the pedagogical imperative to determine the extent to which the real-time computer-mediated communication (CMC) mode satisfies student learning needs, this study fills the gaps in current research by examining the impact of chat interaction in facilitating participation, knowledge construction, and quality of online learning experience of two different online tutorial groups.
Although the literature largely regards chat interaction as fragmented and characterized by interactional incoherence that disrupts the dialogic knowledge construction process, findings from this single-embedded case study of tutorial groups 1 and 4 (G1 and G4), involved in weekly critical discussions on set-readings over 11 weeks (one semester), show that chat interaction is more structured and complex than the literature suggests.
This study utilizes a new methodological design that integrates discourse and social network analytical methods which are triangulated with self-reports of learning experiences from an online survey instrument. The application of a refined Exchange Structure Analysis coding instrument (Kneser, Pilkington, and Treasure-Jones, 2001) with social network analysis (Wasserman and Faust, 1994; Scott, 2000) to transcripts of chat interaction shows educational chat discourse to be coherent; reflecting the typical structure of pedagogical classroom exchanges. Findings from this study further establish that chat interaction enables participation opportunities in tutorial discussions which are valued as important, with variations in levels of participation within and between groups suggesting a pattern of active and peripheral participation which is not necessarily detrimental to learning.
Chat interaction is also found to facilitate collaborative sharing of individual understandings and critical negotiation of meaning which are characteristic of the knowledge construction process, in the form of information-sharing and topic development phases in the exchanges of both groups. Although it is beyond the scope of this study to determine the exact form of knowledge constructed, individual and mutual appropriations of shared knowledge through chat interaction are reported by both groups.
A between group comparison of available tutor scaffolding reveals consistently weak G1 tutor presence compared to strong G4 tutor support at the initial learning stages with gradual withdrawal of scaffolding over time. These results suggest differences in quality of online educational experiences which are confirmed by findings that compared to G1, G4 reported greater satisfaction with more chat tutorial factors; indicating an overall more positive, higher quality of experience with collaborative learning and group work processes afforded by the chat interaction.
With its methodological design, instruments, and findings, this study contributes to existing knowledge on online interaction, advances on previous studies regarding impact of chat interaction on learning, and offers directions for future work in the fields of educational technology, linguistics, and group dynamics in educational social networks. When extrapolated to comparable cases, findings from this study could guide the pedagogical design of collaborative-constructivist learning activities that takes into account the role of chat interaction in the construction of learning conversations.
30
Brownlow, Rosalind. "Tales from the cardioverse : exploring the lived experiences of learning through online entertainment-education." Thesis, University of Huddersfield, 2015. http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/25439/.
Full textAbstract:
In the last decade entertainment-education has emerged as a key educational approach to promoting personal and social change amongst the general population in mass media contexts such as radio and television. Audiences of entertainment-education are commonly presented with educational messages embedded in soap-opera style dramas that are designed to prompt individuals to explore their values and beliefs and make positive choices about their actions and behaviours. Its use with learners in higher education is however limited and there is a paucity of research regarding its transferability to the online learning environment. In order to understand how nurses learn through online entertainment-education in the higher education context I interviewed nine registered nurses who had studied in these circumstances using Interview Plus technique. The interviews were taped, transcribed and subsequently analysed using Smith and Osborne’s (2003) steps for Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Parasocial learning emerged from nurse learners’ experience of entertainment-education as an active, reflective response to an emotional encounter between a nurse learner and an online character. It promoted changes in nurse learners’ attitudes leading them to act as change agents in the clinical environment. Alternatively nurse learners engaged in monophonic learning. This unilateral approach appeared lead to a reduction in their communicative capacity and their sense of therapeutic agency. The online learning environment appeared to enhance the experience of learning through entertainment-education by facilitating social support for learning. Nurse learners were able to increase their social capital through online social networking; a sense of identity concealment in the form of a virtual mask appeared to liberate them to participate. Some nurse learners however seemed to experience a sense of identity revelation in the form of a virtual window which inhibited their willingness to contribute. By promoting parasocial learning it seems entertainment-education has the potential to enrich the nursing curriculum. It places the patient voice at the centre of the educational experience and stimulates nurse learners to shape care. It seems entertainment-education can be usefully adopted in higher education with nurse learners. The online learning environment appears to be an appropriate media for learning through-entertainment-education. It affords an increase in social capital through meaningful social interaction and promotes freedom to participate through a sense of identity concealment. As liberation through identity concealment was not a universal experience approaches to identity concealment/revelation would need to be carefully considered. Monophonic learning emerged as an alternative experience of learning through entertainment-education. As the factors that influence the adoption of monophonic learning remain unclear they would benefit from further exploration.
