Cultivating professional technical skills and understanding through hands-on online learning experiences

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Mullen ◽  
Lauren Milechin ◽  
Albert Reuther
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Technical Skills ◽  
Hands On

WeScratch: an inclusive, playful and collaborative approach to creative learning online

2020 ◽  
Vol 121 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 695-704 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmelo Presicce ◽  
Rupal Jain ◽  
Carolina Rodeghiero ◽  
Lily E. Gabaree ◽  
Natalie Rusk
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Online Learning Environments ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Approach To Learning ◽  
Alternative Approach ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Creative Learning

Purpose Many educators currently face challenges when trying to engage students in creative learning experiences online, where it can be particularly difficult to move beyond the transmissive approach typical of video lessons and webinars. The purpose of this paper is to present WeScratch, online workshops designed as welcoming, playful and peer-supported spaces where educators can experience first-hand an alternative approach to learning online, as they actively learn to create projects using the Scratch programming language. Design/methodology/approach The WeScratch experience is designed as a hands-on, creative online workshop where participants spend most of their time making projects while they share ideas with peers. The authors describe the structure, platform, facilitation and activities of WeScratch workshops, highlighting the main design choices and their underlying motivations. Findings This study discusses how this environment has engaged educators from around the world to experiment with Scratch in a playful way. The authors give examples of how educators have described the value of the experience, both as learners developing their skills and as designers developing similar learning experiences for their students. Originality/value WeScratch provides a model for how to design online learning environments to be more inclusive, playful and collaborative. Although WeScratch workshops are designed to support learning to create with code, the authors see the wider potential for applying this approach to other online learning environments to broaden participation, build connection and expand creative expression.

scholarly journals COVID-19 pandemic’s disruption on university teaching and learning and competence cultivation: Student evaluation of online learning experiences in Hong Kong

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 221258682110070
Author(s):  
Ka Ho Mok ◽  
Weiyan Xiong ◽  
Hamzah Nor Bin Aedy Rahman
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Student Evaluation ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
University Teaching ◽  
Digital Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has forced online teaching and learning to be the primary instruction format in higher education globally. One of the worrying concerns about online learning is whether this method is effective, specifically when compared to face-to-face classes. This descriptive quantitative study investigates how students in higher education institutions in Hong Kong evaluated their online learning experiences during the pandemic, including the factors influencing their digital learning experiences. By analysing the survey responses from 1,227 university students in Hong Kong, this study found that most of the respondents felt dissatisfied with their online learning experiences and effectiveness. Meanwhile, this study confirms that respondents’ household income level and information technology literacy affected their online learning effectiveness. Moreover, this study highlights the significant contributions of the community of inquiry, which places social presence on the promotion of a whole person development that could not be achieved when relying mainly on online learning. Findings encourage university leaders and instructors to search for multiple course delivery modes to nurture students to become caring leaders with the 21st century skills and knowledge set.

scholarly journals Online Learning: Challenges and Solutions for Learners and Teachers

2022 ◽  
pp. 0258042X2110695
Author(s):  
Utpala Das
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Challenges ◽  
Augmented Learning ◽  
Jel Code ◽  
Enhanced Learning

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an expansion and increase in the demand for online teaching and learning across the globe. Online teaching and learning is attracting a large number of students for enhanced learning experiences. However, there are many challenges and hindrances that pose a problem in the smooth learning. The impediments in the learning process are suppressing the advantages that may aid the learners with augmented learning sessions. The article presents some challenges faced by teachers and learners, supplemented with the recommendations to remove them. JEL Code: A20

scholarly journals Understanding Arab Students’ Behavioral Patterns in an Online Course: An Explanatory Study Based on Hofstede’s National Cultural Dimensions

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 12426
Author(s):  
Ahmed Tlili ◽  
Mouna Denden ◽  
Saida Affouneh ◽  
Soheil Hussein Salha ◽  
Zhenyu Cai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Sequential Analysis ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Behavioral Patterns ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
Arab Region ◽  
Inequality In Education

The provision of online learning experiences has been implemented by many universities worldwide to overcome several challenges, including inequality in education. However, this experience is still not a common approach in public universities in the Arab region. Furthermore, several research studies have pointed out that a country’s culture should be considered in order to enhance online learning, as students may behave differently based on their cultural backgrounds. Nevertheless, little is known about how a given culture may affect the learning behavioral patterns of students. Therefore, to better understand the cultural phenomenon and to enhance the adoption of online learning in the Arab region, this study aims to understand how an Arab culture may affect the online learning behaviors of students. Specifically, this study applies a lag sequential analysis (LSA) approach to understand the behavioral patterns of 116 students from Tunisia in a six-week online course. The study then further discusses the different learning behavior patterns based on the theoretical framework of Hofstede’s national cultural dimensions. The findings highlight that culture can affect how students engage in online learning discussions and how they maintain their learning performance online. The findings further indicate that online learning experiences may be beneficial for female students who experience social pressures in Arab cultures.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on health profession education in Singapore: Adoption of innovative strategies and contingencies across the educational continuum

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 14-23
Author(s):  
Claude Jeffrey Renaud ◽  
Zhi Xiong Chen ◽  
Heng-Wai Yuen ◽  
Lay Ling Tan ◽  
Terry Ling Te Pan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
National Level ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Asynchronous Learning ◽  
Good Communication ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Summative Assessments ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Learning Platforms

