scholarly journals Students' readiness for e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in a South-East Asian university: a Rasch analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donnie Adams ◽  
Kee Man Chuah ◽  
Bambang Sumintono ◽  
Ahmed Mohamed
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Sudden Change ◽  
Student Diversity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Field Of Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Mode Of Instruction

PurposeUniversities have shifted from face-to-face learning environments to e-learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the sudden change to online teaching has raised concerns among lecturers about students' readiness for e-learning. This study investigates students' readiness for e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and specifically assesses any significant differences between students' gender, age, ethnicity, level of education, field of study and their readiness for an e-learning environment.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a non-experimental quantitative research design. Data were gathered from a sample of 298 undergraduate and 101 postgraduate students. WINSTEPS Rasch model measurement software was used to determine the reliability and validity of the research instrument. Descriptive, inferential statistics and differential item functioning (DIF) test were used to assess students' readiness for an e-learning mode of instruction with the latter specifically analysing students' demographic factors and their readiness for an e-learning environment.FindingsFindings identified that most students are ready for an e-learning mode of instruction. Further analysis indicated that there were differences in students' readiness for e-learning based on their demographic profiles.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides insights on students' readiness towards e-learning, discusses implications for e-learning practices in higher education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers recommendations for future research.Originality/valueThis study provides evidences of students' readiness for e-learning in respect to their gender, age, ethnicity, level of education and field of study. This information could help lecturers to reflect on their own teaching practices, adjust their teaching approaches and subsequently, develop appropriate e-learning methods that best suit the student diversity in their classrooms.

Pivoting in a COVID-19 teaching environment: developing interactive teaching approaches and online assessments to improve students’ experiences

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate L. Morgan ◽  
Wei Chen
Keyword(s):  
Online Teaching ◽  
Sudden Change ◽  
Course Delivery ◽  
Financial Accounting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Course Materials ◽  
Accounting Courses ◽  
Online Assessments ◽  
Short Time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the changes made to course delivery, course materials and assessment approaches required in response to the COVID-19 pandemic which forced many changes to occur in a very short time. Design/methodology/approach It is a case study of the changes made to content, teaching methods and assessment in a postgraduate introductory financial accounting course of approximately 350 students across two terms. Findings The key findings are that the sudden change from face-to-face to online teaching to address government regulations, social distancing expectations and students’ needs required immediate changes to how content was delivered, how to interact with students (many of who were studying outside of Australia), and how to adapt to online assessments. Many of the innovations the authors describe will continue to be used in the course going forward both in face-to-face and online formats. That is, the need to change resulted in innovations that can be implemented in a post-pandemic environment. Originality/value The key value of this paper is to provide instructors with insights into the innovations the authors made to address the changed circumstances, which can be incorporated into other accounting courses in the future.

Successful Online Teaching and Learning Strategies

2009 ◽  
pp. 110-123
Author(s):  
Mary D. Oriol ◽  
Gail Tumulty
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Nursing Program ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Positive Learning Environment ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Teaching Learning

This chapter presents a theoretical framework and research base for the successful transition of an established Master of Science in Nursing program from that of traditional classroom delivery to one that is Web-based with no geographic limitations to students. The application of socio-technical systems theory to facilitate creation of a positive learning environment for future nurse leaders is described. Use of social processes and application of technology to optimize learning is explained and the latest research on content presentation and student engagement in an e-learning environment are presented. The authors hope that through examination of successful online teaching/learning strategies, readers will have a clear understanding of the competencies necessary for students and faculty to be successful in online education.

Students’ readiness for blended learning in a leading Malaysian private higher education institution

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Donnie Adams ◽  
Mabel Hwee Joo Tan ◽  
Bambang Sumintono
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Private Higher Education ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Validity And Reliability ◽  
Field Of Study ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Teaching and learning are being transformed by digital technology, where the present generation of students, termed millennials, are more adept with the increasingly digitalised world we live in. Following this, lecturers and institutions are adapting and adopting a blended learning model across disciplines, which now commands an entire domain of research and application. However, questions remain about how ready students are for a blended learning model of instruction. The purpose of this study is to investigate students’ readiness for blended learning in a leading Malaysian private higher education institution. Design/methodology/approach This study used a non-experimental quantitative research design. Data were gathered from a sample of 274 pre-university and undergraduate students using the blended learning readiness engagement questionnaire. Data was analysed using WINSTEPS Rasch model measurement software to determine the validity and reliability of the instrument. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) scores, (logit) value of the item and (logit) value of a person was used to examine students’ readiness for a blended learning model of instruction and specifically assess their readiness based on gender, age, ethnicity and field of study. Findings Findings indicate that students were ready for blended learning. Further analysis indicated there were differences in students’ readiness for blended learning based on gender, age, ethnicity and field of study. Originality/value This study provides insight into students’ readiness towards blended learning in a leading Malaysian private higher education institution, discusses implications for blended learning practices and offers recommendations for future research.