31
Ondin, Zerrin. "Experiences of the Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments in Online Learning Environments with regards to Instructional Media." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/64393.
Full textAbstract:
Accessibility is a very important criterion to make online learning inclusive to students with different abilities. According to Burgstahler, Corrigan and McCarter (2004) unless design of the courses are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities, the ultimate goal of distance learning to make education available to everyone cannot be accomplished. However, accessibility is rarely a priority for online course developers and students with disabilities are not considered as a large group (Treviranus and Roberts, 2006). This exploratory case study investigated the experiences of the students with visual impairment in online learning environments with regards to media used in their courses with the intent of providing suggestions for accessible media design. Media included text, visuals (pictures, diagrams, charts, and graphs), audio, and multimedia (video and animation) used in online learning environments. This study used a purposive sampling technique and participants who are visually impaired, who had an online course experience, and who are older than 18 years old were included in the study. A semi-structured interview protocol was developed and participants were asked about challenges they experienced and what worked well for them in terms of media in online learning environment. Because of the lack of scientific research examining design of online learning for students with visual impairment, this dissertation fills an important research gap and also makes contributions to the field of Instructional Design and Technology by providing students' perspectives and suggestions for accessible design. Suggestions provided in this study is valuable in terms of designing accessible online courses and that there is a lack of information and guidance for answering the needs of students with visual impairment in online learning environments.<br>Ph. D.
32
ae, hlim@pi ac, and Hwee Ling Lim. "Constructing Learning Conversations: A Study of the Discourse and Learner Experiences of Online Synchronous Discussions." Murdoch University, 2006. http://wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au/adt/browse/view/adt-MU20070422.203120.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of this qualitative case study is to gain greater insight into the impact of online synchronous (chat) interaction on the learning process from a sociocultural constructivist perspective in the context of an online undergraduate unit. Given the sparse research on the effectiveness of chat interaction in supporting knowledge construction processes, few appropriate analytical methods available for examining educational chat discourse, together with the pedagogical imperative to determine the extent to which the real-time computer-mediated communication (CMC) mode satisfies student learning needs, this study fills the gaps in current research by examining the impact of chat interaction in facilitating participation, knowledge construction, and quality of online learning experience of two different online tutorial groups.
Although the literature largely regards chat interaction as fragmented and characterized by interactional incoherence that disrupts the dialogic knowledge construction process, findings from this single-embedded case study of tutorial groups 1 and 4 (G1 and G4), involved in weekly critical discussions on set-readings over 11 weeks (one semester), show that chat interaction is more structured and complex than the literature suggests.
This study utilizes a new methodological design that integrates discourse and social network analytical methods which are triangulated with self-reports of learning experiences from an online survey instrument. The application of a refined Exchange Structure Analysis coding instrument (Kneser, Pilkington, & Treasure-Jones, 2001) with social network analysis (Wasserman & Faust, 1994; Scott, 2000) to transcripts of chat interaction shows educational chat discourse to be coherent; reflecting the typical structure of pedagogical classroom exchanges. Findings from this study further establish that chat interaction enables participation opportunities in tutorial discussions which are valued as important, with variations in levels of participation within and between groups suggesting a pattern of active and peripheral participation which is not necessarily detrimental to learning.
Chat interaction is also found to facilitate collaborative sharing of individual understandings and critical negotiation of meaning which are characteristic of the knowledge construction process, in the form of information-sharing and topic development phases in the exchanges of both groups. Although it is beyond the scope of this study to determine the exact form of knowledge constructed, individual and mutual appropriations of shared knowledge through chat interaction are reported by both groups.
