scholarly journals Face-to-face to online: PhD academic writing @Maastricht University

2020 ◽  
pp. 13-19
Author(s):  
Neill Wylie
Keyword(s):  
Academic Writing ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
Innovative Teaching ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Strong Focus ◽  
Writing Course ◽  
The Face ◽  
Language Needs

Maastricht University (UM) has a distinct global perspective and a strong focus on innovation. UM offers an array of PhD courses to distance and campus based students who have access to elective, credit bearing modules and the language needs of these students are catered for by the Language Centre. Many PhD candidates choose to take an academic writing course in their first or second year of their degree. In recent years, demand for a more student focused, flexible academic writing course has grown. In line with UM’s policy of supporting innovative teaching practices, the Language Centre’s face-to-face PhD academic writing course, PhD Writing 1, has been transformed into a fully online course containing eight interactive webinar sessions named Online PhD Writing, which runs in addition to the face-to-face rendition. On the back of the success of this course, coupled with increased demand for a follow up course, this author was tasked with creating an advanced online PhD academic writing course to cater for global students with diverse time zones and schedules. This paper evaluates the challenges posed and the advances made in constructing both online courses and explores the technologies used in implementing them.

scholarly journals A blended learning model supported by MOOC/SPOC, Zoom, and Canvas in a project-based academic writing course

2021 ◽  
pp. 179-197
Author(s):  
Li Zhang ◽  
Yunjie Chen
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Academic Writing ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Management Platform ◽  
Writing Course ◽  
Blended Online Learning

Blended learning has played an important role in teaching English as a second or foreign language around the world. However, little research has been conducted on blended learning that is entirely online owing to the coronavirus pandemic. We aim at exploring the model of blending Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) and Small Private Online Courses (SPOC), Zoom conferencing, and the Canvas course management platform. The new approach of blended online learning incorporates the pre-class autonomous learning of knowledge in MOOC/SPOC, in-class internalization of knowledge through case studies and discussions on Zoom, and after-class application of knowledge to the completion of a research project. A questionnaire and interviews were conducted to explore learners’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the model. Learners have a positive attitude about the new approach of blended online learning, but still hope that the in-class activities can be implemented face-to-face offline. The model will contribute to teaching and learning with the blended approach against the current coronavirus pandemic.

Exploring the Effectiveness of Online Synchronous Learning Management Systems

2019 ◽  
pp. 168-190
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Nami
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Academic Writing ◽  
Language Instruction ◽  
Foreign Language Instruction ◽  
Writing Assignments ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Synchronous Learning ◽  
The Face ◽  
Learning Management ◽  
Writing Knowledge

In line with calls for a more comprehensive understanding of the potentials of virtual environments for language learning/teaching, the chapter reports a study on the application of a synchronous learning management system (SLMS). The development of academic writing knowledge of a group of MA students attending an online academic writing course in a state university in Tehran was compared with that of a similar group in a face-to-face course in the same university. The analysis of participants' classroom discussions and their writing assignments indicated that although the writing knowledge of both groups improved by the end of the course, the nature of changes differed from the online group to the face-to-face one. It is suggested that while SLMSs have opened up new horizons for the instruction/practice of language skills, their uses are largely context- and user-specific. The finding of this study feeds into research on SLMS-based foreign language instruction.

The Application of Web and Educational Technologies in Supporting Web-Enabled Self-Regulated Learning in Different Computing Course Orientations

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-Wen Tsai ◽  
Pei-Di Shen
Keyword(s):  
Online Courses ◽  
Database Management System ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Self Regulated Learning ◽  
Packaged Software ◽  
Regulated Learning ◽  
Computing Skills ◽  
The Face