Embracing educational disruption: a case study in making the shift to a remote learning environment

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ida Fatimawati Adi Badiozaman ◽  
Hugh John Leong ◽  
Wallace Wong
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technological Support ◽  
Self Reports ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Professional Development Needs ◽  
The Impact

PurposeAs an institution that has invested in e-learning infrastructure and technology for e-learning delivery, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak conducted The Digital Educator Series as a means of embracing this educational disruption. In particular, this paper reports on the first three courses held under the Digital Educator Series that aims to equip teachers with practical and effective online teaching to school teachers in Sarawak. While the training is still in effect, preliminary results are shared, and implications for practice and recommendations for further research are considered.Design/methodology/approachApproximately 136 questionnaires containing close-and open-ended items were distributed to the teacher participants of the Digital Educator Series. Close-ended items were designed to gather general information about their perceptions of online teaching and learning. Items were constructed to gather insights on familiarity with online teaching and learning, perceived usefulness of platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Google Classrooms. The open-ended items were designed to gather information on areas of improvement for the courses and professional development needs of teachers for online teaching.FindingsThe findings revealed very mixed responses in terms of teachers' familiarity with online teaching and learning. Nonetheless, it was encouraging that the majority of teachers felt positively about the impact and usefulness of the courses in the Digital Educator Series and have expressed that would like to learn more about online teaching pedagogy. Teachers reported the greatest familiarity with Google Classroom and were very positive about the applicability the Google Classroom Course (91.2%) in their own teaching practice. Conversely, all of the participants reported they were unfamiliar with Microsoft Teams. Accordingly, the teachers did not perceive its applicability to be as high as the Google Classroom. The qualitative findings further corroborated this and expressed the need for specific professional development programmes that include pedagogical and technological support. Overall, the teachers are strongly focussed in their professional development in order to improve their online teaching,Research limitations/implicationsLike other research, this too has its limitations. The sample size in this study was restricted to those who attended the Digital Educator Series training. Hence the results of this study, whilst have been enriching, and to a certain extent are supported by the current literature, the accuracy of the description may be unique to this particular group of individuals, within this particular setting. Additionally, the study only relied on self-reports from both the questionnaire and the semi-structured interviews. This study accepts that self-reports have shortcomings. Not all experiences of the courses would have been readily accessible through the teachers' conscious reflections. This makes it difficult to construct a complete picture of the experience, challenges and identify all salient factors within a particular workshop or training.Practical implicationsAlthough the adoption of teaching and learning to online platforms is undoubtedly the way to maintain continuity of learning for students, it has also unveiled glaring inequities in Sarawak. Therefore, continuous and personalised professional development needs to be provided, focussing on pedagogical and technological support. There is a need to embrace these changes as a long-term response that will develop and improve over the next few years. That response should include better infrastructure, policies for quality improvement, accessibility standards and strategic plans for continuous access in the future. This includes advocating for platforms that can fit into the core technology environment and for teachers to adopt an innovative mindset.Originality/valueIn light of the complex and multifaceted challenge of transitioning to online learning in Sarawak Malaysia, it was evident that the need for innovative solutions to optimize educational endeavours has become accelerated. To ensure that students are well-supported and widening participation and access to education, it is imperative that the education disruption be embraced. This starts with addressing teachers' digital literacy through a professional development programme of online reaching.

scholarly journals E-learning for introductory Computer Science concept on recursion applying two types of feedback methods in the learning assessment

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 218-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynnard Mondigo ◽  
Demelo Madrazo Lao
Keyword(s):  
Computer Science ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Delayed Feedback ◽  
Learning Assessment ◽  
Learning Material ◽  
Immediate Feedback ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Introductory Computer Science ◽  
E Learning