A between group comparison of available tutor scaffolding reveals consistently weak G1 tutor presence compared to strong G4 tutor support at the initial learning stages with gradual withdrawal of scaffolding over time. These results suggest differences in quality of online educational experiences which are confirmed by findings that compared to G1, G4 reported greater satisfaction with more chat tutorial factors; indicating an overall more positive, higher quality of experience with collaborative learning and group work processes afforded by the chat interaction.
With its methodological design, instruments, and findings, this study contributes to existing knowledge on online interaction, advances on previous studies regarding impact of chat interaction on learning, and offers directions for future work in the fields of educational technology, linguistics, and group dynamics in educational social networks. When extrapolated to comparable cases, findings from this study could guide the pedagogical design of collaborative-constructivist learning activities that takes into account the role of chat interaction in the construction of learning conversations.
33
Eidson, Lisa Ayrdrie Kathleen. "Barriers to e-learning job training government employee experiences in an online wilderness management course /." Diss., [Missoula, Mont.] : The University of Montana, 2009. http://etd.lib.umt.edu/theses/available/etd-01222010-102048.
Full text
34
Tonks, DeLaina Cales. "A Mixed Methods Study of Special Education Families' Experiences at an Online Charter School." BYU ScholarsArchive, 2019. https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/7371.
Full textAbstract:
Student well-being (as opposed to an overemphasis on learning outcomes or technologies) should serve as the central component of a successful online model for students with disabilities. Historically, research on online schools for students with disabilities has focused on outcomes. One online charter schools growth of the students with disabilities population has outpaced the growth of the general education student population over the past eight years, which is an unusual trend that warrants additional scrutiny. Using anonymous parent and student surveys coupled with in-depth phenomenological interviews, this explanatory mixed-methods study investigates the reasons families of students with disabilities chose online learning at this particular school and what their experiences have been. The findings suggest that parents and students value the learning environment in terms of choosing when, where, and how to learn, and the student experience in terms of safety, support, academics, and teachers. Further analysis suggests the importance of mattering, social safety and connection, open educational resource-enabled pedagogy, and self-determination in providing supportive online learning environments for students with disabilities and their parents. This dissertation can be downloaded at www.delainatonks.com.
35
Moody, Jane Elizabeth. "WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES WITH DISTANCE EDUCATION." Master's thesis, University of Central Florida, 2004. http://digital.library.ucf.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ETD/id/4493.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis examines issues that affect women in online learning, and discusses four women's particular experiences in the University of Central Florida's distance learning program. Online education involves aspects of support and communication that may affect women's learning experiences either positively or negatively. Distance learning may also allow women to pursue their education while still taking care of their families and outside work. In order to get a better idea of how distance learning impacts women, I discuss several studies that examine how distance learning affects women in particular. I identify three areas from this literature that seem to be particularly important in order for women to have a successful distance learning experience: social support, technical support, and awareness of differences in discussion style. After reviewing the existing literature, I discuss how this literature applies to four women's experiences here at UCF. I talk with them about how they perceive their online learning experiences, and about how they feel that the issues identified in the literature are reflected in their own lives. I discuss their issues with support, technical support, and online discussions, and relate these to existing literature in order to come up with areas that may need further exploration or improvement. I conclude the study by providing suggestions and recommendations for professors who deal with women in their online classes. I also suggest areas for further exploration in the field of women's distance education.<br>M.A.<br>Department of English<br>Arts and Sciences<br>English
36
Kotsch, Janeen S. "EXPLORING STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES OF CONCEPT-BASED LEARNING IN AN ASYNCHRONOUS ONLINE PHARMACOLOGY COURSE: AN INTERPRETIVE STUDY." Kent State University / OhioLINK, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent161787487052164.
Full text
37
White, Michael Wayne. "Designing engaging curriculum a systematic process for adapting biological laboratory experiences to the online learning environment /." [Pensacola, Fla.] : University of West Florida, 2008. http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/WFE0000139.
Full text
38
Scott, Donald E. "Effective online learning experiences: exploring potential relationships between Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) learning environments and adult learners’ motivation, multiple intelligences, and learning styles." Thesis, Curtin University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/1064.
