scholarly journals A Pandemic of Busywork: Increased Online Coursework Following the Transition to Remote Instruction is Associated with Reduced Academic Achievement

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin A Motz ◽  
Joshua D Quick ◽  
Julie A Wernert ◽  
Tonya A Miles

Under normal circumstances, when students invest more effort in their schoolwork, they generally show evidence of improved academic achievement.  But when universities abruptly transitioned to remote instruction in Spring 2020, instructors assigned rapidly-prepared online learning activities, disrupting the normal relationship between effort and outcomes.  In this study, we examine this relationship using data observed from a large-scale survey of undergraduate students, from logs of student activity in the online learning management system, and from students’ estimated cumulative performance in their courses (n = 4,636).  We find that there was a general increase in the number of assignments that students were expected to complete following the transition to remote instruction, and that students who spent more time and reported more effort carrying out this coursework generally had lower course performance and reported feeling less successful.  We infer that instructors, under pressure to rapidly put their course materials online, modified their courses to include online busywork that did not constitute meaningful learning activities, which had a detrimental effect on student outcomes at scale.  These findings are discussed in contrast with other situations when increased engagement does not necessarily lead to improved learning outcomes, and in comparison with the broader relationship between effort and academic achievement.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhlasin Amrullah ◽  
Devi Wulandari

The purpose of this study is to examine several aspects, including: the history of the establishment of SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan, learning strategies carried out in the midst of the covid 19 pandemic, learning methods, learning challenges, and effectiveness in learning at SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan. The research process uses descriptive qualitative methods. in the research process using data collection techniques by means of observation, interviews, and photos when the research was conducted. This study aims to determine the learning strategy in SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan. The strategy used at SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan in the midst of a pandemic is to use online learning strategies. Learning is carried out using zoom, google meet, wa, and youtube media, this is as an intermediary for learning in the midst of a pandemic, using these strategies can facilitate teaching and learning activities carried out by teachers and students online. SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan also experienced several challenges in carrying out learning in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, one of which was that many students did not have the tools to do online learning such as cellphones, laptops, or computers, and some had problems such as having cellphones but many did not. have a quota or it is difficult to reach a signal when online learning is done. Although there are many challenges in carrying out learning activities in the midst of a pandemic like this, it does not eliminate the enthusiasm to keep learning even though you have to be at home online


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhlasin Amrullah ◽  
Devi Wulandari

The purpose of this study is to examine several aspects, including: the history of the establishment of SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan, learning strategies carried out in the midst of the covid 19 pandemic, learning methods, learning challenges, and effectiveness in learning at SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan. The research process uses descriptive qualitative methods. in the research process using data collection techniques by means of observation, interviews, and photos when the research was conducted. This study aims to determine the learning strategy in SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan. The strategy used at SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan in the midst of a pandemic is to use online learning strategies. Learning is carried out using zoom, google meet, wa, and youtube media, this is as an intermediary for learning in the midst of a pandemic, using these strategies can facilitate teaching and learning activities carried out by teachers and students online. SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Pandaan also experienced several challenges in carrying out learning in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, one of which was that many students did not have the tools to do online learning such as cellphones, laptops, or computers, and some had problems such as having cellphones but many did not. have a quota or it is difficult to reach a signal when online learning is done. Although there are many challenges in carrying out learning activities in the midst of a pandemic like this, it does not eliminate the enthusiasm to keep learning even though you have to be at home online.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Olof Savi ◽  
Joseph Jay Williams ◽  
Gunter Maris ◽  
Han van der Maas

Although large-scale online learning increasingly succeeds in attracting learners worldwide, to date it fails to deliver on its promise. We first show the immense popularity of online learning and discuss its (unsatisfactory) effectiveness. We then discuss large-scale online randomized controlled experiments (A/B tests) as a powerful complimentary means to enable the desired leap forward. Although these experiments are widely and intensively used for web page optimization, and are slowly being adopted by the online learning community, their use, benefits, and challenges have only limitedly seeped through to the larger learning community. We summarize existing efforts in employing A/B tests in online learning, argue that such tests should take into account the typical nature of (online) learning, and encourage the use of knowledge from the various learning sciences to identify interventions that promise improved learning. We finally discuss both the limitations and promises of A/B tests, and show how such tests can ultimately contribute to learning that is tailored to each individual learner. The insights and priorities that arise from this overview and synthesis of A/B tests in online learning may help advance and direct the field.


2021 ◽  
pp. 135910532110188
Author(s):  
João L Bastos ◽  
Michael E Reichenheim ◽  
Yin C Paradies

Using data from two studies conducted among diverse undergraduate students, we assessed the scalar structure of the Explicit Discrimination Scale (EDS), and developed an abridged version of the instrument. Our findings suggest that the EDS has acceptable scalability properties, including an adequate dispersion of items along the latent trait continuum. Results also support the idea that increasing raw scale scores reflect higher intensities of perceived discrimination. This shortened version of the EDS may be used in large-scale studies on the health impacts of discrimination.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darcy G. Gordon ◽  
Mary Ellen Wiltrout

