Editor's Preface

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen J. Tate ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Learning Management Systems ◽  
Digital Tools ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Learning Management

Within this issue, you will find book and media reviews, perspectives from the field, and a long-awaited historical piece about distance and online education. There is a theme of evolving applications in online education with a thread of approaches, tools, and frameworks for teaching, assessing, selecting digital tools, and migrating learning management systems.

The Evolving Role of the Instructor in the Digital Age

2013 ◽  
pp. 233-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael F. Beaudoin
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Student Attitudes ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Learning Management Systems ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Learning Management

In this era of student-centered, collaborative, constructivist learning, augmented by social networks and other virtual environments featuring learner autonomy, self-direction and independence, the role of instructors in online education is undergoing continuous evolution since the advent of the Internet, and the proliferation of Learning Management Systems (LSM) to support teaching and learning. This chapter examines the role of the online instructor, and indeed, poses the provocative question: does there remain a useful and meaningful role for what is arguably the increasingly ‘invisible’ instructor in many online settings. Factors that contribute to this phenomenon, such as the proliferation of new technology, the emphasis on self-directed learning, a changing student clientele, emerging modes of assessment, etc. are noted. Findings from a various studies of student attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions of what is critical for success in online courses are highlighted, including data suggesting that the role of instructors and the features of Learning Management Systems are relatively minor factors for achieving success in online learning. The implications of these trends for the future role of the professoriate are also considered.

scholarly journals Audio/ Videoconferencing Packages: High cost

2006 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Murillo ◽  
Mary Rizzuto ◽  
Urel Sawyers
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Learning Management Systems ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Course Delivery ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Technical Specifications ◽  
Learning Management ◽  
Audio Conferencing ◽  
And Training

This report compares two integrated course delivery packages: Centra 6 and WebEx. Both applications feature asynchronous and synchronous audio communications for online education and training. They are relatively costly products, and provide useful comparisons with the two less expensive products to be evaluated in the following report #53. The criteria used in the current evaluation include capacity, interactivity features, integration with learning management systems, technical specifications, and cost. The report ends with a short analysis of the currently emerging audio-conferencing software, Google Talk.

scholarly journals Exploring the Potential of Blended Learning and Learning Management Systems (LMSs) for Higher Education in Aceh

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zamzami Zainuddin
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Management Systems ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Learning Approach ◽  
College Level ◽  
Learning Platforms ◽  
Learning Management

The paper aims to explore the potential of the blended learning approach for higher education in Aceh. This is a conceptual paper that attempts to provide the concepts and theories associated with implementing the blended learning approach on college-level students and lecturers. Blended Learning is a learning model that is enriched with traditional learning methods and online education materials. In a typical blended learning environment, students may learn contents outside of the class through websites or Learning Management Systems (LMSs), but engage in practical, hands-on activities during class hours. The author believes the blended learning is a potentially effective approach if implemented for higher education in Aceh, especially Banda Aceh, which has adequate internet access in numerous areas. Integrating the blended learning approach will enhance students’ self-paced learning in Aceh, and in turn improve their critical thinking and collaborative learning. This study also encourages lecturers in Aceh to implement the blended learning approach in their teaching and learning practices, as well as urges the use of various LMSs or Web 2.0 tools as online learning platforms. Finally, the practice of blended learning will support Universities in Aceh in transforming teaching and learning activities from being traditional, to becoming technology-based learning environments.

scholarly journals Improvement of an Online Education Model with the Integration of Machine Learning and Data Analysis in an LMS

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (15) ◽  
pp. 5371 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Villegas-Ch ◽  
Milton Román-Cañizares ◽  
Xavier Palacios-Pacheco
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Learning Management Systems ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Educational Models ◽  
Online Mode ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Learning Management ◽  
The Way

The events that took place in the year 2020 have shown us that society is still fragile and that it is exposed to events that rapidly change the paradigms that govern it. This has been shown by a pandemic like Coronavirus disease 2019; this global emergency has changed the way people interact, communicate, study, or work. In short, the way in which society carries out all activities has changed. This includes education, which has bet on the use of information and communication technologies to reach students. An example of the aforementioned is the use of learning management systems, which have become ideal environments for resource management and the development of activities. This work proposes the integration of technologies, such as artificial intelligence and data analysis, with learning management systems in order to improve learning. This objective is outlined in a new normality that seeks robust educational models, where certain activities are carried out in an online mode, surrounded by technologies that allow students to have virtual assistants to guide them in their learning.

