scholarly journals Using e‐learning for student sustainability literacy: framework and review

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 338-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susannah Diamond ◽  
Brian Irwin

PurposeThe paper aims to explore staff practices in using e‐learning to embed sustainability literacy, highlight best practice and determine areas for improvement.Design/methodology/approachA framework of four areas for developing student sustainability literacy (SSL) was proposed as a basis for analysing practice. A literature review then explored the extent to which e‐learning is used to support embedding SSL in the curriculum, and the types of e‐learning currently in use for this.FindingsE‐learning tools were most frequently used to provide flexible access to information, followed by support for communication and collaboration, and were less frequently used for the development of specific skills, personal identity and confidence.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample of case studies provided only limited evidence. A survey of practitioners could be undertaken to explore and validate the issues raised by the literature review.Practical implicationsThe review highlighted scope for a pedagogical shift away from using e‐learning for information delivery and practical communication, and towards supporting rich, student‐centred forms of learning in both blended and distance learning modes.Social implicationsThis shift would create more powerful learning experiences for students, more effectively develop students' personal identities and skills, and yield graduates who are more confident in their ability to create more sustainable futures.Originality/valueThis paper will be of value to academic staff and educational developers looking to develop practice in embedding SSL in teaching and learning, and to harness the potential of e‐learning.

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 172-177
Author(s):  
Nada Alsheehri ◽  
Hayfa Ali Alenezi ◽  
Awatif AlMutairi ◽  
Riam K. Almaqrn

This study as a literature review aimed to explore the impact of the integration of social media (SM) tools into universities’ English language classrooms. Currently, the English language plays an essential and fundamental role in education. Therefore, it is crucial for learners to obtain a good understanding of the English language in the academic environment. Teaching students by traditional methods might not help to improve their English language skills. One technique that can be applied to improve learning skills quickly is utilising E-learning tools and SM in teaching strategies. Hence, this paper examines the influence of the integration of E-learning tools and strategies such as SM in teaching and learning English language in Saudi university classes. This new strategy has been chosen as it allows learners to access information anywhere without restrictions of time, and it can support them to obtain an in-depth understanding of English language content. Finally, this study will provide some recommendations and suggestions for future work.


2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aidrina binti Mohamed Sofiadin

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a descriptive literature review and a classification scheme for studies on sustainable development, e-learning and Web 3.0 that contribute toward sustainable e-learning. The aims are to discover and highlight some ideas on developing a sustainable learning in higher education in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the elements of e-learning, technology, application, sustainable development and teaching and learning principles that contribute toward a sustainable e-learning through a descriptive literature review approach and a classification scheme. Findings – The findings show that even though sustainable e-learning research is still limited, contributions to sustainable e-learning were recognized and some ideas and perspectives for the development of a sustainable e-learning framework were identified. Furthermore, this paper identified the gaps in the findings; therefore, this paper will try to minimize these gaps through the initial sustainable e-learning framework. Originality/value – The paper is expected to provide further ideas of developing a sustainable e-learning framework, as well as the importance of a sustainable e-learning to provide quality learning through technology, application, sustainable development and teaching and learning principles perspectives.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 530-547
Author(s):  
Rudi Wessel Pretorius ◽  
Ryan Anderson ◽  
Anisa Khotoo ◽  
Richelle Pienaar

