scholarly journals Customizable Modalities for Individualized Learning: Examining Patterns of Engagement in Dual-Layer MOOCs

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt Crosslin ◽  
Justin T. Dellinger ◽  
Srecko Joksimovic ◽  
Vitomir Kovanovic ◽  
Dragan Gasevic

Dual-layer MOOCs are an educational framework designed to create customizable modality pathways through a learning experience. The basic premise is to design two framework choices through a course - one that is instructor guided and the other that is student-determined and open. Learners have the option to create their own customized pathway by choosing or combining both modalities as they see fit at any given time in the course. This mixed-methods study sought to understand the patterns that learners engaged in during a course designed with this pathway framework. The results of the quantitative examination of the course activity are presented, as well as the categories and themes that arose from the qualitative research. The results of the analysis indicates that learners value the ability to choose the pathway that they engage the course in. Additional research is needed to improve the technical and design aspects of the framework.

Author(s):  
Alicia O'Cathain

Integration is where one method influences in some way the objectives, sampling, data collection, analysis, or interpretation of the other methods within a mixed methods study. Studies of qualitative research undertaken with RCTs have identified that publications often have no evidence of integration of findings. That is, the promise of qualitative research helping to explain the RCT results is simply not delivered in practice, or at least not in a way that is visible outside the original research team. The focus of this chapter is on where integration can occur within a study, the techniques that can facilitate integration, and examples of integration in the context of qualitative research and RCTs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 160940692096381
Author(s):  
Judith Eckert

Failure is a typical experience in research, but it is largely taboo in published studies. In recent years, however, we can observe a small yet growing body of literature on failure in qualitative research to address this gap. In this article, I contribute my experiences of failed interviews in a mixed-methods study in Germany to this body of literature and highlight some aspects of failure that have not yet received enough attention. First, in my example, it was not only one interview or a few interviews that failed; rather, it seemed that the whole study failed in design due to particular methodical decisions. Second, failed research presents an intellectual challenge, but it also produces emotional and social trouble because failed research might be attributed to a failed researcher. This may be one reason failure is so damaging for one’s well-being and so difficult to share. Nevertheless, practicing some form of “uncomfortable reflexivity” (Pillow, 2003) via qualitative, close analysis helped me navigate the research process, gain methodical insights and substantive results. Third, I share lessons that might be useful for other researchers: reading literature on failure, the search for a safe and supportive space, and analyzing failure as closely and early as possible.


2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Regan ◽  
Katie G. McElroy ◽  
Kristin Moore

This article reports the findings from a mixed-methods study on factors that influence women’s decisions about birth, with the view that women’s decision making about birth can affect the use of cesarean surgery. Data was collected from focus groups and structured postpartum interviews and was analyzed using the Consensual Qualitative Research method. The findings relate specifically to the factors reported as influential in making decisions about birth including how the women categorized, prioritized, and/or favored certain types of knowledge about modes of birth. Four major information categories were identified but only stories about birth and/or attending a birth appeared to have a lasting effect on birth choices. These findings have implications for prenatal and perinatal education and nursing practice.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 163
Author(s):  
Colin William Campbell

The COVID-19 pandemic forced higher education institutions in South Korea to administer Spring 2020 semesters online. This mixed-methods study examined instructor/professor competence for the instructional delivery formats of Face-to-Face and online teaching. Quantitatively, the researcher measured teacher competence for Face-to-Face and online instruction by measuring the Teacher Self-Efficacy levels of non-Korean instructors/professors in South Korean higher education institutions. The qualitative questions assessed the advantages and drawbacks of each instructional delivery format. Findings indicate that instructors/professors are significantly more effective teaching Face-to-Face courses than online courses. However, instructors/professors with online learning experience were significantly more effective teaching online courses than those without online learning experience. It is recommended that all instructors/professors engage in professional development geared towards equipping educators with the tools needed to succeed in the online education environment.


2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Pui Kin KOR ◽  
Clare YU ◽  
Ida ayu TRIASTUTI ◽  
Mitra Andini SIGILIPOE ◽  
Haryo Dimasto KRISTIYANTO ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted the learning experience of students by limiting their opportunities for face-to-face intercultural exchanges. Given the importance of cultural competence in medical education, there is a need to develop a programme that promotes cultural awareness, but that offers more flexibility in terms of outbound mobility. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an internationalization at home programme and to explore the learning experiences of medical and nursing students from Hong Kong and Indonesia. Methods: Students were recruited from two universities in Hong Kong and Indonesia. They attended an online internationalization at home programme designed by members of the research team from both countries. A mixed-methods study was conducted. A pre-test post-test design was used to evaluate the effects of the programme on cultural awareness, and four focus group interviews were conducted to explore the students’ experiences in the programme. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed by T-test and thematic analysis. Data were integrated via triangulation. Results: One hundred and forty-eight students from Hong Kong and Indonesia participated in the study. After the programme, there was a significant improvement in cultural awareness. Three themes were identified: (1) learning process: enjoyable, but a desire remains for face-to-face cross-cultural communication; (2) learning outcomes: gained cultural awareness, developed cultural sensitivity, had an opportunity to practice language and learn about new learning styles; (3) factors influencing learning outcomes: facilitators (micro-movie and active communication) and barriers (language barrier, inappropriate time arrangement, insufficient prior briefing). Conclusion: This programme achieved the learning outcomes by successfully enhancing the cultural awareness of students during a time of pandemic when outbound student exchanges were not possible. Further adaptations of the programme are required to further enhance learning outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 160940692098213
Author(s):  
Ishrat Islam ◽  
Silvia Goss ◽  
Annmarie Nelson ◽  
Anthony Byrne

