scholarly journals Faculty Perceptions of Online Teaching at a Mid-Sized Liberal Arts University

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana L Shreaves ◽  
Yu-Hui Ching ◽  
Lida Uribe-Florez ◽  
Jesús Trespalacios

This mixed-methods study examined faculty perceptions of online teaching at a mid-sized liberal arts university in order to understand faculty acceptance and participation in online teaching at the university. Seventy-nine participants responded to a survey that collected qualitative and quantitative data. Content analysis examined faculty perceptions of online teaching and identified six themes. An examination of 21 quantitative factors identified 17 factors reported by more than 50% of respondents to influence their decision to teach or not teach online. Study participants perceived online learning as attractive to students but they wanted any online courses carefully regulated, in part because online learning was seen as contrary to their teaching values. Participants were influenced by personal preferences but also the desire for robust faculty resources, and more effective technology and infrastructure. Implications and directions for future research were discussed.

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-10
Author(s):  
Le Thi Thanh Thu

This study investigates the online learning experience of the Master of TESOL students studying at Ho Chi Minh City Open University. The online survey was sent to students of both the local and join Master programs who took online courses during the university closures because of Covid-19. The findings showed that the students had positive experience with their online learning. They indicated that they were ready for studying online in the future though they had challenges such as improper attention in online study; poor internet connectivity, unfavorable conditions to study at home and lack of training for online study. Key words: online learning experience, Covid-19 closures, university, postgraduate


Author(s):  
Maria Northcote

The field of online learning, like many other technological innovations, has not burgeoned without controversy. Despite the debates about the role and value of online learning, it has continued to grow in many sectors, especially in higher education. Alongside the growth of online learning, discussions about its benefits and limitations have also flourished, and many studies have investigated the quality and integrity of online courses. This chapter offers an investigation of some of the history of online learning, concluding with a collection of practical recommendations and suggestions for future research directions to guide institutions embarking on online learning programs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 230-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley Hass ◽  
Mathew Joseph

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine students’ perceptions of online vs traditional (face-to-face) course offerings at the business school of a liberal arts university in southwest USA. The research compares perceptions of students who have been subjected to online education along with those who have not been exposed to online education and examines likelihood to take online courses. Design/methodology/approach Paper and pencil surveys were distributed in different classes in business classes at a university in southwest USA. The target group was undergraduate students. Findings The results indicate that overall, students have neutral perceptions about online courses, while favorable perceptions are strongly associated with likelihood to take online courses. Moreover, prior exposure with online courses is not a significant factor in forming favorable perceptions about online courses. Research limitations/implications The present research is limited in generalizability and the institution surveyed in the southwest region is new to online courses offering in their curriculum and not all the participants had prior experience with online courses. Originality/value Although this paper compares online education with traditional, another option for methods of education include hybrid models incorporating both. A possible third option not discussed through this research is a hybrid or blended learning course, a combination of both online and traditional courses. This opens the options for the student, as hybrid courses can be built with many different options. One includes using technology for “screencasts” or lectures online.


Author(s):  
Philip Ice ◽  
Lori Kupczynski ◽  
Randy Wiesenmayer ◽  
Perry Phillips

While an abundance of research exists on best practices in the face-to-face classroom, the same is not true for online learning. In this new and constantly evolving environment, researchers are just beginning to understand what constitutes effective learning strategies. One of the most well recognized models for explaining online learning is the Community of Inquiry Framework (CoI). However, despite its recent empirical validation, the CoI provides only general indicators of effectiveness, not guides to specific practices. This study looks at a common practice, providing students with feedback, and assesses whether narrowly targeted, individualized feedback or group feedback is more effective. Through mixed methods research the authors examined student preferences and strategies by student level, finding that while there is no one best solution there are strategies that appear most appropriate for different learner levels. Suggestions for implementing best practices and directions for future research are also discussed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Laura E Mullins ◽  
Jennifer Mitchell

Following the World Health Organization’s announcement of the global pandemic because of the Coronavirus Disease 2019, most Canadian universities transitioned to offering their courses exclusively online. One group affected by this transition was students with disabilities. Previous research has shown that the university experience for students with disabilities differs from those of their non-disabled peers. However, their unique needs are often not taken into consideration. As a result, students can become marginalized and alienated from the online classroom. In partnership with Student Accessibility Services, this research revealed the impact of the transition to online learning because of the pandemic for university students with disabilities. Students registered with Student Accessibility Services completed a survey about the effects of online learning during a pandemic on the students’ lives, education, and instructional and accommodation. It was clear from the results that online education during COVID-19 affected all aspects of the students’ lives, particularly to their mental health. This research provided a much-needed opportunity for students with disabilities to share the factors influencing their educational experience and identified recommendations instructors should consider when developing online courses to increase accessibility and improve engagement. 


