The Effects of Blended Learning Model via Learning Environment on Cloud Computing to Enhance Creative Products of Undergraduate Students

Afrika Focus ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-34
Author(s):  
Haruni Machumu ◽  
Chang Zhu ◽  
Mustapha Almasi

Student motivation to learn is an essential component for the design, development and implementation of technology-mediated learning environments. Engagement learning strategies have been devised to assist students as they learn in a constructivist-based blended learning environment (CBLE). This study investigates the relationship between students’ motivational factors and their engagement learning strategies in a CBLE in Tanzanian Universities. Specifically, the study examines a) student motivational factors to learn, b) gender differences in motivational factors, and c) relates motivational factors with students’ engagement learning strategies. The study is built on theoretical foundations of engagement learning and constructivist-based blended learning. We used a self-report student motivational factors and engagement learning strategies survey (SMFELSs) to obtain data from 1010 undergraduate students from three universities. The results indicate that students are positively motivated to learn in CBLE. Our results also reveal that there is a statistically significant correlation between motivational factors and students’ engagement learning strategies. The results, on the one hand, enhance our understanding of students’ motivational factors to learn in a CBLE, and on the other hand expand knowledge on which student engagement learning strategies should be adopted and implemented in the context of challenging learning environments. Furthermore, the results are important for instructional designers, university teachers and curriculum developers. Our study further helps to improve the design of blended learning courses, constructivist learning environment and learning activities concerning students’ motivational factors and engagement learning strategies.


Author(s):  
Prakob Koraneekij ◽  
Jintavee Khlaisang

This paper reports on a quantitative study on ICT readiness among undergraduate students in Thailand, students’ beliefs about use of e-portfolios in the Blended Learning Environment (BLE), and students’ beliefs about using e-portfolios to enhance their cognitive skills in the BLE. The sample group comprised 360 undergraduate students, divided by study fields. The data collection tool was a questionnaire of students’ beliefs. The reliability value of the questionnaire was 0.889. Data was analyzed using statistical analysis and f-test. The beliefs and needs were ranked by PNI modified. The research found that every student had a computer connected to the Internet. The analysis results of students’ beliefs about the use of e-portfolios in the BLE were positive and the top five results were: (1) learning by creating work, (2) enhancing creativity, (3) enhancing the problem solving skill, (4) enhancing critical thinking, and (5) enhancing authentic assessment. The current state of using e-portfolios to enhance cognitive skills in the BLE was at average level, while the needs were at the high level.


Author(s):  
Anita Ferreira Ferreira ◽  
Jaime García Salinas ◽  
Sandra Morales

As Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) has taken an important role in foreign language teaching and learning, not only is concrete data about the usefulness of technology- mediated environments for these purposes necessary, but also how the learning process is improved in such environments when learner training for CALL. The objective of this paper is to present an investigation which sought to explore empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of a blended learning model, and also the use of language learning strategies in this kind of learning environment in order to increase its methodological potency with language learners. Consequently, this paper shows the findings of 2 experimental studies which aimed to provide data on (1) the efficiency of a blended learning (BL) model for language teaching and learning which combined task-based instruction, cooperative learning and optimal methodological principles for online learning (Doughty & Long, 2003), and (2) the use of learner training strategies for CALL in order to support and enhance the language learning process in this blended learning environment. The results from both studies suggest that the experimental group improved their language proficiency when compared to the control group. As a result, it is possible to conclude that (1) the blended learning design that included online tasks and cooperative instruction was beneficial for the development of language skills and (2) the use of learner training strategies for the blended learning model was highly beneficial for the students' language learning experience.


Author(s):  
Hamidreza Kashefi ◽  
Zaleha Ismail ◽  
Yudariah Mohammad Yusof

Multivariable Calculus is one of the most difficult courses for undergraduate students. Researchers at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) endeavor to support students in the learning of Multivariable Calculus by promoting mathematical thinking in a face-to-face classroom. This study attempts to identify not only learning difficulties in Multivariable Calculus through mathematical thinking approach but also the ways and means of improving these difficulties based on students and lecturers recommendations. The main purpose of this study is to establish a model of teaching and learning based on these findings for designing a blended learning instruction of Multivariable Calculus course through mathematical thinking approach. It first attempts to identify the theoretical reasons for selecting blended learning to promote mathematical thinking in Multivariable Calculus. Then, it exemplifies a teaching and learning model to support students’ mathematical thinking in Multivariable Calculus through blended learning instruction.


Author(s):  
Adrian Ting

Many Hong Kong undergraduate students have trouble following lectures in English. Academic writing is generally perceived as most challenging due to its complex nature. Yet, owing to various reasons, students do not seem too motivated in making much effort to improve their academic writing skills. In class, students appear to be reluctant to give useful feedback to their peers. They prefer to praise each other on the positive aspects of their writing and avoid talking about the negatives. This chapter first reviews the literature on technology and blended learning in relation to English language teaching in the Hong Kong context. It then reports on the current study of using Google Docs for the peer evaluation process in a blended learning environment. The chapter concludes that based on student feedback, Google Docs is a useful tool in facilitating the delivery of academic English in university settings. The integration of Google Docs provides opportunities for innovative teaching within higher education.


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