Many educational institutions provide online courses; however, the question whether they can be as effective as those offered in the face-to-face classroom format still exists. In addition, it also remains unclear whether every subject is appropriate to be delivered in web-based learning environments. Thus, the authors redesigned two courses with different orientations and conducted a quasi-experiment to examine the effects of web-enabled self-regulated learning (SRL) in different course orientations on students’ computing skills. Four classes with 173 students from the courses ‘Database Management System’ and ‘Packaged Software and Application’ were divided into 2 (Design-oriented vs. Procedural-oriented) × 2 (SRL vs. non-SRL) experimental groups. The results showed that students who received the intervention of web-enabled SRL had significantly higher grades on the examination for certificates than those that did not receive this intervention, whether in design-oriented or procedural-oriented computing courses. Moreover, students in the two different courses had very similar scores, which resulted in non-significant differences in their end-of-term computing skills.

scholarly journals The Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Intervention on Inflammation and Stress Biomarkers: a Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 539-555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elina Järvelä-Reijonen ◽  
Sampsa Puttonen ◽  
Leila Karhunen ◽  
Essi Sairanen ◽  
Jaana Laitinen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Systemic Inflammation ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Stress Biomarkers ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Acceptance And Action Questionnaire ◽  
The Face

Abstract Background Psychological processes can be manifested in physiological health. We investigated whether acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), targeted on psychological flexibility (PF), influences inflammation and stress biomarkers among working-age adults with psychological distress and overweight/obesity. Method Participants were randomized into three parallel groups: (1) ACT-based face-to-face (n = 65; six group sessions led by a psychologist), (2) ACT-based mobile (n = 73; one group session and mobile app), and (3) control (n = 66; only the measurements). Systemic inflammation and stress markers were analyzed at baseline, at 10 weeks after the baseline (post-intervention), and at 36 weeks after the baseline (follow-up). General PF and weight-related PF were measured with questionnaires (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for Weight-Related Difficulties). Results A group × time interaction (p = .012) was detected in the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level but not in other inflammation and stress biomarkers. hsCRP decreased significantly in the face-to-face group from week 0 to week 36, and at week 36, hsCRP was lower among the participants in the face-to-face group than in the mobile group (p = .035, post hoc test). Age and sex were stronger predictors of biomarker levels at follow-up than the post-intervention PF. Conclusion The results suggest that ACT delivered in group sessions may exert beneficial effects on low-grade systemic inflammation. More research is needed on how to best apply psychological interventions for the health of both mind and body among people with overweight/obesity and psychological distress. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01738256, Registered 17 August, 2012

scholarly journals Closing the Achievement Gap in a Large Introductory Course by Balancing Reduced In-Person Contact with Increased Course Structure

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. ar8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sat Gavassa ◽  
Rocio Benabentos ◽  
Marcy Kravec ◽  
Timothy Collins ◽  
Sarah Eddy
Keyword(s):  
Achievement Gap ◽  
Research University ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Underrepresented Students ◽  
Closing The Achievement Gap ◽  
Course Structure ◽  
Hybrid Course ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Face ◽  
Online Format

Hybrid and online courses are gaining attention as alternatives to traditional face-to-face classes. In addition to the pedagogical flexibility afforded by alternative formats, these courses also appeal to campuses aiming to maximize classroom space. The literature, however, reports conflicting results regarding the effect of hybrid and online courses on student learning. We designed, taught, and assessed a fully online course (100% online) and a hybrid-and-flipped course (50% online 50% face-to-face) and compared those formats with a lecture-based face-to-face course. The three formats also varied in the degree of structure; the hybrid course was the most structured and the face-to-face course was the least structured. All three courses were taught by the same instructor in a large Hispanic-serving research university. We found that exam scores for all students were lowest in the face-to-face course. Hispanic and Black students had higher scores in the hybrid format compared with online and face-to-face, while white students had the highest performance in the online format. We conclude that a hybrid course format with high structure can improve exam performance for traditionally underrepresented students, closing the achievement gap even while in-person contact hours are reduced.

scholarly journals Performance, Interaction, and Satisfaction of Graduate EAP Students in a Face-to-Face and an Online Class: A Comparative Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 132-153
Author(s):  
Dmitri Stanchevici ◽  
Megan Siczek
Keyword(s):  
International Students ◽  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Academic Writing ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Comparative Case Study ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
American University ◽  
Writing Courses ◽  
Face To Face

