scholarly journals Understanding students’ satisfaction with OERs as course materials

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shanna Smith Jaggars ◽  
Amanda L. Folk ◽  
David Mullins
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Validity ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Course Materials ◽  
Interview Survey ◽  
Faculty Surveys ◽  
Students Satisfaction ◽  
Item Reliability

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce a survey instrument to measure three components of students’ perceptions of open and affordable course materials – quality, integration, and experience – and discuss its reliability and predictive validity. Design/methodology/approach The authors distributed an end-of-semester online survey to students enrolled in sections of 12 courses that adopted OER in Fall 2016, as well as conducting a within-interview survey with the instructors of those courses. The authors calculated the descriptive statistics from the responses to the student survey, as well as examining the inter-item and inter-rater reliability of the instrument. Finally, explored correlations in the data gathered through both the student and faculty surveys were explored. Findings The authors found that both students and faculty were generally pleased with the quality and experience of using open and affordable digital materials. The authors also found that our three survey subscales had strong inter-item reliability, and that the quality and experience subscales had predictive validity in terms of whether students would choose a traditional or digital text in future courses. Originality/value In addition to providing evidence in terms of the full survey instrument’s reliability and predictive validity, factor analysis indicates that a short scale of quality and experience Likert scale items could be used by practitioners to effectively assess satisfaction of digital materials among traditionally aged undergraduate students.

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.

STEM undergraduate students: library use, perceptions and GPA

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung Mi Scoulas
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stem Disciplines ◽  
Library Use ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
User Groups ◽  
And Mathematics ◽  
Online Library

PurposeThis study aims to examine if differences exist in undergraduate students' library use, perceptions and grade point average (GPA) among science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and non-STEM disciplines.Design/methodology/approachThe current study used data from the 2018 student survey. Among 2,277 students who completed the survey (response rate = 8%), only undergraduate students (n = 1,265) were selected for this study because the current study aims to examine the differences between STEM and non-STEM undergraduate students.FindingsThe findings from a Mann–Whitney U test revealed that STEM respondents perceived specific library resources (subject and course guide, library instructions and library workshops) as slightly less than non-STEM respondents. The results from ANOVA demonstrated that the mean scores in GPA for STEM respondents who never used online library, journals and databases were lower than respondents who used those library resources, regardless of STEM and non-STEM disciplines.Originality/valueRevisiting the data collected and analyzing specific user groups will be valuable to academic libraries because this study will provide academic librarians with a deeper understanding of specific user needs and perceptions of library resources and services.

Is helicopter parenting stifling moral courage and promoting moral disengagement? Implications for the training and development of millennial managers

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Randy Evans ◽  
Katherine A. Karl
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Moral Disengagement ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Training And Development ◽  
Moral Courage ◽  
Moral Foundations ◽  
Helicopter Parenting ◽  
Generational Cohort ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to examine the ethical foundations of Gen Z individuals by studying the impact of helicopter parenting on moral courage and moral disengagement. In addition, this study considers the implications for Millennial generation managers that are likely to be supervising this current generational cohort. Design/methodology/approach Hypotheses were tested using a two-wave online survey of 215 undergraduate students. Findings Helicopter parenting was associated with lower levels of moral courage and an elevated propensity to morally disengage in a sample of Gen Z individuals. The impact of helicopter parenting on these moral foundations was mediated by the children’s increased desire for continued parental involvement in their lives. Practical implications Similar to the Gen Z students surveyed in this study, many Millennials were raised by helicopter parents, thus, it is likely that they are also prone to moral disengagement and low moral courage. Furthermore, Millennial managers will be managing Gen Z workers. Thus, many companies will need to enhance their efforts in providing Millennial managers with business ethics training aimed at developing moral courage and reducing moral disengagement. Originality/value This study examines a previously unidentified antecedent of moral courage and moral disengagement

Lightweight alternative tech: a study of Chromebooks in the academic library classroom