Purpose This paper aims to reflect on approaches through which open, distance and e-learning (ODeL) students can use their local environments for assessments and explores how this shapes their conceptualisations of “university” and “campus”. Key issues and lessons learnt are covered, thus providing pointers for implementation of the type of assessment approaches that are presented. Design/methodology/approach Using three undergraduate sustainability-related modules in the Department of Geography, University of South Africa (Unisa), the lecturers’ reflections on the real-world sustainability learning experiences of students in these modules (2015-2018) have been cross-correlated and compared to present an integrated picture of emerging best practice. Findings The use of real-world, place-based applications, which form a central theme in the assessment strategy for all three modules, allows students to deal hands-on with sustainability issues, establishes a connection between ODeL students and the university and presents an opportunity to engage these students in real-world sustainability learning despite not being on campus. Research limitations/implications The case study format and qualitative, reflective methodology present limitations, while specifically focusing on ODeL and the final phase of undergraduate studies. Despite these limitations, the lessons learnt can be of value to universities currently transferring to online offerings, with possible impacts for sustainability learning. Originality/value This paper addresses misconceptions on the role of ODeL in transforming to sustainability. The criticism that ODeL is suitable for primarily theoretical training is countered by evidence that appropriately structured assessments requiring ODeL students to engage with real-world issues in their local environments, can provide valuable sustainability learning experiences.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-72
Author(s):  
Miftahul Jannah ◽  
Aminatul Husna ◽  
Siti Nurhalimah

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pembuatan aplikasi android menggunakan iSpring sebagai alternatif desain dalam pembuatan media pembelajaran daring. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode Library Research atau Kajian Kepustakaan. Ispring Presenter merupakan salah satu tool yang mengubah file presentasi yang kompatibel dengan Power Point untuk menjadikan bentuk Flash. Pembelajaran e-learning mengguakan iSpring membantu peserta didik dalam memanfaatkan teknologi dengan cerdas. Proses pembelajaran menggunakan iSpring, akan membantu peserta didik belajar sesuai dengan gaya belajar setiap peserta didik serta mendapatkan kebebasan saat belajar tampa keterbatasan waktu dan lokasi. Proses belajar mengajar lebih menarik, sehingga dapat memotivasi dan materi yang disampaikan dalam desain aplikasi iSpring lebih dapat dipahami. Kata kunci: ispring, media pembelajaran, teknologi This study aims to determine the making of android applications using iSpring as an alternative design in making online learning media. This research method uses the Library Research method or literature review. Ispring Presenter is a tool that converts PowerPoint compatible presentation files to Flash format. E-learning learning using iSpring helps students to use technology smartly. The learning process using iSpring, will help students learn in accordance with the learning style of each student and get freedom when learning without the limitations of time and location. The teaching and learning process is more interesting, so that it can motivate and the material presented in the iSpring application design is more understandable. Keywords: ispring, learning media, technology


2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 7-10

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to observe how telecommunication giant BT has used e-learning to prepare more than 6,000 information technology (IT) and technical staff over the past 2 years to support a move into new markets. Design/methodology/approach – Reveals how the company met the challenges of rapidly improving the skills of IT and technical staff, standardized a best-practice approach to IT training across key lines of business and increased levels of staff engagement. Findings – Charts the creation of flexible learning and development programs known as accredited-learning pathways (ALPs), which have since been developed to cover wider areas of employee training at BT. Practical implications – Explains that ALPs now form a key part of BT’s strategic workforce improvement initiatives and are instrumental in embedding continuous learning and accreditation for IT skills. More than 6,000 people have completed ALP content since the program inception in 2011. Social implications – Reveals that the success of the program resulted in BT being awarded the Best IT Training accolade at the training company Skillsoft’s annual user conference in 2013, by a panel of independent industry experts. Originality/value – Provides the inside story of a key development initiative at a major international telecommunications company.


2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Mia Kalish

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show how one instructor used an integrated collection of technological and cognitive tools that consistently led to student success. Educators today struggle with the need to improve student success in a dynamic and increasingly technological world. Learners need to master more, more quickly and educators need to upgrade their skills to meet these needs. Design/methodology/approach – This vision-based research design focused on the goal that all students can succeed. The design took the non-traditional approach of separating pedagogical models that worked from those that did not. The objectives were achieved by successively improving the pedagogy. The components of the final model were evaluated using multiple regression to determine individual and summative effectiveness. Findings – The pedagogical model designed around the goals of allowing adequate time for scaffolded acquisition and increasing skill development demonstrated consistent student success in the A and B grade range. Research limitations/implications – A sophisticated knowledge of the issues involved underlies the actualization of this research. The success of the approach will be determined by the author’s ability to enable the method to function on its own. Practical implications – With the increasing sophistication of teaching and learning tools, opportunities arise for more detailed and complex pedagogical analyses. Social implications – With improved pedagogies, more students will succeed. Originality/value – Using Microsoft® Excel® for evaluation of a pedagogical model that is also quantitatively analyzable.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaw Owusu-Agyeman ◽  
Enna Moroeroe