Introduction: Structured physical activity may improve physical, cognitive, and social functionality, as well as overall quality of life of people with high-grade glioma. Yet, engaging them in such activities remains highly challenging due to their unique disease burden and perceived “loss of control.” A greater understanding of patients’ interests, preferences, behavioral motivations, and perceived barriers around physical activity is needed to design tailored and patient-led physical activity interventions. This protocol describes the method and ethical considerations of a cross-sectional mixed-methods study that has been developed to collect such information from glioma patients and their carers. Methods and analysis: The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ 7, short form) and semi-structured interviews will be used for data collection. IPAQ scoring protocol will be followed to examine objective data and Clarke and Braun’s thematic approach will be used to analyze the interview transcripts. Ethics: Ethical approval was obtained from Cardiff University’s Research Ethics Committee and from the regional NHS Research Ethics Committee. The main ethical concerns are to maintain patients’ safety and comfort and ensure that their consent remains informed and valid throughout the recruitment, data collection, management, and dissemination stage. Risks associated with their physical condition, emotional distress, and time commitment should be continuously assessed and necessary actions should be taken accordingly. Conclusion: The protocol will work as a step by step guide for future researchers for developing similar qualitative research and obtaining ethical approval when involving vulnerable individuals like high-grade glioma patients in studies.


Author(s):  
Clavia Williams-McBean

There is debate about the need for pilot studies in qualitative research and limited publications on its usefulness as a part of a mixed methods study which includes a qualitative phase. This qualitative pilot study was a part of a multiphase mixed methods research which investigated the nature of assessment in Jamaican secondary schools. The larger study aimed at developing a model for more effective implementation of formative assessment in the teaching of English at the secondary level. This article discusses the value of pilot studies in qualitative research in general and as a part of a multiphase mixed methods research. The qualitative pilot study was valuable in helping me to refine the research protocols, pre-empt possible challenges and increase my training and confidence in conducting qualitative research. Consequently, it added to the legitimation on the overall mixed methods research. Qualitative pilot studies are necessary especially for novice qualitative and mixed methods researchers.


Author(s):  
Jonathan Young ◽  
Michael Firmin

We present the results of a phenomenological, qualitative research study in which 13 Southern Baptist (SB) pastors were administered in-depth interviews. The sample was selected from a total of 37 exemplars, identified in the quantitative component of a larger mixed-methods study, regarding the pastors’ perspectives toward relational connection in pastoral ministry. Three themes emerged from the data regarding relational connection in pastoral ministry. First, pastors indicated the need to be intentional about pastoral connection. Second, the pastors stressed the importance of being available to congregants who specifically desire pastoral connection. Finally, the participants related that pastors should give particular attention to connections with lay church leaders.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mounyah Waiel Al-Nuaimi ◽  
Ranin Abidi ◽  
Banan Mukhalalati ◽  
Alla El-Awaisi ◽  
Ahmed Awaisu ◽  
...  

Introduction: The level of alumni’s job satisfaction and preparedness has been found to affect the impact in the workplace. Little is known about alumni’s employment experience in Qatar. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the employment preparedness, job satisfaction and impact in the workplace of College of pharmacy graduates in Qatar. Methods: A sequential exploratory mixed methods study was conducted. For the qualitative phase, data were collected by focus groups and were analyzed thematically. Quantitative data collection involved administration of a validated questionnaire. Results: Research findings suggested that college of Pharmacy (CPH) alumni were mostly well prepared in terms of knowledge and skills. They were mostly satisfied about the curriculum and the experiential learning experience. The participants were challenged by the lack of deep knowledge and skills needed for their area of expertise. COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased workload and stress. Being a Qatar University graduate facilitated the recruitment process. Lastly, a positive impact in the workplace was reported through implementation of NAPRA competencies and AFPC learning outcomes. Conclusion: This study will facilitate the understanding of factors that affect the preparedness, job satisfaction of CPH alumni and their impact in the workplace, which will ultimately enhance the learning experience in CPH.


Author(s):  
Shannon Clarkson Rains ◽  
Jennifer Reinsch Schroeder ◽  
Ron Bruner

Why do congregations have separate children’s worship instead of intergenerational worship? What connections do such practices have with the presence and work of a children’s minister? Is separate worship with children more common in certain kinds of congregations within Churches of Christ? In a mixed-methods study, we found trends between congregational demographics and worship practices. Our qualitative research revealed that children’s ministers often consider worship choices to be rooted in pragmatic decisions and not theological imperatives.


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