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 554-562
Author(s):  
Beth Seyala ◽  
Erin Burns ◽  
Shannon Richie ◽  
Amy L. Deuink ◽  
Valerie Lynn
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Battery Life ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Computer Laboratory ◽  
Classroom Use ◽  
Minimal Effort ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate Chromebooks as an alternative to the traditional computer laboratory for library instruction in an academic environment. The results of this study could help inform the creation of a mobile instruction lab that students and librarians quickly construct inside any classroom with minimal effort and no software to manage. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was distributed to student participants. The survey contained two demographic questions followed by seven user experience questions related to the in-classroom use of Chromebooks; most questions were quantitative in nature. Findings The majority of respondents (84 percent) strongly or somewhat agreed that Chromebooks were easy to use, and 15 percent of the respondents reported some difficulty accessing the university’s Wi-Fi system while using the devices. Research limitations/implications This introductory study was limited to a survey population primarily comprised of lower-level undergraduate students in their first two years of study. Additionally, Chromebooks were not tested in an educational environment using G Suite for Education, which could increase the opportunities for use in an academic setting. Practical implications The study’s findings, combined with the portability and long battery life of Chromebooks, make them a candidate for a mobile instruction lab. Originality/value This research seeks to explore the viability of Chromebooks as an affordable and easy to manage alternative to wired instruction rooms, using a light laptop technology that is becoming increasingly familiar to college students.

Examining burnout in employed university students

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin M. Schramer ◽  
Carolyn M. Rauti ◽  
Arief B. Kartolo ◽  
Catherine T. Kwantes
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Scale Validation ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Convergent And Divergent Validity ◽  
Student Burnout ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
The University

Purpose Burnout has been studied by organizational researchers for nearly 50 years (Maslach and Schaufeli, 2017; Schaufeli et al., 2009); however, little attention is given to burnout experienced by employed students who may be prone to the symptoms of burnout as they juggle multiple demanding roles. Burnout in employed students has previously been conceptualized as a bi-factor model consisting of three dimensions: general burnout, apathy and exhaustion (see Rauti et al., 2019 for further information). The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a novel and theoretically driven tool to assess burnout in employed students. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 239 employed undergraduate students from a university in southwestern Ontario completed an online survey which included the University of Windsor Employed Student Burnout Survey. Participants also completed six additional measures for scale validation purposes. Findings Confirmatory factor analysis supported a four-factor model of the employed student burnout scale: apathy toward employment, exhaustion toward employment, apathy toward academics and exhaustion toward academics. The findings also supported a bi-factor version of the four-factor model. Correlation analyses provided evidence for convergent and divergent validity. Originality/value The experience of burnout for employed students is unique as employed students balance the demands of work and school simultaneously. This research suggests that experiences of burnout from work and burnout from school may be distinct from one another and that burnout is context specific.

Assessing the role of college as a sustainability communication channel

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 1060-1075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alisa P. Lertpratchya ◽  
John C. Besley ◽  
Adam Zwickle ◽  
Bruno Takahashi ◽  
Cameron Thomas Whitley
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Theory Of Planned Behavior ◽  
Planned Behavior ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Communication Channel ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of higher education institution as a sustainability communication channel. The theory of planned behavior was used to examine the degree to which a student’s tenure at a large university with active and visible sustainability initiatives is associated with changes in views about sustainability and changes in reported sustainability behaviors. Design/methodology/approach This study involved a campus-wide online survey on undergraduate students at a large mid-western university. A direct measurement approach to the theory of planned behavior was used to measure changes in attitudes, normative beliefs, perceived behavioral controls and self-reported behaviors on five different environmental sustainability behaviors. Findings Overall findings support the notion that higher education institutions can be effective communication channels for sustainability issues, as students who have been in college for a longer period of time reported somewhat more positive attitudes, normative and efficacy beliefs and more sustainable behaviors. Practical implications By measuring specific components of the theory of planned behavior, this study provides insights on specific areas in which campaigns targeting college students in different college years could become more effective. Originality/value Few studies have assessed college as an effective sustainability communication channel despite the fact that it is potentially a powerful channel to reach a large population at their critical age. This study also measures specific components to sustainability behaviors by using the theory of planned behavior as a guiding framework.

Predicting pro-environmental behaviours: the role of environmental values, attitudes and knowledge

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Tamar ◽  
Hillman Wirawan ◽  
Triani Arfah ◽  
Retno Pratiwi Sutopo Putri
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Environmental Attitudes ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Environmental Knowledge ◽  
Environmental Attitude ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Prosocial Values ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Environmental Behaviours

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the effect of prosocial values on pro-environmental behaviours via attitudes in which environmental knowledge and proself values moderate the relationship. This study also examines the application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Cognitive Dissonance.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a quantitative method to examine potential positive or negative moderating effects of environmental knowledge and proself values on environmental attitudes and behaviour. Participants were undergraduate students recruited from a state university in the eastern part of Indonesia. The online survey link was randomly sent to 500 students in 14 different Faculties with a response rate of 57% (285) participants (80% female). Data were analysed using a moderated-mediation regression technique.FindingsThe results suggested that only biospheric value positively affected pro-environmental behaviours. Environmental knowledge negatively moderated the relationship between prosocial values and environmental attitudes. Similarly, high egoistic value potentially reduced the effect of environmental attitude on pro-environmental behaviours. Environmental knowledge could impede the positive impacts of prosocial values while egoistic value negates the effect of attitude on pro-environmental attitude.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the findings supported most hypotheses, this study did not control the effect of some demographic variables such as education and social-economic status. Participants tended to share some similar characteristics, which potentially influenced the results.Originality/valueThis study challenged some common antecedents of pro-environmental behaviours and offered some alternative explanations. This study has offered a new insight in understanding unique interactions among values, knowledge and attitude.

