scholarly journals Exploring students’ learning experience in online education: analysis and improvement proposals based on the case of a Spanish open learning university

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Rivera-Vargas ◽  
Terry Anderson ◽  
Cristina Alonso Cano
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Educational Model ◽  
Student Body ◽  
International Context ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Virtual Universities ◽  
Technological Competencies

AbstractNot surprisingly, the number of online universities continues to expand—especially in Covid-19 times. These institutions all offer “online education” with diverse institutional, technological, and pedagogical processes. However, a fundamental element has to do with the experience of the students, and how they adapt to the educational model of the online university in which they are studying. In this article, we present the main results of the case-study developed in one of the most historical and relevant virtual universities in an international context. We have explored and analysed the process of adaptation to the educational model by the student body, and their perceptions of their interactions with the pedagogical, institutional, and technological elements designed to support their learning. Qualitative and quantitative methods are used to gather and analyse the data. From 1715 students who participated in the survey and the perceptions of 30 students individually interviewed, the results show positive evaluations regarding the integration and adoption of technological competencies, and also, that the online education generally serves as a responsive model to the emergent needs of the learner. However, the results also show that students have important concerns regarding the pedagogical and institutional support provided.

scholarly journals Exploring students' learning experience in online education. Analysis and proposals based on the case of a Spanish open learning university

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Rivera-Vargas ◽  
Terry Anderson ◽  
Cristina Alonso Cano
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Educational Model ◽  
Student Body ◽  
International Context ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Virtual Universities ◽  
Technological Competencies

Abstract Not surprisingly, the number of online universities continues to expand - especially in Covid-19 times. These institutions all offer “online education” with diverse institutional, technological, and pedagogical processes. However, a fundamental element has to do with the experience of the students, and how they adapt to the educational model of the online university in which they are studying. In this article, we present the main results of the case-study developed in one of the most historical and relevant virtual universities in an international context. We have explored and analysed the process of adaptation to the educational model by the student body, and their perceptions of their interactions with the pedagogical, institutional, and technological elements designed to support their learning. Qualitative and quantitative methods are used to gather and analyse the data. From 1715 students who participated in the survey and the perceptions of 30 students individually interviewed, the results show positive evaluations regarding the integration and adoption of technological competencies, and also, that the online education generally serves as a responsive model to the emergent needs of the learner. However, the results also show that students have important concerns regarding the pedagogical and institutional support provided.

scholarly journals The Impact of Information Communication and Technology Utilization on the Financial Performance of Microfinance Institutions in Rwanda Case Study: Reseau Interdiocesain De Microfinance (Rim) Ltd, Rwanda (2011 -2015)

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Jean Bosco Harelimana
Keyword(s):  
Financial Performance ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Financial Sustainability ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Information Communication ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
The Impact

The study analyzed the impact of ICT utilization on the financial performance of microfinance institutions inRwanda with case study of Réseau Interdiocesain de microfinance (RIM) Ltd undertaken within 5 years (2011-2015). The study adopted the use of descriptive survey using both qualitative and quantitative methods for a totalsample size of 132. Purporsive and simple random simpling was used for this purpose. Primary and Secondary datawere collected and thene analyzed using SPSS version 16.00. The study found that ICT has been introduced and usedabout 5 years and above. The study found that ICT impact firstly on financial sustainability and profitability (65.8%),secondly on financial efficiency and productivity (23.7) and finally on portfolio quality (5.3%). ICT utilization havea high influence to the RIM Ltd.’s financial performance compared to the previous situation.The correlation results imply that ICT usage has a positive impact on financial sustainability and profitability as theymove in the same direction (R=0.502). The strength of the impact was found to be low due to the low investments inICT among microfinance institutions.

scholarly journals A Composite Index to Measure Smartness and Competitiveness of Heritage Tourism Destination and Historic Building

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 13135
Author(s):  
Maysa Ali Selim ◽  
Noura Anwar Abdel-Fattah ◽  
Yasmine Sabry Hegazi
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Composite Index ◽  
Economic Resources ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Tourism Sector ◽  
Investment Opportunities ◽  
High Level ◽  
Critical Intervention