Full textAbstract:
This study was a 360 degree exploration of the effectiveness of online learning experiences facilitated via Voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) by incorporating the insights afforded by students, their lecturers, and the administrator responsible for a VoIP trial in an Australian university. Also examined were the teaching considerations in designing effective online learning experiences and institutional rationale for adopting VoIP. This research investigated potential relationships between the adult learners’ motivations to engage with the Voice-over-Internet- Protocol learning environment and their multiple intelligences (Gardner’s theory) and learning management styles (Lessem’s Spectral Management theory)A pragmatic paradigm underpinned the mixed methods approach whereby questionnaires and inventories were used to ascertain students’ multiple intelligences, learning management styles, and their perceptions of the learning experiences. An interpretive orientation was represented in the use of in-depth interview data, content analysis of reflective journals, and open-ended data from the questionnaires. These data enabled richer insights into students’ perceptions of their learning environment and motivations, and academics’ perceptions of teaching and administrative imperatives.The conceptual framework (Figure 2.1) paid homage to the university student as the central figure in the teaching and learning cycle. Teaching and learning should remain a cyclical process whereby students learn from the academics’ knowledge and their design of sound pedagogical experiences; contrastingly, lecturers learn about the effectiveness of their practice from student feedback and achievement. Lecturers are able to improve their pedagogical practice through professional development activities. Hence, good teaching and learning are the two key aspects in the literature identified as appropriate in this study. Student focus is on their learning; hence, the domains of adult learning and motivation are important inclusions. Additionally, it is useful to explore the knowledge-base related to learning styles and multiple intelligences. As this study has educational technology as a significant theme, it is important to include literature relating to teaching with technology. The Business capstone course in this case was designed by pedagogical and content experts and utilised a team approach as the core teaching strategy. Therefore, cooperative learning, good teaching, and an outline of the context of university teaching in Australia provided insights into this case.A significant finding in this study was that students preferred face-to-face and blended learning over purely online delivery. Good teaching was a major issue for students and they were articulate in describing what assisted them in their learning and were critical of poor pedagogical practices. Students desired positive relationships with their lecturers, and needed instructor-guidance and clear coursework structures. Students’ priorities were good teaching, having control over their learning, and working effectively in collaborative teams. Students were motivated by facilities such as VoIP which increased the convenience factor in their studies. Learning communities were established by the students within face-to-face modes but were not as successfully established within the VoIP medium. They were motivated by working together in productive groups and enjoyed developing and refining their professional skills, such as leadership, communication, and teamwork. They were motivated by aspects of the course (including the VoIP) which they perceived to be directly relevant to career-oriented, pragmatic knowledge and skills.From the academic perspective, VoIP was successful in creating online interactive environments, although more professional development was needed so that the full power of the medium could be utilised. Administratively, it was also found to be effective in providing a stable teaching and learning medium ensuring against potential disruptions due to global instability.Students’ multiple intelligences were distributed across the eight intelligences, with the three predominant being musical/rhythmic, kinaesthetic, and visual/spatial, respectively. A similar distribution was found for the seven learning management styles with the predominant being “indigo” with a ‘developmental’ management and ‘intuitive’ learning style; “green” with an ‘enterprising’ management and ‘energising’ learning style; and, third, “orange” with a ‘people-oriented’ management and ‘responsive’ learning style.VoIP was found to be suitable for all students regardless of their multiple intelligences and learning management styles. There was no statistical correlation found linking students’ learning management styles, with multiple intelligences and their motivation to engage with the VoIP environment. Learning management styles and multiple intelligences were found to be distinct constructs with no interrelationships. There were weak relationships found though between individuals who were ‘people-oriented’; ‘energised’ and ‘enterprising’; and/or ‘managers of change’ with an enthusiasm for things ‘experimental’ in terms of their learning management style, whereby they had greater affinity for, and motivation to engage with VoIP learning experiences. Similarly, those whose multiple intelligences were people-, interpersonally-, and