Before arriving in a host country, international students may be motivated to complete some institutional requirements online. Many studies address computer-assisted instruction for second-language students, but few focus on fully online English for Academic Purposes (EAP) writing courses. This comparative case study, grounded in action research, examined the extent to which a fully online version of a graduate-level EAP course offered to international students at a North American university achieved comparable outcomes to a face-to-face version. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of study participants’ performance and course evaluations indicated that the outcomes and student satisfaction of both cohorts were comparable. However, an examination of the participants’ final research papers and online interactions revealed differences and challenges. Based on these findings, it is recommended that future online courses provide more instruction on source integration, library research, and building an interactive learning community. Overall, the findings suggest that when carefully designed, assessed, and refined, fully online courses hold strong promise in EAP academic writing contexts. Les étudiantes et étudiants internationaux tiennent parfois à remplir certaines exigences institutionnelles en ligne avant de se rendre dans leur pays d’accueil. L’enseignement assisté par ordinateur pour les apprenantes et apprenants d’anglais langue seconde fait l’objet de nombreuses études, mais peu d’entre elles portent sur des cours d’écriture d’anglais académique (EAP) complètement dispensés en ligne. Entièrement basée sur la recherche-action, la présente étude de cas comparative fait état du degré de comparabilité des résultats d’un cours d’anglais académique de deuxième cycle complètement présenté en ligne à des étudiantes et étudiants internationaux inscrits à une université nord-américaine et des résultats obtenus lorsque le même cours était dispensé en personne. Une analyse quantitative et qualitative des rendements des participantes et participants et du cours lui-même a indiqué que les résultats et le degré de satisfaction des étudiantes et étudiants des deux cohortes se valaient. L’examen des rapports de recherche finaux des participantes et participants et celui des interactions en ligne ont toutefois révélé des écarts et des défis. Sur la base de ces constatations, il est recommandé que les futurs cours en ligne fournissent davantage d’instructions sur l’intégration des sources, sur les recherches en bibliothèque et sur la construction d’une communauté d’apprentissage interactif. Dans l’ensemble, les constatations de l’étude suggèrent que, s’ils sont soigneusement conçus, évalués et peaufinés, les cours complètement dispensés en ligne sont très prometteurs dans des contextes d’écriture en anglais académique.

scholarly journals Alfabetização em Foco: uma Análise Comparativa entre Instituições de Ensino Superior

EAD em FOCO ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine Cristina Ferreira de Oliveira ◽  
Mara Rosana Pedrinho ◽  
Adriane Orenha Ottaiano
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Teacher Training ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Literacy Curriculum ◽  
Reading And Writing ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Face

O trabalho versa sobre os conteúdos relacionados ao tema alfabetização?, presentes nas disciplinas nos cursos de Pedagogia, nas modalidades presencial e à distância. De cunho documental, esta pesquisa tece algumas considerações acerca da formação dos docentes, no que tange a cursos para professores nas modalidades presencial e a distância (EaD). Apresenta uma análiseacerca do rol de atividades presentes por estas instituições, além do estudo das grades e disciplinas ofertadas no que diz respeito à leitura e escrita de alunos. Os resultados indicam que a instituição de ensino superior presencial possui mais matérias sobre alfabetização (um total de treze disciplinas) em relação à faculdade de ensino a distância (seis disciplinas). Estas e outras considerações complementares são explicitadas ao longo do presente artigo.Palavras-chave: Formação docente, Alfabetização, Conteúdo curricular.Literacy on focus: a comparative analysis between Institutions of Higher EducationAbstractThis study deals with the content related to the theme "literacy" present in the disciplines of a face-to-face as well as a distant and online course of Pedagogy. The research begins with a brief historical revisitation of higher education and teacher training, regarding face-to-face as well as distant and online courses for teachers. It also presents an analysis that shows the activities carried out by these institutions, besides the study of the syllabus and disciplines that focus on students reading and writing. The results show that the face-to-face institution has more subjects on literacy (thirteen subjects in all) in comparison to the distant education institution (six subjects). This finding and others shall be explained throughout this paper.Keywords: Teacher Training, Literacy, Curriculum content.