The key issue of this current study is related to shaping the attractiveness of heritage destinations, highlighting the significance of reuse and upgrading their historical buildings to achieve a high level of competitiveness and distinctiveness through a smart approach. Some of these cultural assets and events tend to be monotonous, and not so attractive for various categories of tourists, which negatively affects investment opportunities, tourism development, and social and economic resources. Furthermore, previous works have criticized the lack of evidence to support that the structure contains critical attributes and measurement items linked to the competitiveness of smart heritage destinations. As a result, this study aims to design and develop a composite index for evaluating these destinations and their buildings, which includes nine dimensions (attributes) and a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) of intelligent performance and competitiveness, reflecting the combination and noticing the distinct perspective between them. A mixed-methods approach was used between qualitative and quantitative methods to perform content validation on the proposed index. Furthermore, a pilot study was implemented for tourism heritage destinations to improve the quality and efficiency of the proposed index. Then, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to analyze the data to develop the proposed index and measure its validity and reliability. Finally, the proposed composite index was finalized with 139 KPIs and applied to a case study (Salah El-Din Citadel). After that, we validated its utility in providing a quantitative evaluation of this heritage destination, identifying critical intervention priorities, and determining dimensions that need to be restructured. Additionally, it highlighted recommendations for future improvements to strengthen these heritage destinations to become smart heritage destinations capable of competition in the tourism sector.

Architectural design communication (ADC) in online education during COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison of Turkish and Spanish universities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayşegül Akçay Kavakoğlu ◽  
Derya Güleç Özer ◽  
Débora Domingo-Callabuig ◽  
Ömer Bilen
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Path Analysis ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Architectural Education ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Design Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Drawing

PurposeThe paper aims to examine the concept of architectural design communication (ADC) for updating design studio dynamics in architectural education during the Covid-19 pandemic. Within this perspective, the changing and transforming contents of architectural education, the thinking, representation and production mediums are examined through the determined components of ADC. There are five components in the study, which are (1) Effective Language Use, (2) Effective use of Handcrafts, (3) Effective Technical Drawing Knowledge, (4) Effective Architectural Software Knowledge and (5) Outputs.Design/methodology/approachThe research method is based on qualitative and quantitative methods; a survey study is applied and the comparative results are evaluated with the path analysis method. The students in the Department of Architecture of two universities have been selected as the target audience. Case study 1 survey is applied to Altinbas University (AU) and Case study 2 survey is applied to Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (UPV) students during the COVID-19 pandemic; ‘19-‘20 spring term, online education.FindingsAs a result, two-path analysis diagrams are produced for two universities, and a comparative analysis is presented to reveal the relationships of the selected ADC components.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills an identified need to study how ADC can be developed in online education platforms.

scholarly journals Blended Learning Experience of Students Participating Pedagogical Formation Program: Advantages and Limitation of Blended Education

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatih Saltan
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Qualitative Case Study ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Teaching Profession ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Arts And Sciences ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Group Interviews

The aim of this study was to investigate the learning experience of students studying pedagogic formation in blended design with regard to attendance, self confidence, and attitudes toward both Pedagogic Formation Program (PFP) and the teaching profession. In order to achieve this aim, a qualitative case study approach was carried out. The participants of this study consisted of 154 graduated Faculty of Arts and Sciences students who were enrolled in the first blended PFP in Turkey. A qualitative case study was conducted. Data were obtained through an open-ended questionnaire (n=154) and focus group interviews (n=8). The qualitative data were analyzed by using content analysis techniques. Overall, the results indicated that blended PFP was highly promising regarding professional development, self-confidence, accessibility and eliminating some disadvantages of distance education. Specifically, inherent problems of online education continued to take place in blended design but a balanced blended approach could minimize these weaknesses. Participants indicated that face-to-face sections were more applied, authentic and effective than the online part. On the other hand, most of the participants preferred to attend the online lessons regularly.  It was mainly because of availability concerns, travelling, and comfort of their home.

Trusting Others: A Pareto Distribution of Source and Message Credibility Among News Reporters

2020 ◽  
pp. 009365022091181
Author(s):  
Aviv Barnoy ◽  
Zvi Reich
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Pareto Distribution ◽  
Interpersonal Trust ◽  
Immediate Feedback ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Epistemic Trust ◽  
Mixed Inference ◽  
First Time

This study uses the case study of journalists to explore the socio-cognitive nature of interpersonal trust in growingly deceptive ecosystems. Journalists are ideal test subjects to explore these issues as professional trust allocators, who receive immediate feedback on right and wrong trust decisions. The study differentiates, for the first time, between source and message credibility evaluations, based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. Findings show that journalists can distinguish source and message credibility. However, in practice they rely on source evaluations as an “autopilot” default mode, shifting gears to observations of source and message credibility in epistemically complex cases. The proportion between both is close to Pareto distribution. This extreme division challenges both inductive and mixed inference theories of epistemic trust and suggests revisiting the “typification” doctrine of newswork. Data partially support the hegemony and “epistemic injustice” theory, showing that traditional credibility criteria might trigger the exclusion of nontraditional voices.

