How use of learning management system mediates the relationships between learner interactions and learner outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Costley ◽  
Ashleigh Southam ◽  
Daniel Bailey ◽  
Shaibou Abbdoulai Haji
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Student Outcomes ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Learner Outcomes ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Learner Interactions ◽  
Learning Management

Purpose Online learning and the use of technology-based learning management systems (LMS) are on the rise in higher education. The purpose of this study is to explore how the frequent use of these LMS mediates the relationship between three types of learner interactions and student outcomes. Design/methodology/approach This was an exploratory study using surveys that collected information on students’ use of LMS, their interactions and student outcomes. The participants of this study consisted of 362 undergraduate students from a South Korean University who were taking online classes as part of their degree. Findings The findings support existing research that increased learner interactions have positive effects on learning outcomes. However, some of the positive effects were reduced when considering the effect of higher levels of LMS use. In particular, learner-to-learner interactions. Research limitations/implications This information will enable educators to identify, measure and evaluate their online courses and consider how to integrate LMS use effectively. Results imply that focus may need to be on how learner to learner interactions can be best supported through the application of LMS. Practical implications This information will enable educators to identify, measure and evaluate their online courses and consider how to integrate LMS use effectively. Social implications Learner-to-learner interaction through social networking platforms may be more beneficial in socially constructing knowledge than formalizing interaction through LMS. Originality/value This study contributes to the field of online learning by suggesting that the importance of some types of learner interactions may be overestimated in relation to the importance of LMS use.

Online learning communities and their effects on relational capital

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Cegarra-Sánchez ◽  
Ettore Bolisani ◽  
Juan-Gabriel Cegarra-Navarro ◽  
Eva Martínez Caro
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Communities ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Relational Capital ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Learning Communities ◽  
Positive Effects

Purpose An online learning community is defined as the context where knowledge sharing takes place virtually. Prior research has revealed that it is fundamentally important for higher education institutions to leverage on internal and external sources of knowledge, which can improve the value of relational capital. However, in a higher education setting, the positive effects of relationship improvement because of knowledge sharing can be jeopardized by the circulation of unverified information (i.e. counter-knowledge). The purpose of this study has been to analyse if online learning communities can counteract the effects of counterknowledge. Design/methodology/approach This study examined the relevance of online learning communities to counteract counter-knowledge, along with how this, in turn, can affect the creation of relational capital from the perspective of 210 undergraduate students using partial least squares. Findings Results support that online learning communities may help universities to not only create relational capital but also contribute to clarify misunderstandings and prevent counter-knowledge learned from badly informed sources. Originality/value There has been very limited research aimed at developing an adequate framework to analyze the role played by unverified information in universities. Therefore, this study fills this gap and proposes a framework focusing on the concept of online learning communities.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Postgraduate Students’ Behavioural Intention for Online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 3524
Author(s):  
Melor Md Yunus ◽  
Wee Shin Ang ◽  
Harwati Hashim
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Behavioural Intention ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Performance Expectancy ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Facilitating Conditions

Online learning has become essential in education as the spread of coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought significant changes to the field. However, education should remain welcoming and supportive to all the learners as it is important to keep the students’ behavioural intention in any form of learning environment. Thus, this study is significant as online learning is leading the trend of education now. Past studies revealed that the factors of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions under the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model affect learners’ behavioural intention to use online learning. This study intended to identify the most significant factors that influence TESL postgraduate students’ behavioural intention towards the use of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also examined the relationship amongst the four factors and postgraduate students’ behavioural intention to use online learning. The participants consisted of 169 postgraduate students at a public university in Malaysia. To achieve the aim, the study utilized a survey design using a questionnaire. The results from regression analysis revealed that all of the factors have positive effects on postgraduate students’ behavioural intention to use online learning. Meanwhile, performance expectancy has the greatest influence on postgraduate students’ behavioural intention. Hence, this study concludes that the practicality and the usefulness of online learning should be highlighted by the authorities.

Demonstration of the relationship between MSD and online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kochu Therisa Karingada ◽  
Michael Sony
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Right ◽  
Almost All

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has caught many educational institutions by surprise and warranted an abrupt migration from offline to online learning. This has resulted in an education change, without any time for due consideration, as regards its impact on musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) on students. The purpose of this study is to investigate MSD related to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted on undergraduate students in India. In total, 261 students participated in this online survey.FindingsThe study finds that around 80% of students have reported some symptom in the head, neck and eyes since they started online learning. In total, 58% have reported MSD symptom in the right shoulder and 56% in the right hand fingers. Besides, more than 40 % of students experienced some MSD symptoms, in almost all the body parts studied, due to online learning. Correlation analysis is conducted between time spent on online learning per day and MSD symptoms.Originality/valueThis is the first study conducted on MSD and online learning during COVID-19 pandemic.