Evidence-based practices grounded in the learning sciences provide an opportunity for improved learning experiences in traditional in-person, as well as in hybrid and online environments. We advocate specifically that large-scale, online learning experiences, such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) benefit from applications of the learning sciences. To that end, we present a description of how and why we use specific learning science practices in a biochemistry MOOC with the intention to contribute to the discussion about the quality of online learning experiences and lower the barrier for other practitioners seeking a framework for implementing evidence-based course design. We believe that the application of the learning sciences makes online learning experiences more rigorous and effective, and practitioners should optimize the use of these strategies through clever tests in specific contexts.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dwi Febyanovi Inaya ◽  
Muhlasin Amrullah

This research examines various aspects, including: student learning activities, problems during learning, to learning solutions at SD Muhammadiyah 5 Porong in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the research process using data collection techniques by means of interview, observation, photos and videos when the research process was carried out. This study aims to obtain information regarding the strategies being carried out at SD Muhammadiyah 5 Porong in learning in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. This research method uses descriptive qualitative research methods. The existence of the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the teaching and learning process now being shifted to online learning. Online learning is a solution to solving educational problems due to the current Covid-19 pandemic. The offline method is also applied through face-to-face learning and continues to carry out obligations by complying with health protocols. Such is the learning conducted at SD Muhammadiyah 5 Porong. By using the online method and the offline method which is applied at SD Muhammadiyah 5 Porong amidst the current learning problems with the state of Indonesia affected by Covid-19.


2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (04) ◽  
pp. 1750040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viet Anh Nguyen

The aim of the study is to determine the impact of online learning activities on learning outcomes of students who participated in the blended learning course, focusing specifically on skill-based courses. The learning outcomes or results of a learner are usually measured by scores, knowledge or skills gained in the course. In blended learning courses, the learning outcomes can be assessed according to many criteria. In this study, interactive activities such as teacher–student interaction, student–student interaction, student–content interaction and student–technology interaction are considered. Undergraduate students participated in the blended learning course in which formative assessment was used to evaluate student learning outcomes by the combination of different learning activities through a learning management system. The quantitative results obtained by using regression analysis of data from the system showed that the students who effectively interacted with learning activities in the course have better results. Quantitative analytical results indicated that student–student interaction has a greater impact on student learning outcomes. These learning activities are used for interactive activities as suggestions for teachers to design and implement learning activities for blended learning courses.


2021 ◽  
pp. 302-309
Author(s):  
Syofyan Syofyan ◽  
Dita Permatasari ◽  
Uswatul Hasanah ◽  
Fithriani Armin ◽  
Rahmi Yosmar ◽  
...  

Introduction: This study aimed to explore pharmacy students' and faculty members' perception of online learning at the Faculty of Pharmacy Universitas Andalas. Methods: A survey was administered to 522 undergraduate students, 140 pharmacist professional students, and 51 faculty members via an online electronic survey (Google Forms). Demographic data, online learning experiences, and online learning acceptance of students and faculty members were collected through the survey. Results: Five hundred forty-five students and 36 faculty members of the Faculty of Pharmacy Universitas Andalas participated in this study. Online learning was mostly delivered using Zoom, combined with other media (47.3%). The majority of faculty members and students agreed that online learning could achieve knowledge learning outcomes (LOs), but not attitude LOs and skills LOs. More than a half of students and faculty members perceived that online learning is less effective. Conclusion: In general, the faculty members and students perceived that online learning was not very effective and only considered to achieve some aspects of LOs. As the COVID-19 pandemic is not over yet, it seems that online learning is the reasonable option for conducting learning activities. However, the learning activities and media should be carefully selected to ensure the achievement of all aspects of LOs.


Author(s):  
Suziana Hanini Sulaiman ◽  
Suhana Mohamed Lip ◽  
Shazarina Zdainal Abidin ◽  
Norshilawani Shahidan ◽  
Natasha Ariffin ◽  
...  

The implementation of Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the spread of Covid-19 has various effects on the community, regardless of the field they are involved in. Enforcement order to stay at home has resulted  to the closure and restriction of all types of operations including the education sector. Due to the implementation of MCO, the teaching and learning activities that used to be conducted face-to-face have been completely replaced by online learning. This situation eventually has given some stressful impact and has caused difficulties to students of higher learning institutions to continue their studies virtually. Various factors have been found as stressors among undergraduate students. It is hoped that this study would help to find effective ways to reduce stress among undergraduate students. 


2002 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Nye ◽  
Larry V. Hedges ◽  
Spyros Konstantopoulos

Recent evidence about the effects of class size on academic achievement from randomized experiments points to positive effects of small classes. However, the evidence about the mechanism producing these effects is less clear. Some scholars have argued for mechanisms that would imply greater effects of small classes for low-achieving students. This article investigates possible differential effects of small classes on achievement using data from Project STAR, a four-year, large-scale randomized experiment on the effects of class size. We examined the differential effects of small classes for students in the bottom half and bottom quarter, respectively, of their class's achievement distribution in kindergarten. Although small class effects are somewhat larger for low-achieving students in reading, the differential effects (interactions) are not statistically significant. Moreover, the small class effects for low-achieving students in mathematics are actually smaller than those for higher achieving students. Thus while there are unambiguous positive effects of small classes on achievement, there is no evidence for differentially larger effects of small classes for lower achieving students.


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