Using Qualitative and Quantitative Methods for Complementary Purposes: A Case Study

10.1002/ir.26 ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 2001 (112) ◽  
pp. 15-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josetta S. McLaughlin ◽  
Gerald W. McLaughlin ◽  
John A. Muffo
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods

scholarly journals The learning experiences and outcomes of medical students in a longitudinal integrated clerkship and traditional block rotations in Taiwan: a comparative and qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaw-Wen Chang ◽  
Wen-Hui Fang ◽  
Wen-Chii Tzeng ◽  
Pauling Chu ◽  
Senyeong Kao
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Clinical Performance ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Block Rotation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Tertiary Teaching

Abstract Background An increasing number of medical schools worldwide are implementing longitudinal integrated clerkships (LICs), but few schools in East Asia have done the same. The study explored and compared learning experiences and academic performances of LIC and traditional block rotation (TBR) students at a metropolitan tertiary teaching hospital in Taiwan.Methods This study employed qualitative and quantitative methods. We used semi-structured interviews to explore the learning experience of the medical students in their fifth-year clerkship and analyzed the data with a general inductive approach. We also compared the students’ academic performance, including the scores of their clinical performance, medical record writing, written tests, and the objective structured clinical exam.Results There were 12 LIC and 14 TBR students who participated in interviews. We identified four major themes in their learning experiences. (1) Clinical learning: the importance of active learning, the difference between textbook knowledge and clinical practice, and opportunistic (TBR) versus contextual (LIC) learning. (2) With patients: companionship with patients (TBR and LIC) and bridging the gap between physicians and patients (LIC). (3) With preceptors: apprenticeship (for LIC) and difficulty communicating with preceptors (for TBR). (4) Doctor-patient relationship: interaction and communication. Comparing the learning outcomes, the LIC students scored higher on preceptor-rated assessments, and both groups exhibited comparable performance on written tests and the objective structured clinical examination.Conclusion Although students’ learning experience differed in some respects according to their curricula, they had a comparable academic performance.

scholarly journals Teaching with Literature: the Needs of Indonesian Islamic Universities

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (7) ◽  
pp. 169
Author(s):  
Dedi Irwansyah ◽  
Burhan Nurgiyantoro ◽  
Asruddin B. Tou
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Code Of Conduct ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Cross Culture ◽  
Thick Description ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Universal Values ◽  
Adequate Analysis

Reading literary works helps learners grow linguistically, personally, culturally, and spiritually. However, researchers in the field of ESL and EFL have not conducted adequate analysis on the use of literature as a resource particularly in a multi-layered educational contexts like Indonesian Islamic universities where values embedded in literature might be in conflict with each other. This research therefore aims to provide a thick description on the target needs and the learning needs of teaching with literature in such context. A case study with qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection was conducted. A questioner was distributed to 30 students and a semi-structured interview was conducted to five lecturers from three Islamic universities. Major findings show that short stories with the topics of noble character, self-empowerment, freedom, code of conduct, and greed are preferable to novel, drama, and poem. The stories in the forms of their simplified and original versions should be used to teach language skills and to inculcate global, national, and Islamic values within the CTL framework. Values similarities are to be the basis of teaching universal values while their differences are to strengthen cross-culture understanding.

scholarly journals Determining the Level of a Language Test with English Profile: A Forensic Linguistics Case Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Núria Gavaldà ◽  
Sheila Queralt
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
English Language ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Choice Test ◽  
Reference Level ◽  
Multiple Choice Questions ◽  
Forensic Linguistics ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods

This article deals with a forensic linguistics case study of the determination of the level of a B1 English multiple-choice test that was challenged in court by numerous candidates on the grounds that it was not of the appropriate level. A control corpus comprising 240 analogous multiple-choice questions from B1 exams aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) was compiled in order to establish a threshold for the percentage of questions of a level higher than that being tested which can be expected in such exams. The analysis was carried out following a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, with the help of the tool English Profile, which provides Reference Level Descriptions (RLDs) for the English language within the CEFR. The results of the analysis of the control corpus established a baseline of 5 to 7% of questions that include key items classified as higher than B1, while the percentage was 68% in the case of the disputedexam. Thus, the present study proposes a further application of the tool English Profile within the field of forensic linguistics and puts forward the concept of Level Appropriateness Threshold (LAT), analogous to other thresholds established in forensic linguistics, which can serve as a baseline for determining the appropriateness of B1 English multiple-choice exams and a model for other levels and skill areas.

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