Introduction: The Coronavirus-19 pandemic has had profound effects on health professions education (HPE) posing serious challenges to the continued provision and implementation of undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing medical education (CME). Across these HPE domains, the major disruptions included the exclusion of undergraduate learners from clinical learning environments, restricted intra-, inter-institutional and overseas movement of medical professionals, termination of face-to-face learner-educator interactions, deployment of postgraduate learners into non-scope service settings, and CME postponement. Methods: In this review we report on how in Singapore various adaptive measures were instituted across the 3 HPE domains at institutional and national level to maintain adequate resources at the frontline to meet service exigencies, promote healthcare professionals’ wellbeing and safety as well as mitigate the spread of the pandemic. Results: We identified several strategies and contingencies developed to address these challenges. These involved the use of online learning platforms, distributed and asynchronous learning, an undergraduate Pathway Programme, and use of innovative hands-on technology like simulation. Robust, well pre-planned pandemic preparedness, effective communication, as well as provision of psychological support resources ensured maintenance of service and academic continuity, trust and resilience within HPE. However, several challenges remain, namely the timing and manner of conducting formative and summative assessments, cybersecurity, and the indispensable hands-on, in-person experiential learning for surgical training. Conclusion: Strong leadership with vision and planning, good communication, prioritising learners’ and educators’ wellbeing and safety, and harnessing existing and emerging online learning technologies are crucial elements for effective contingencies for HPE disruption during pandemics.

scholarly journals University Student’s Experiences with Online Synchronous Learning during Covid-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-43
Author(s):  
Rasto Rasto ◽  
Sambas Ali Muhidin ◽  
Tutik Inayati ◽  
Marsofiyati Marsofiyati
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Personal Support ◽  
First Finding ◽  
Synchronous Learning ◽  
Comprehension Ability ◽  
Attention To Students ◽  
Coordination And Collaboration

This study delivers new insights on students' experiences who have studied their courses at least one semester during the Covid-19 Pandemic. We collected 199 respondents and analyzed the result of the questionnaire. The first finding is that students rather use discussions as a method to conduct online learning in classes. Students also would prefer both methods (asynchronous and synchronous) during online learning. We categorized students' learning experiences into intimacy and connection, supports, coordination and collaboration, technical difficulties, and traits. This study concludes that whole experiences about online synchronous learning did not change, except for the lack of personal support from lecturers when students face difficulties in certain subjects and hardware malfunction during classes. We recommend that lecturers pay more attention to students with less comprehension ability. We also recommend that lecturers run more creative ways other than lecturing in classes and limit lecturing time to decrease boredom.

scholarly journals Measuring University Students’ Perceptions and Attitudes toward Sudden Transition to Online Learning and Academic Self- Efficacy

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 153
Author(s):  
Mona Saad Alamri
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
University Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Student Attitudes ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
Statistical Correlation ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Sudden Transition ◽  
Academic Self Efficacy

Online learning has unquestionably shaped contemporary education. The emergence and spread in recent months of the COVID-19 virus, with the attendant preventative implementation of social distancing, has significantly enhanced online learning’s influence. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where strict social distancing precautions were implemented early in the pandemic, thousands of college students were rapidly shifted from conventional to online instructional environments. Now that these students have a semester of experience with online learning, the time is propitious to explore these students’ online learning experiences. One concept in connection with which students’ online learning experiences have not been extensively studied is that of academic self-efficacy. The present study seeks to investigate Jeddah University students’ experiences with online learning in light of their assessments of their academic self-efficacy. Employing a combined descriptive/correlational research design organized around a pair of survey instruments—one designed to query students’ online learning experiences and a second designed to measure their senses of their academic self-efficacy—the present study investigates attitudes of a population of 1,167 Jeddah University undergraduate students randomly selected from the available pool of 16,893 individuals. The study finds that student attitudes with respect to both online learning and self-efficacy are high. It shows, furthermore, significant statistical correlation between students’ highly positive experiences with online instruction and their high senses of their academic self-efficacy. By developing the understanding regarding student attitudes and self-efficacy, this research opens avenues for further research into the connections between online learning and students’ self-perceptions. Moreover, the study’s findings hold significant implications for bettering Saudi Arabian e-learning, an outcome fully in keeping with the policy goals outlined in the 2030 vision.

“It's Doable”: International Graduate Students’ Perceptions of Online Learning in the U.S. During the Pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 102831532110614
Author(s):  
Yesul Han ◽  
Yunjeong Chang ◽  
Erin Kearney
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Graduate Students ◽  
International Education ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Learning Experiences ◽  
The United States ◽  
International Graduate Students ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
International Graduate ◽  
Sudden Transition

This study aims to understand the learning experiences and challenges of international students enrolled in Master's and PhD programs in various institutions who were forced to transition to online learning during the pandemic. In particular, the study explores the experiences and perceptions of seven non-native English-speaking international graduate students who came from six different countries and studied at different schools of education through phenomenological interviews. Analysis yields insight into these students’ online learning experiences and identifies factors which contributed to the mixed quality of these learning experiences. Overall, students tried to adapt to the “new normal,” while enduring learning and emotional challenges due to the harsh conditions of the pandemic in the United States and their home countries. Instructors’ readiness for online teaching as well as the extra support provided to help students cope with the sudden transition in the learning environment were particularly important factors affecting the students’ learning experiences. Our findings lead us to several recommendations for practice within graduate-level online learning environments and suggestions for further research, as well as broader considerations of what broader implications the case suggests for international education in light of digitalization.

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