Author(s):  
Trang T.M. Do ◽  
Thuyen V. Ngo ◽  
Quoc A. Hoang ◽  
Giang T.L. Nguyen ◽  
Nhon D. Truong ◽  
...  

Corona pandemic has a strong influence on almost all fields all over the world, especially in education. In Vietnam, in the case study of the University of Technology and Education Ho Chi Minh City (HCMUTE), most of the lecturers being responsible for theoretical subjects are required to teach their students online during the outbreak of COVID 19. It is a crucial issue that needs efficiency from online learning. This study aims to evaluate the status and efficiency of online learning at HCMUTE. Altogether 108 students and 25 lecturers participated in the study. The qualitative data collection tool was a questionnaire that has open and closed questions related to the learning environment, the interaction relationships, and learning outcomes. The results show that there is a synchronous learning environment and plenty of digital tools used by most lecturers. About 74 percent of students are satisfied and keen on continuing online learning; a large number of lecturers would like to continue with blended learning. Besides, the study also found out some difficulties that focus on two main issues such as technical issues, and decreasing students’ activeness during online classes. The study also recommends three learning activities design stages that the lecturers can apply for their online teaching to encourage students to active learning. This research extends knowledge of pedagogy and orient the next online course design at UTEx.


SEEU Review ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-103
Author(s):  
Brikena Xhaferi ◽  
Gëzim Xhaferi

Abstract Online learning is becoming a commonplace in different settings starting from elementary, secondary and higher levels of education. Different educational institutions use different communication tools to promote learning because the expansive nature of the Internet and the accessibility of technology have generated a surge in the demand for web-based teaching and learning across the nations (Chaney, 2010). The online teaching and learning have become a necessity for education around the globe during COVID 19-pandemic. There are several challenges which are faced during online classes because the students must have strong self-motivation skills and be very disciplined to achieve the desired learning results. This paper presents and analyzes the data on the benefits and challenges of online teaching at South East European University (SEEU) during COVID 19 pandemic. The participants of the study are students of the BA level majoring in English Language and Literature and German Language and Literature at SEEU in Tetovo, North Macedonia. To answer the research questions, we have used a student questionnaire, interviews, and student reflection papers written during the online courses. Overall, the research indicates that benefits of online coursework outweigh the challenges that students face during the online classes. From a safety perspective, this study emphasizes the need to consider the impact of online teaching on student motivation and the paper raises important questions about how to best support students enrolled in online courses. Further research is needed in order to better evaluate the benefits, challenges, and useful strategies of successful students enrolled in online courses.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (8-9) ◽  
pp. 103-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. E. Chupandina ◽  
A. V. Semenikhina

The article describes the state of online learning at Voronezh State University and presents general information about its main components, such as e- library resources, electronic system for education process management, and  the university’s online courses. Since 2001 the University is a participant of  the scientific and technological program “Creation of the open education  system in the Russian Federation”. Within the framework of this program an  informational and educational portal Voronezh. OpeNet.ru − “Voronezh  virtual university” has been established, which is a part of the mega-portal of the Russian informational and educational environment of open education  (www.OpeNet.ru). In 2007 the University has started the work for  implementation of network education based on LMS Moodle. Online education is being realized on three levels: e-library resources,  organization of educational process (“Electronic University”), and online  courses (distant courses, university online courses, and open online courses).  Distant courses include 59 courses on ecology and learning  foreign languages worked out in the framework of Tempus project. At  present Voronezh State University is developing its own open online courses  (MOOC) using the experience of Tomsk State University and Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. The implementation of online learning makes it  possible to realize two main principles of modern education − “education for  everybody” and “lifelong education”. 


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Gairola

In this essay, I explore the meanings and implications of blended learning in an era of global pandemic by extending Paulo Freire’s notion of a “pedagogy of the oppressed” into the digital milieu and COVID-19 era of the 21st century. In doing so, I critically meditate on how Freire’s cue is reformulated in the context of online teaching while situating questions about online learning in the context of the Blended Learning Online South Africa (BLOSA) project based at the University of Witwatersrand. I do so as a means for tracking how, in material practice, blended learning operates in the context of knowledge dissemination and postcolonial poverty.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document