Digital technologies, online learning and lesson study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rongjin Huang ◽  
Nina Helgevold ◽  
Jean Lang
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Lesson Study ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
International Perspective ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Equity Issues ◽  
Positive Effects

PurposeFinding ways in which technology can be used to modify, strengthen, scale up and sustain lesson study (LS) is an emerging field of research. It has become even more important due to a pandemic leading to teacher and student learning being delivered online. The purpose of this paper is to present research findings about experiences of online LS and identify issues for further research.Design/methodology/approachA systematic search of articles from 2010 to 2020 identified 13 relevant papers, and through analysis, some major themes were identified. All papers in the special issue were synthesized from the lens of the identified themes; finally, further directions are discussed.FindingsIn general, various online LS models were found to have features that resulted in positive effects on teaching and learning, but, whilst several characteristics of effective online learning were identified, some studies also highlighted issues.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need for larger scale projects over an extended period to assess the effectiveness of online LS. Future research focused on carrying out learning study online as well as consideration of equity issues associated with online LS are also suggested.Originality/valueThe studies presented in this issue address the opportunities and challenges of conducting online LS during a pandemic and beyond. Together, the literature review and contributory papers provide an international perspective of using online LS and identify important issues for further research.

Learning by sustainable living to improve sustainability literacy

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saad Mahmood Qureshi Qureshi
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Learning By Doing ◽  
Experiential Learning Theory ◽  
Sustainable Living ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Curriculum Model ◽  
Learning Content ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Sustainability Literacy ◽  
Living Curriculum

Purpose By using experiential learning theory, this study aims to examine how students engage in sustainable living practices that can improve their sustainability literacy and behaviours. It also explores their motivations and enablers. In doing so, the research seeks to develop a curriculum model that may assist educators in designing learning activities for sustainable living. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative study is conducted with 38 second-year undergraduate students on a sustainability-related module. Students are asked to engage in sustainable living practices for a six-week period. Descriptive statistics and inductive/thematic analysis are carried out on students’ reflective reports. Findings The results reveal five top sustainable living practices for students. The use of technology is revealed as an important enabler. Sustainable living motivations and approaches, and new skills are revealed. A sustainable living curriculum model is developed as a student-centric approach for fostering sustainability values. Practical implications The findings have implications for those teaching sustainability on the design of their learning content and activities by taking a student-centric approach to sustainable living. It also encourages active reflection throughout using an incremental learning process. Originality/value The research contributes to the existing literature by showing different choices and approaches for students’ sustainable living that can be considered when designing curriculum and educational activities to encourage maximum interaction in sustainable living. It develops a new curriculum model specific to sustainable living, and also builds on the concept of “learning by living”, an extension of learning by doing.

Investigating different options in course delivery – traditional vs online: is there another option?

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 230-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Hass ◽  
Mathew Joseph
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Liberal Arts ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Liberal Arts University ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Traditional Courses ◽  
Southwest Region ◽  
Southwest Usa

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine students’ perceptions of online vs traditional (face-to-face) course offerings at the business school of a liberal arts university in southwest USA. The research compares perceptions of students who have been subjected to online education along with those who have not been exposed to online education and examines likelihood to take online courses. Design/methodology/approach Paper and pencil surveys were distributed in different classes in business classes at a university in southwest USA. The target group was undergraduate students. Findings The results indicate that overall, students have neutral perceptions about online courses, while favorable perceptions are strongly associated with likelihood to take online courses. Moreover, prior exposure with online courses is not a significant factor in forming favorable perceptions about online courses. Research limitations/implications The present research is limited in generalizability and the institution surveyed in the southwest region is new to online courses offering in their curriculum and not all the participants had prior experience with online courses. Originality/value Although this paper compares online education with traditional, another option for methods of education include hybrid models incorporating both. A possible third option not discussed through this research is a hybrid or blended learning course, a combination of both online and traditional courses. This opens the options for the student, as hybrid courses can be built with many different options. One includes using technology for “screencasts” or lectures online.

Most courses are not born digital

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 217-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evangeline Marlos Varonis
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Review Process ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Peer Review Process ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Shared Services ◽  
Online Course Design ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss benefits of and barriers to online learning and describe utilization of the Quality Matters (QM) peer review process as a method to assure the quality of online courses. It outlines the QM higher education rubric, explains how the collaborative QM peer review process facilitates online course design and certification, reports on the development of a statewide consortium in Ohio, and explores future directions in online courses. Design/methodology/approach – This paper offers a brief historical review of the incorporation of technology into teaching and learning. It describes attitudes toward online learning and the creation of the non-profit QM program as a vehicle for improving online course design. It summarizes the eight standards of the QM rubric, describes the QM peer review process, and discusses the implementation of the Ohio QM Consortium (OQMC) as a shared services model. Findings – Given existing barriers to online learning, the QM program can improve learning outcomes by offering best practices in online course design, validating the quality of online courses, encouraging faculty buy-in through a focus on design rather than content, and facilitating degree completion through recognition of quality courses. Practical implications – Institutions that seek to validate online course quality in a cost-effective manner can explore a shared services model such as that developed by the OQMC. Originality/value – This paper introduces to an international audience a program and process, widely implemented in the USA, which encourages inter-institutional cooperation and promotes a supportive culture among online educators.