PurposeScholarly studies on student engagement are mostly focused on the perceptions of students and academic staff of higher education institutions (HEIs) with a few studies concentrating on the perspectives of professional staff. To address this knowledge gap, this paper aims to examine how professional staff who are members of a professional community perceive their contributions to enhancing student engagement in a university.Design/methodology/approachData for the current study were gathered using semi-structured face-to-face interviews among 41 professional staff who were purposively sampled from a public university in South Africa. The data gathered were analysed using thematic analysis that involved a process of identifying, analysing, organising, describing and reporting the themes that emerged from the data set.FindingsAn analysis of the narrative data revealed that when professional staff provide students with prompt feedback, support the development of their social and cultural capital and provide professional services in the area of teaching and learning, they foster student engagement in the university. However, the results showed that poor communication flow and delays in addressing students’ concerns could lead to student disengagement. The study further argues that through continuous interaction and shared norms and values among members of a professional community, a service culture can be developed to address possible professional knowledge and skills gaps that constrain quality service delivery.Originality/valueThe current paper contributes to the scholarly discourse on student engagement and professional community by showing that a service culture of engagement is developed among professional staff when they share ideas, collaborate and build competencies to enhance student engagement. Furthermore, the collaboration between professional staff and academics is important to addressing the academic issues that confront students in the university.


2018 ◽  
pp. 2274-2287
Author(s):  
Utku Kose

With the outstanding improvements in technology, the number of e-learning applications has increased greatly. This increment is associated with awareness levels of educational institutions on the related improvements and the power of communication and computer technologies to ensure effective and efficient teaching and learning experiences for teachers and students. Consequently, there is a technological flow that changes the standards of e-learning processes and provides better ways to obtain desired educational objectives. When we consider today's widely used technological factors, Web-based e-learning approaches have a special role in directing the educational standards. Improvements among m-learning applications and the popularity of the Artificial Intelligence usage for educational works have given great momentum to this orientation. In this sense, this chapter provides some ideas on the future of intelligent Web-based e-learning applications by thinking on the current status of the literature. As it is known, current trends in developing Artificial Intelligence-supported e-learning tools continue to shape the future of e-learning. Therefore, it is an important approach to focus on the future. The author thinks that the chapter will be a brief but effective enough reference for similar works, which focus on the future of Artificial Intelligence-supported distance education and e-learning.


Author(s):  
Aida Suraya Md. Yunus ◽  
Hamidah Meseran ◽  
Zaidan Abdul Wahab

Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) vision is to become a university with international repute. The Strategic Plan Document 2001- 2010 includes a goal for the university to be fully wired through ICT in enhancing research, extension work, professional service, strengthening teaching and learning environment and enhancing the culture of ICT in supporting teaching and learning. Two strategies were drawn; namely (i) implement the use of one learning management system (LMS) and (ii) enhance competency of academic staff in using the LMS. It has been a practice that each faculty decides on a platform for implementing e-Learning. However, the use of various LMSs had created difficulties in the sharing of integrated database, continuous monitoring of the effectiveness of the e-Learning system, and depository of e-Learning resources in the UPM’s knowledge repository. This paper reports on UPM’s experience in adapting the use of LMS from the early 1990s until today.


Author(s):  
C. Candace Chou

This study explores student views of various E-Learning tools as teaching and learning media in an online course for pre-service and in-service teachers. This chapter also examines the pedagogical applications of E-Learning tools in an online course. The capabilities of a system that allows meaningful interaction, reflection, personal identification, and a sense of community play a key role in the degree of social presence. This study highlights some key findings regarding the efficacy of E-Learning tools from student perspectives and make recommendations for future pedagogical practice.


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