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a web-based interactive learning object (ILO) of introductory Computer Science (CS) concept on recursion and compare two feedback methods in the learning assessment part. Design/methodology/approach Test driven development (TDD) approach was used to develop ILO. The authors adapted Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (MERLOT) standard instrument to evaluate ILO’s effectiveness as an e-learning tool. Three respondents, from a list of pre-identified prospective evaluators, were randomly chosen and served as raters for MERLOT, while 32 student-respondents coming from first-year Math and CS undergraduate majors were randomly assigned to each ILO version implementing either one of the two feedback methods. Findings ILO obtained mean ratings above 4 (in scale 1-5) in three MERLOT criteria, namely, potential effectiveness as teaching tool, ease of use, and quality of content, which is rated highest (mean=4.40, SD=0.53). The study also revealed that immediate feedback increases retention while delayed feedback improves generating new knowledge. Respondents who viewed the ILO implementing immediate feedback in their first session had statistically significantly higher scores (mean=8.25, SD=0.80) than those who viewed with delayed feedback (mean=7.63, SD=0.89). In their second session, the same observation was noted although with higher mean scores. These results give evidence that the developed ILO met standards in e-learning material and showed evidence of its effectiveness with preferably implementing immediate feedback. Research limitations/implications Although the developed ILO can now be used in school as supplementary learning material in teaching the concept of recursion in an introductory CS subject, a pilot testing of the web-based ILO using a larger sample of respondents to validate its effectiveness for online distance learning educational material can be pursued. Furthermore, in designing and creating an ILO, the provision of feedback during the assessment stage is necessary for effecting learning. Originality/value The study was a first to develop ILO for CS topic on recursion. The paper also compared which of two known feedback methods is best to implement in an ILO.

The roles of school principals and head teachers in mitigating potential learning loss in the online setting: calls for change

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Abdulwahab Alsaleh
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Student Attitudes ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
School Principals ◽  
Teaching Quality ◽  
Leadership Roles ◽  
Learning Loss ◽  
Head Teachers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Setting

PurposeThis study investigated the roles and perspectives of head teachers and principals in regard to the potential for learning loss in the online setting, with a particular focus on conditions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Kuwait. It also addresses leadership roles and gathered organizational suggestions.Design/methodology/approachStructured interviews were conducted with 25 head teachers and 6 school principals, while open-ended questionnaires were gathered from 10 head teachers. Both were focused on the potential for learning loss and the reasons it may be induced. More specific subjects included leadership roles in preventing learning loss and suggestions for improvement. All interviews and open-ended questionnaires were transcribed for a subsequent inductive thematic analysis.FindingsParticipants reported high levels of learning loss in the context of online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reasons for this included political decisions made by the Ministry of Education (MoE), student attitudes and the learning environment. Participants also reported substantial involvement in leadership roles aimed at the supervision of online teaching, providing training and support for teachers, and communicating with the administration, district and parents. They also provided several organizational suggestions for reducing learning loss, including the need to improve teaching quality, assess MoE policies, and ensure an ethical online learning environment.Originality/valueThe results contribute to a better understanding of learning loss and the leadership roles that are needed to mitigate this issue both in the Middle East and internationally.

scholarly journals The research trends in recommender systems for e-learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-27
Author(s):  
Jiemin Zhong ◽  
Haoran Xie ◽  
Fu Lee Wang
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Recommender Systems ◽  
Learning Systems ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evaluation Indicator ◽  
Recommendation Algorithms ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Key Indicators

Purpose A recommendation algorithm is typically applied to speculate on users’ preferences based on their behavioral characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic review of recommendation systems by collecting related journal articles from the last five years (i.e. from 2014 to 2018). This paper aims to study the correlations between recommendation technologies and e-learning systems. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews the relevant articles using five assessment aspects. A coding scheme was put forward that includes the following: the metrics for the e-learning system, the evaluation metrics for the recommendation algorithms, the recommendation filtering technology, the phases of the recommendation process and the learning outcomes of the system. Findings The research indicates that most e-learning systems will adopt the adaptive mechanism as a primary metric, and accuracy is a vital evaluation indicator for recommendation algorithms. In existing e-learning recommender systems, the most common recommendation filtering technology is hybrid filtering. The information collection phase is an important process recognized by most studies. Finally, the learning outcomes of the recommender system can be achieved through two key indicators: affections and correlations. Originality/value The recommendation technology works effectively in closing the gap between the information producer and the information consumer. This technology could help learners find the information they are interested in as well as send them a valuable message. The opportunities and challenges of the current study are discussed; the results of this study could provide a guideline for future research.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Learners' Satisfaction in an Open E-Learning Environment