verbally-oriented were more receptive to this synchronous interactive (VoIP) environment. Even so, all students reported VoIP as being a positive experience.Australian universities have become an essential economic export commodity in a competitive global market. Therefore, university administrators and their government counterparts are understandably focused on enhancing institutional reputations to ensure the ongoing sustainability of this lucrative market. A key performance indicator of the quality of universities is students’ satisfaction with their learning experiences, which relates to word-of-mouth marketing of programmes. Business, industry and other employers make judgements about the institutional quality based upon perceptions of graduates’ knowledge and professional skills. Hence, graduate performance in the workplace can positively influence future enrolment, demand for graduates from particular institutions, and research funding opportunities. This highlights the importance of quality teaching and learning to institutional reputation. This means university leaders must set realistic goals for their staff and actively support teaching and learning priorities.Two models, Webs of Enhanced Practice and the Webs of Enhanced Learning, have been developed as a result of the findings of this research. The first model focuses on the macro context and relates to the professional development of academics with the view to improving teaching practice. It is a blended networking model which encompasses academics, their leaders, technologists, content and pedagogical experts, and students. In this multi-modal interaction model, professional development is reconceptualised as a more flexible, technologically-blended, and holistic approach. The second model, Webs of Enhanced Learning, is a micro model which articulates how the impact of the first model relates to good learning and teaching within the university classroom. This model describes how academic development can translate to better learning and assessment for students. It also identifies the potential for more student-to-student interaction and the learning which can be facilitated as a result of these collaborations. These models, working in concert, aim to facilitate better learning and teaching at the student level, academic professional development level, and to further organisational goals for quality teaching and learning and institutional reputation.
39
McVay-Dyche, Jennifer Michelle. "Changing Course: Early Childhood Development Faculty Experiences Transitioning from Traditional to Asynchronous Online Teaching." University of Dayton / OhioLINK, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=dayton1386890444.
Full text
40
Role, Sharon Joan. "An inquiry into factors affecting the online learning experiences of A-level chemistry students studying in a blended learning course in a college in Malta and the impact of these experiences on learning identity." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2014. http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/14511/.
Full textAbstract:
This study carried out as practitioner-research explores the new online collaborative learning experiences of a class of thirty-seven college students studying A-level chemistry in a blended learning context. It is a case-study with a multi-method interpretivist approach using observations, unsolicited meetings, VLE tracking system, students’ reflective journal, online informal discussions, questionnaires, focus groups and individual interviews. The students, used to traditional non-collaborative learning methods in the face-to-face class, demonstrated complex online behaviour patterns. Findings showed that the factors affecting these behaviours were of a situational, infrastructural and persona-related nature. Four key learning dispositions – resourcefulness, resilience, reciprocity and responsibility were identified as persona-related enablers. These dispositions were instrumental for changes in the students as learners. These included changes in epistemological beliefs, study patterns, study habits and above all, in learner roles and learning identities. Notable changes occurred in a group of learners who were initially reluctant to learn from the online environment. This study suggests that online learning can not only support a socio-constructive approach to learning to students in the online setting, but also induces similar student learning behaviours in the face-to-face class. The study also gives evidence of transformation in the academic and the positional student learning identities. The new interacting student learning identities projected a sense of belonging, of being valued and of connectedness in both the online and the face-to-face class community. This research is significant as a study of the impact of online experiences on college students in a blended learning context. Similar research contexts were scarce in the literature. It is valuable to the current teaching community in Malta, where the recent National Curriculum Framework (2012) has emphasised a socio-constructive approach to learning and where several educational institutions have started using VLEs to provide blended learning experiences.
41
Peters, Mitchell Joseph. "The contribution of lifelong learning ecologies in online higher education: graduate student learning across contexts." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/670302.