scholarly journals The use of technology in informal English language learning: evidence from Yemeni undergraduate students

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wagdi Rashad Ali Bin-Hady ◽  
Nasser Omer Mubarak Al-Tamimi
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Informal Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrating Technology ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Informal Settings

Purpose This study aims to explore the use of technology-based strategies by Yemeni undergraduate students to develop their English as a foreign language skills in informal learning settings. Design/methodology/approach A mixed methods research design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from 110 undergraduate students enrolled at the English Departments in two universities in Yemen. In the first phase of the study, 10 students were interviewed to obtain information about their use of technology to develop their English language skills and subsystems in informal settings. Following the analysis of the interview data, a questionnaire was built to collect quantitative data, and the second phase of the study was carried out with 100 undergraduate students. Findings The findings revealed that students developed four technology-based strategies that they used in informal settings. These strategies included using social media, being inspired by someone, accessing social networks and websites. Students reported that these strategies helped them develop their listening, speaking and reading skills, while they also reported that their vocabulary was enhanced over grammar and pronunciation. Research limitations/implications The study findings can be of benefit not only for helping to raise students’ awareness of informal learning strategies to develop their English skills outside the classroom but also for teachers to rethink the importance of integrating technology tools and digital resources in their teaching practice. The results could also guide curriculum designers to augment textbook materials by integrating technology-based informal learning strategies. Originality/value This is the first study on this topic conducted in the context of higher education in Yemen and offers unique insights into informal learning practices of Yemeni students. In addition, the findings of the study open new dimensions for rethinking the classification of language learning strategies to include those that are technology-based and mainly useful for independent informal learning.

Critical Online Learning Implementation and Determinants in Rural Areas in Malaysia

2021 ◽  
pp. 222-237
Author(s):  
Jacquline Tham ◽  
S. M. Ferdous Azam ◽  
Ahmad Rasmi Albattat
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Rural Students ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Technological Advances

The rapid development of technological advances has brought many alterations and development to many profit-driven as well as non-profit-oriented organizations. Higher learning institutions have also benefited from technological advancements in this setting. Although the use of technology and the widespread use of online learning are no longer uncommon in the technology world, the introduction by students, undergraduate and postgraduate students of online learning courses, however, is still not as familiar as expected. This study focuses on the adoption and implementation of Malaysian higher education online courses to reach out to rural students and thus provides a systematic conceptual framework that emphasises the effect of different aspects. Students are enrolled in online courses at public and private universities in Malaysia, as they have been removed from the path of formal education. Using a self-directed survey, the data will be collected. Ultimately, the outcomes of this study can provide valuable insights into organisational methods and strengthen the leadership of a university administration that can contribute to improving student involvement and efficient programme usage.

Jordanian university instructors' perspectives on emergency remote teaching during COVID-19: humanities vs sciences

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad S. Haider ◽  
Saleh Al-Salman
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Interactive Learning Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Instructors ◽  
Effective Delivery

PurposeThe study aims to probe into university instructors' reactions to adopting the remote online learning model brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study investigates the instructors' perspectives, in the humanities and science classes, on the effectiveness of the emergency remote teaching (ERT) compared to face-to-face teaching.Design/methodology/approachThe data for the study were compiled from the responses of 127 instructors representing two private universities in middle and northern Jordan. The sample included 66 faculty members in the humanities and 61 in the sciences. The instructors' responses were elicited through a Likert-type questionnaire consisting of 20 items.FindingsThe present study's findings have shown that online instruction is becoming more common despite the presence of some major challenges facing instructors. The results showed that the e-learning system seems to better suit the humanities courses compared to the sciences courses. The findings also showed that faculty members in the humanities are more satisfied with the effectiveness of the assessment tools utilized in the online courses than their colleagues in the sciences. In addition, humanities e-courses seem to provide a more interactive learning environment than e-courses in the sciences.Practical implicationsMore training for instructors on how to design online course syllabi to ensure effective delivery is needed. Instructors need to develop ways to encourage students to interact in virtual e-classes to the same level as the on-ground classes. Instructors also need to adopt the “blended learning” system as a transitional stage before switching completely to online learning.Originality/valueDifferent studies have investigated how COVID-19 has impacted education. The current study brings to light the perspectives of the Jordanian teaching staff on transitioning to ERT during the COVID-19 crisis taking into account the differences between humanities and sciences classes.

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