2011 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sirje Klaos
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Social Exchange ◽  
Social Exchange Theory ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
E Learning

Factors Influencing Learners' Satisfaction in an Open E-Learning EnvironmentA number of new open learning environments have risen aside to common e-learning environments. Wikiversity is an open environment to all community members. Students' behaviours change in the community creation process, and their self-satisfaction impacts learning. The study methodology is qualitative content analysis, and the data is collected from students' blogs, online and focus group interviews. Data is based on a monitored course for bachelor students of special pedagogy (n=21). There was a possibility to test and assess modern e-learning technologies and use a socio-constructive learning process. The results are studied in light of social-exchange theory. The outcome of this study indicated that learners' satisfaction increases with free access to fellow students' works, full and equal membership of the community and an opportunity to compare oneself to the others. The future research should focus on optimization of policies and sustainable development in education to establish successful exchange systems.

The state of research on historically Black colleges and universities

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marybeth Gasman ◽  
Felecia Commodore
Keyword(s):  
Historically Black ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Black Colleges ◽  
Colleges And Universities ◽  
Student Diversity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Historically Black Colleges ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Black Colleges And Universities

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to examine the salient literature on historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with an overarching goal of setting a future research agenda for scholars interested in these institutions. Design/methodology/approach – This literature review is organized into two main sections: strengths and challenges. To move HBCUs forward, scholars need an understanding of these institutions’ strengths as well as those challenges that lie ahead. Findings – The major strengths include the value-added nature of the education provided by HBCUs (i.e. the willingness of HBCUs to educate “at-risk” students); affordability in terms of tuition; community engagement; leadership training of future generations; Afrocentric curricula and a competitive yet supportive learning environment, which is particularly beneficial in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields; a focus on teaching; and faculty and student diversity. The first half of this paper will focus on these strengths. These same national experts identified the challenges as low retention and graduation rates; lack of financial resources (especially for student scholarships and attracting faculty), and competition from historically White institutions (HWIs); the need for sustainable administrative leadership; lack of marketing of HBCU success stories; the pressures of desegregation and holding true to mission; the challenge of producing future scholars who care about the needs of HBCUs; small endowment size; and the persistent gender gaps in student enrollment. The second half of this paper will focus on these challenges. Practical implications – In addition, by identifying the strengths and challenges, researchers can assist practitioners at HBCUs as well as those in the policy and funding arenas in better understanding the needs of HBCUs. Social implications – The research on HBCUs has grown substantially over the past 30 years. However, this body of research still has substantial gaps and holes. If filled, many of these gaps and holes would lead to stronger institutions, greater knowledge on the impact of HBCUs and enhanced learning experiences for HBCU students. Many young scholars are interested in studying HBCUs but are often discouraged: when they approach their advisor with the topic, they are told it is not important and that their career will be limited by the topical choice. There is a lack of support within sections of the HBCU community for research that might uncover weaknesses or not treat HBCUs in an entirely favorable light. We encourage those interested in pursuing research related to HBCUs to find mentors who will support them in their pursuits. Originality/value – Although some of these topics and subsequent suggestions involve taking on controversial issues, it is important for individuals affiliated with and who care about HBCUs to conduct this research before uninformed outsiders do it (Gasman, 2006). There needs to be a concerted effort from HBCUs, HBCU faculty, HBCU scholar – practitioners and HBCU allies – the “insiders” and the “outsiders” – to ensure those closest to HBCUs have the opportunity to share their own voice, rather than simply have others speak for them. HBCU leaders and organizations that ignore negative data and institutional challenges do so at their own peril.

Peda.net: a learning portal for lifetime

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-16
Author(s):  
Mari Erika Koskela
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Use Cases ◽  
Ict Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The World ◽  
Working Together ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Skill Requirements

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to give an overall image of how Finnish-developed Peda.net can help educators teach their students according to the ICT skill requirements set by Finnish national curricula. Design/methodology/approach In the paper, two different Peda.net use cases are introduced. These cases can give important practical tips on how to involve more ICT in schools for educators worldwide. The use cases are evaluated and agree with Finnish National Curricula requirements. Findings Peda.net is an e-learning environment. However, using it as part of teaching is a good way of introducing ICT skills in students regardless of whether working together in the same physical environment or remotely from different locations. Originality/value This paper can open up a global discussion of best ICT teaching practices and give some practical ICT teaching tips for teachers all around the world.

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