Readiness of Universities for 21st Century Digital Economies: Case of Selected Lecturers from Universities in Buffalo City Metropolitan in Eastern Cape Province South Africa

10.31355/42 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 065-077
Author(s):  
Agyei Fosu
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Management Systems ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Eastern Cape ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Web Based Learning ◽  
Learning Management

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE. Aim/Purpose...................................................................................................................................................................................................... The purpose of this study is to expand the knowledge base on factors likely to impede implementation and adoption of web-based learning management systems to blend with traditional methods of lecturing in universities to cater for the next generation of learners in Africa and Eastern Cape Province South Africa in particular. Background........................................................................................................................................................................................................ The shift from the industrial economies to 21st century digital and knowledge-based economies, fueled by rapid Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) such as Internet, YouTube, Chartrooms, Skype, Social media networks and its introduction to the educational system not only resulted in a new teaching approach globally but also paved way to usher in new generation of learners (anytime, anywhere learners) in the higher education system. Despite the fact that universities and other institutions of higher education in developed countries and some Africa countries have since recognized that the 21st century global digital and knowledge-based economies evolution has ushered in the next generation of learners, and as a result have taken the necessary steps to blend the traditional method of lecturing in higher education with web-based learning management systems in order to accommodate these learners. However, in Africa not much research have been done on the readiness of higher education institutions in terms of blending web-based learning management systems with the traditional method of lecturing to cater for the next generation of learners. Methodology....................................................................................................................................................................................................... Quantitative and two non-probability sampling methods, namely, quota and purposive sampling was used to investigate the technological skills of selected lecturers from universities within Buffalo City Metropolitan as one of the core component to check the readiness of their faculty for the next generation of learners. Contribution........................................................................................................................................................................................................ This research will add to the growing knowledge about the blending of web-based learning management with the traditional style of lecturing in higher education in the 21st century digital economies. Findings.............................................................................................................................................................................................................. The results indicated that the participating lecturers need to be trained and sup-ported in the skills of using of the ICTs and computer programs applicable to enhance web-based learning in teaching and learning environment in higher education in order to cater for the next generation of learners associated with the 21st century digital economies. Recommendations for Practitioners................................................................................................................................................................. Much as there is a need for increased in investment in infrastructure within higher education institutions to support teaching and learning, continuous sup-port and training for academics to be technologically literate and also be abreast on rapidly evolving field of ICTs is paramount as it can expedite the teaching and learning process in higher education. Recommendation for Researchers................................................................................................................................................................... There is the need to explore in depth the other two components suggested by Mishra and Koehler (2007) which can serve as barriers for successfully integration of technology into teaching and learning by locus of knowledge. Impact on Society............................................................................................................................................................................................... The research will assist stakeholders, policy makers and agencies tasked with transforming institutions of higher learning to identify the barriers likely to hinder transformation efforts and address them accordingly. Future Research................................................................................................................................................................................................. Conducting research on technological skills of students are critical in this context.

scholarly journals An analysis of users’ preferences on learning management systems: a case on German versus Spanish students

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasan Tinmaz ◽  
Jin Hwa Lee
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Learning Management Systems ◽  
Content Management ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Smart Learning ◽  
School Year ◽  
Design For All ◽  
Learning Management

Abstract The recent advancements in information and communication technologies have altered instructional contexts and re-shaped them into smart learning environments. One of the most common practices of these environments are learning management systems (LMS) where the learners and instructors utilize a software platform to fulfill, support and manage instructional activities around predefined objectives. Successful implementations of LMS have brought a variety on its usage from different cultures, genders, age groups or schooling levels. Hence, this study focuses on understanding the role of culture on LMS design, in along with the effects of gender, age and school year variables. The study participants were German (n = 83) and Spanish (n = 83) university students attending a fully online course offered by a South Korean university. At the end of the course, the students were asked to fulfill a survey on effective LMS design by pointing which features of LMS were more important for them. The survey included twenty questions on four major design factors; content management (six items), ease of use (five items), communication within LMS (four item) and screen design (five items). The dataset was analyzed by non-parametric statistical techniques around four variables on four dimensions (and their related survey questions). The most important result was insufficiency of one unique LMS design for all students which demonstrates the necessity of student demographics tailored smart systems. Additionally, age and gender variables were not making significant differences on LMS design as much as culture and school year variables. The study also revealed that while German students would appreciate goal-oriented individual learning, Spanish students would value process-oriented group learning with active communication. Furthermore, many features of LMS were highly valued by the freshman students more than other levels. The paper discusses these variables with possible explanations from the literature and depicts implementations for future design practices.

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