scholarly journals Creating An “Invitational Classroom” In The Online Educational Milieu

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-16
Author(s):  
Beth Perry ◽  
Margaret Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Strategies ◽  
Classroom Environment ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Online Classroom ◽  
Innovative Teaching ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Class Environment ◽  
Parker Palmer

Parker Palmer, a scholar who studied effective face-to-face teaching, introduced the term the “invitational classroom” (1993, p. 71). In particular Palmer emphasized that “an air of hospitality” facilitated an inviting educational environment (p. 71). Hospitality in Palmer’s words means “receiving each other, our struggles, our newborn ideas, with openness and care” (p. 74). Palmer concludes that both teachers and learners experience positive consequence when the class environment is invitational. This paper explores a category of innovative teaching strategies, called artistic pedagogical technologies (APTs) that facilitate the experience of an invitational classroom in online courses (Perry & Edwards, 2010). APTs are teaching strategies founded in the arts. APTs described in this paper include photovoice, parallel poetry, and conceptual quilting. A study of the effect of these APTs on graduate students and instructors from a Canadian online university is described. The data collection and data analysis processes used in the study are detailed. Both students and instructors found the online classroom environment changed in a positive way in part because of APTs. Research participants reported that APTs initiated, sustained, and enhanced interactions among students and between students and the instructors (Perry & Edwards, 2010). These findings are analyzed using Palmer’s concepts of hospitality and the invitational classroom and Wenger’s Social Theory of Learning (1990). Practical ideas for educators regarding the use of APTS in teaching and course design are reviewed. 

scholarly journals From On-Campus to Online: A Trajectory of Innovation, Internationalization and Inclusion

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Darlinda Pacheco Moreira
Keyword(s):  
Online Courses ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Operating Mode ◽  
Teaching Profession ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Organizational Strategies ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
The Face ◽  
Faculty And Administrators

<p class="1">This paper presents a study focused on a trajectory for developing an online operating mode on a campus-based university in the area of Massachusetts, USA. It addresses the innovation process and the changes and challenges faced by faculty and administrators. Methodologically-speaking, a mainly ethnographic approach was used for a systematic process of collecting data in context, in order to understand organizational strategies put in place to launch and improve online course provision. Leaders of the process and teachers of online courses were also interviewed. What emerged was: a) the online operating mode was prepared much in advance and linked to scenarios of internationalization and inclusion in higher education; b) there was an underlying discourse of inter-connectedness among different places and groups of people; and c) the partnership and collaboration between administration and faculty was essential. One of the main conclusions demonstrates that, despite careful formulation of the online component, it still does not enjoy the same status as the face-to-face element of courses, and, as a result, is largely ignored in terms of promotion in the teaching profession.</p>

The Pedagogy of Social Development in Online Learning

2011 ◽  
pp. 1620-1627
Author(s):  
Robert H. Woods ◽  
Jason D. Baker
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Learning Community ◽  
Social Dynamics ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Affective Learning ◽  
Optimal Learning ◽  
Pedagogical Strategies ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Educational Environments ◽  
The Face

Optimal learning outcomes, whether in face-to-face or online settings, are inextricably intertwined with the establishment of social networks among participants engaged in a collaborative enterprise. Students who feel socially connected to other students and faculty are more likely to persist in coursework and report higher levels of learning than those who report being less connected (McDonald, 2002; Rovai, 2002; Tinto, 1987; Wegerif, 1998). But in the online setting, creating and maintaining a learning community is somewhat more challenging than in the face-to-face-setting. For despite advances in audio and video streaming technologies, online learning remains primarily a largely textual and asynchronous environment. The challenge in this setting might be stated as follows: “How do we adapt a series of threaded texts to make them build a socially interactive, diverse network of learners who experience a positive sense of community?” There are numerous pedagogical strategies that may be used to build highly interactive and socially rich educational environments. In this article, the researchers propose a model of “communal scaffolding,” which serves as a framework for a variety of online and off-line activities that can positively enhance the social dynamics on online courses toward the goal of increased cognitive and affective learning.

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