Full textAbstract:
Les institucions d'ensenyament superior s'han hagut d'adaptar cada vegada més a la digitalització de l'educació, així com a una àmplia demografia d'estudiants que es tornen a incorporar a la formació acadèmica en diferents etapes de la seva carrera. Aquests estudiants, que aprenen al llarg de la vida, sovint han de combinar els estudis amb responsabilitats professionals paral·leles. El propòsit d'aquest estudi interpretatiu és comprendre les experiències dels estudiants en diferents contextos -des d'una perspectiva d'ecologies d'aprenentatge (learning ecologies, LE)- en el context de l'ensenyament superior en línia. L'estudi de cas múltiple de mètodes mixtos principalment qualitatius es va desenvolupar en tres programes de postgrau totalment en línia. Els resultats obtinguts mitjançant l'ús d'un marc analític de LE han demostrat l'efectivitat del constructe a l'hora d'analitzar la complexitat de l'aprenentatge en diferents contextos. Els resultats destaquen la centralitat de l'activitat de l'alumne com un component clau que impulsa les LE d'un individu en combinació amb el suport dels companys i els recursos d'aprenentatge digital en sistemes oberts, dinàmics i fluids que abasten múltiples contextos.<br>Las instituciones de educación superior han tenido que adaptarse cada vez más a la digitalización de la educación, así como a una amplia demografía de estudiantes que vuelven a incorporarse a la educación formal en diferentes etapas de su carrera. Estos estudiantes, que aprenden a lo largo de su vida, a menudo deben combinar los estudios con responsabilidades profesionales paralelas. El propósito de este estudio interpretativo es comprender las experiencias de los estudiantes en distintos contextos -desde una perspectiva de ecologías de aprendizaje (learning ecologies, LE)- en el contexto de la educación superior en línea. El estudio de caso múltiple de métodos mixtos principalmente cualitativos se desarrolló en tres de programas de posgrado totalmente en línea. Los resultados obtenidos mediante el uso de un marco analítico de LE han demostrado la efectividad del constructo a la hora de analizar la complejidad del aprendizaje en distintos contextos. Los resultados destacan la centralidad de la actividad del alumno como un componente clave que impulsa las LE de un individuo en combinación con el apoyo de los compañeros y los recursos de aprendizaje digital dentro de sistemas abiertos, dinámicos y fluidos que abarcan múltiples contextos.<br>Higher Education institutions have increasingly had to adapt to both the digitalization of education and a broad global demographic of students re-entering formal education at different stages of their careers as lifelong learners, often in combination with parallel professional responsibilities. The purpose of this interpretive study is to understand student experiences and conceptions of learning across contexts - from a learning ecologies perspective - in the context of online HE. The primarily qualitative mixed methods multiple case study was developed across three sites of fully online graduate level programs (master's or 1st year doctoral students) at the UOC and at UIUC. The results obtained using a Learning Ecologies (LE) analytical framework have demonstrated the effectiveness of the construct for analyzing the complexity of learning across multiple contexts. The findings highlight the centrality of learner activity as a key component which drives an individual's LE in combination with peer support and digital learning resources within open, dynamic and fluid systems spanning multiple contexts.
42
Kajasiche, Diana Tadala. "The impact of unplanned online learning due to Covid-19 on cross-cultural experiences and expectations on international African graduate students in the US." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu162687000181805.
Full text
43
Passmore, Denise A. "A phenomenological study of nursing faculty's experiences in transitioning from a classroom to an online teaching role." [Tampa, Fla] : University of South Florida, 2009. http://purl.fcla.edu/usf/dc/et/SFE0003204.
Full text
44
Salisbury, Lauren E. "The Role of Space and Place: A Case Study of Students' Experiences in Online First-Year Writing Courses (OFWYCs)." Bowling Green State University / OhioLINK, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1553249607260715.
Full text
45
Turner, Mark John. "The experiences of e-learning for eight education professionals undertaking an online course in educational testing : an interpretative phenomenological analysis." Thesis, University of East London, 2010. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.533052.
Full textAbstract:
Major UK studies reviewing thee-learning literature have concluded that "There is a general scarcity of studies of the learner experience" (Sharpe, Benfield, Lessner & De Cicco, 2005, p.3). This research study focuses on the experience of e-learning for eight education professionals who, over a six month period, wrote diary entries on a confidential online blog. A single open ended question and a prompt which aimed to increase awareness were used so that participants provided data about the experiences that were important to them. A phenomenological perspective was used to explore the participants' experience. The data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (Smith, 1996). The diary accounts provided eight different personal experiences of alearning. Three common themes were identified of 'feeling socially isolated', 'difficult to keep going', 'online tutor absent'. Less common themes were also identified, 'positive social contact online', 'I must be careful that people don't see me as incompetent', 'course matches my learning style', 'course does not match my learning style' and 'writing the blog made a difference'. Course participants experienced the social presence of 'faceless strangers' and felt socially isolated. The 'social isolation' theme appeared to link to the theme 'difficult to keep going'. This suggests that providing experiences of social presence on an e-learning course is not enough and further research into the area of social connectedness would be valuable. Whilst all course participants made progress through the course many described their e-learning experience in intensely emotional terms. Adopting Mead's (1934) theory of perception it is suggested that the intense emotional experiences could be due to the unexpected loss of social cues making it difficult for course participants to construct an identity on the course. Educational Psychologists are recommended to consider using elearning to provide continuing professional development opportunities for education professionals.