Motivational intermediaries of self-regulation among university students

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 448-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Russell ◽  
Racquel Warner
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Time Perspective ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Future Time Perspective ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The concept of self-regulated learning (SRL) has become increasingly important in higher educational institutes seeking to provide students with a holistic education. It is important for students entering, and faculty within higher education, to understand whether future time perspective (FTP) or self-efficacy is more predictive of self-regulation. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Through the use convenience sampling, data were collected via an online survey from 130 undergraduate students attending universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Data were analysed using regression analysis and inferential measures identifying themes in participants study habits in order to examine whether it is FTP or self-efficacy that more strongly predicts SRL behaviours. Findings Results suggest that self-efficacy is a much stronger predictor of SRL in undergraduate students than goal setting, as measured by FTP. Student’s most deficient SRL behaviours related to reading and comprehension of texts prescribed across modules. Research limitations/implications Due to the fact that only an adjusted 33 per cent of self-regulation was predicted by the two variables under consideration, researchers are encouraged to identify further variables that may predict students SRL. Practical implications This paper seeks to support both students and faculty in how to draw on SRL in order to optimize students’ success in higher education. Originality/value The current research supports the identification of learning behaviours specific to branch campuses in a Middle-Eastern context.

Academics’ feedback on the quality of appraisal evidence

2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-294
Author(s):  
Chenicheri Sid Nair ◽  
Jinrui Li ◽  
Li Kun Cai
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Peer Observation ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Staff ◽  
The University

Purpose – This paper aims to explore academics’ perspectives on the quality of appraisal evidence at a Chinese university. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey with both closed items and open-ended questions was distributed among all academics at the university (n = 1,538). A total of 512 responded to the questionnaire. The closed items were initially analysed using EXCEL and SPSS; the open-ended questions were thematically analysed. Findings – The academics believed that the quality of student survey and peer observation of teaching were affected by subjectivity and the lack of understanding of appraisal. Academics also suggested that appraisals should be contextualised and the approach standardised. The study suggests the need for training that informs and engages relevant stakeholders to ensure the rigour of appraisal. Originality/value – The study raises the issue of quality assurance regarding appraisal data from the perspective of academics. It is based on the collaborative effort of academics in Australia, China and New Zealand, with the support of the management staff at the case study university. The study informs both appraisers and academics of quality assurance issues in appraisal. It also contributes to the literature, in that it initiates dialogues between communities of practices through collective questioning on the quality and mechanisms of appraisal in tertiary education.

Globalization of workforce

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 314-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Antonio Rivera ◽  
Kevin S. Murphy ◽  
Jalayer Khalilzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Study Abroad ◽  
International Education ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perceived Value ◽  
Path Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hospitality Students ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Students Satisfaction

Purpose This paper aims to investigate hospitality study abroad experiences as an educational service in which the experience encompasses services that combine tangible and intangible actions that require students to move from the classroom to a practical setting. It empirically investigates the relationship between students’ study abroad, perceived value and perceived sacrifice (monetary and non-monetary) with their overall satisfaction and internationalization intentions. Design/methodology/approach A total of 57 students who had completed an international externship experience were contacted and invited to complete an online survey. The online survey gauged the student’s perception of their externship experience, the overall satisfaction and the internationalization intentions. The instrument also gathered demographic information about the participants. The proposed model was estimated by using partial least squares (PLS) path modeling. Findings The results indicate that PLS can be used to assess the theory of consumption value for study abroad experiential learning. The results of the hypotheses testing indicate that the value students get and give is a suitable and significant predictor of satisfaction and internationalization. However, students’ satisfaction with their study abroad internship does not predict future internationalization intentions. Originality/value This study sheds light on hospitality students’ perceived value, satisfaction and internationalization intentions when they complete a study abroad internship program. The results indicate that the value students get and give is an appropriate and important predictor of satisfaction and attitude toward international education.

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