46
Goolnik, Geoffrey M. "Ontological experiences from a university's change management of its online learning initiative and associated Continuing Professional Development opportunities for academic staff." Thesis, University of Strathclyde, 2010. http://oleg.lib.strath.ac.uk:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=14450.
Full text
47
Walker, Brian K. "Bridging the distance how social interaction, presence, social presence, and sense of community influence student learning experiences in an online virtual environment /." Greensboro, N.C. : University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2007. http://libres.uncg.edu/edocs/etd/1472WalkerB/umi-uncg-1472.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 2007.<br>Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Feb. 29, 2008). Directed by David F. Ayers, Sam Miller; submitted to the School of Education. Includes bibliographical references (p. 229-256).
48
Johansson, Agnes, and Aleksandra Voronenko. "Creating a sense of normality : A quantitative study examining how a digital collaborative tool impacts students’ experiences in online synchronous group discussions." Thesis, Jönköping University, Tekniska Högskolan, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-53312.
Full textAbstract:
Purpose – The unexpected yet drastic influence of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid transition of education to be conducted in digital environments. Replacing face-to-face classrooms with synchronous online learning requires a number of appropriate adjustments which were heavily restricted by the urgency of this global change taking place. With theobserved issues of student participation and involvement in online learning, the purpose ofthis research was to investigate the potential that digital collaborative tools have and if theycan improve the quality of online group discussions among students aged 12 to 16 years old. Method – This study employs a quantitative data collection approach and makes use of the Community of Inquiry framework. A close-ended questionnaire based on the Community of Inquiry survey tool was used to collect students’ impressions and attitudes after they hadparticipated in the experimental study. The experiment consisted of control and experimental groups that partook in online group discussions as part of a regularly scheduled lesson. Findings – Digital collaborative tools were found to change the way in which students experience online group discussions. The attained rates of the Community of Inquiry were overall higher among students in the experimental group. Our findings tested to be statistically significant together with the effect size falling between medium to large extent. This further supports the notion that digital collaborative tools bring in a positive difference into online group discussions and have a potential to increase the quality of online learning when implemented carefully and thoughtfully. Implications – This study emphasizes the importance of developing a clear strategy of how to implement suitable digital collaborative tools into online learning in the most optimal manner that would increase the quality of online learning. This paper can be considered as a startingpoint for future research that could construct further knowledge within the field and extend our findings by investigating other aspects that have an influence on and can have beneficial effects for younger students in online education.
49
Steele, James. "The Role Humor Plays in Facilitating Rapport, Engagement, and Motivation in Graduate Online Learning Environments." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2017. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1011748/.
Full textAbstract:
This study seeks to explore, using an interpretivist phenomenological approach, how humor may impact rapport, engagement, and motivation in graduate online learning environments. Through detailed qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and demographic survey data, emergent themes were identified that support the use of appropriate humor to create a positive online environment in which learning can take place. Evidence indicates that humor, when used purposefully and appropriately, is a valuable tool for promoting rapport and engagement amongst course members through community-building and enhanced interpersonal connections. The results of this study reveal the importance of finding common ground and shared experiences to improve the overall social and communicative culture of an online course. The results also support the idea that online instructors should make a great effort in connecting with students in online courses and must make a greater effort to appropriately engage in their online courses. Appropriate recommendations are made for practical application of humor to support pedagogy, as well as recommendations for future research on humor in educational environments.
50
Semon, Sarah R. "Portraits of Online Teaching and Learning: The Experiences of an Instructor and Six Graduate Students in a Course Entitled Educating Students with Autism." [Tampa, Fla] : University of South Florida, 2009. http://purl.fcla.edu/usf/dc/et/SFE0003137.
Full text