scholarly journals The effectiveness of online teaching and learning tools

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 52-69
Author(s):  
Heba Abdel-Rahim
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
Critical Importance ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Business Courses ◽  
Us University

This study investigates how students in a distance-learning upperlevel accounting course perceive the effectiveness of different online teaching and learning (OTL) tools that are commonly used in business courses taught online. This topic is of critical importance, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed more courses to be OTL. A midsemester anonymous survey in an Accounting course at a public US university was conducted to measure students’ perceptions about different OTL course tools. Students were asked to provide their general assessment about how effective these tools were and how they believe these tools helped them learn. Analyses and discussions of the effectiveness of different tools and their link to earlier literature and how instructors can utilise the results of the OTL survey are presented.

Priorities for reorienting traditional institutions of higher education toward online teaching and learning: Thinking beyond the COVID-19 experience

2021 ◽  
pp. 204275302110388
Author(s):  
Talha A Sharadgah ◽  
Rami A Sa’di
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Institutions Of Higher Education ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Traditional Institutions

The purpose of this study is to suggest priorities for reorienting traditional institutions of higher education (IHE) toward online teaching and learning beyond the COVID-19 experience. This research applied the qualitative research method. Data collection sources included both a systematic literature review relating to how COVID-19 informed online distance learning across the globe and an analysis of circulars germane to the pandemic that were issued by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Saudi Arabia and by Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU). Guided by those two types of data, that is, review of the literature in general and the MOE and PSAU circulars in particular, and also illuminated by their own experiences of online teaching during the lockdown, the researchers were able to put forward those priorities. For the systematic review of the literature, five steps were performed: (1) identifying search terms and developing and applying a search strategy; (2) screening the obtained research papers, removing duplicates and papers outside the focal point, and establishing inclusion/exclusion criteria; (3) assessing the research papers against the inclusion/exclusion criteria; (4) data extraction; and (5) data synthesis. Although this article does not suggest traditional IHE should go entirely digital, it highlights the need for IHE to ensure access to online learning content, develop more partnerships with community, develop online self-study skills, get students to shift from passive to active learning, and a need to reconsider current e-assessment. Additionally, the study emphasizes the need to provide additional support for faculty members, how university buildings should be gradually reopened, controlling factors influencing online learning outcomes, and addressing the issue of dropouts in IHE. Finally, the study underlines the need to add further emphasis to the importance of integrating blended learning in the university curriculum and navigating toward developing global distance learning programs.

Facilitating Civility in Distance Education

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Catherine F. Flynn
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Educational Environment ◽  
Professional Relationship ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning Environment ◽  
History Of

Higher education has a long history of incivility, and the advent of distance learning has further exacerbated the issues. Increasing incivility in our society adds another challenging dimension to combating incivility and maintaining a supportive, educational environment. This chapter addresses the challenges of maintaining civility in the online teaching and learning environment that facilitates access 24/7. Specific issues relevant to disruptive actions in distance learning are covered, as well as strategies for preventing and reducing online incivility. Promoting a sense of connectiveness and social interaction is recommended, while also maintaining a professional relationship. Online culture is discussed as a key element in establishing an effective online environment.

Education Faculty Lived Experiences of Student Interaction and Engagement in Online Courses

2021 ◽  
pp. 60-83
Author(s):  
Nikleia Eteokleous ◽  
Rita Panaoura
Keyword(s):  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Digital Learning ◽  
Online Environment ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
Education Faculty ◽  
Faculty Experiences ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning

In this chapter, the two authors co-construct meaning of their individual lived experiences as education faculty engaging in online teaching and learning. It highlights each faculty unique experiences facilitating graduate student learning in an online environment. Co-construction of meaning centers on pedagogical approaches, program design and focus, reflection of faculty-self experiences, employment of digital learning tools, and utilization of best practices of each faculty experience with teaching and learning in an online environment. This narrative is co-constructed following a collaborative autoethnographic approach by two faculty, whereby the central descriptions of each faculty member is situated in one's lived experiences and rich story of facilitating and instructing courses in an online learning environment. The faculty experiences are mainly derived from teaching graduate courses offered by a department of education. The research method in presenting two self-reflective narratives in online teaching and learning extends to doing “collaborative autoethnography.”

scholarly journals Benefits and Challenges of Online Teaching During the COVID-19 Pandemic at Rundu Campus of the University of Namibia

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 53-64
Author(s):  
Emilia N Mbongo ◽  
Anna N Hako ◽  
Takaedza Munangatire
Keyword(s):  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Large Classes ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Crucial Information ◽  
The University

This paper presents the benefits and challenges of online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced by educators at the Rundu Campus of the University of Namibia. Researchers used a structured interview guide to collect data from 14 conveniently selected lecturers from a population of 65. Findings of the study indicate that the benefits of using online teaching and learning include flexibility, ability to teach large classes; increased interaction and engagement between lecturers and students; and increased learning opportunities for lecturers. The study further found that some of the significant challenges lecturers experienced with online teaching and learning include lack of information and technology skills, internet connectivity and availability; poor student attendance; and loneliness. The study provided crucial information on lecturers' progress within the framework of online teaching and learning mode. The paper recommends that lecturers receive formal training on online teaching and learning tools to minimise the limitations. The study also suggests increased psychosocial support for lecturers to curb feelings of isolation and loneness during this time.

scholarly journals Zooming?! - Higher Education Faculty Perspectives

10.28945/4791 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 121-140
Author(s):  
Moshe Leiba ◽  
Ruti Gafni
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Distance Teaching ◽  
Faculty Perspectives ◽  
Education Faculty ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
The Impact

Aim/Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic demanded an immediate and massive adaptation of higher education to distance learning. Teachers had to transform from face-to-face to distance teaching, with insufficient pedagogical and technological knowledge and resources. This study aims to capture higher education faculty experiences in the very early stages of the crisis-prompted transition into synchronous distance education in order to obtain a broader view on the faculty’s perspectives (benefits, challenges and insights) on distance teaching through synchronous online environments. Background: Although online teaching and learning have been part of higher education teaching for more than two decades, many instructors found themselves teaching remotely for the first time and facing new and unpredicted challenges. Methodology: This study explored and analyzed an e-mail thread discourse between teachers in a higher education institute, two months after “going online” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A singular case study was conducted, and a retrospective and snapshot case study approach was used. Data analysis was an iterative exploratory process of going back and forth the empirical material, resulting in the construction of categories, then themes, and finally a conceptual framework was developed. Contribution: The findings contribute the knowledge domain of implementation of immediate and massive online teaching and learning from the faculty perspective. Findings: Two main focal points, students and teachers, were encountered. Three main recurring themes were identified associated with both students and teachers: Convenience, Ethical Issues, and Insights for the future. Two themes were identified associated with faculty: Pedagogy and Tools, and Resources. In addition, two themes were identified for students: Attendance and Responses. Each of the themes was decomposed into several aspects. Recommendations for Practitioners: Higher education institutions and stakeholders should build a campus wide e-learning agenda including appropriate infrastructure and professional development for the future. Recommendations for Researchers: The study presented a conceptual model based on qualitative case study methodology. The impact and influence of each of the components of the model should be further researched and measured using quantitative methodologies. Impact on Society: Understanding the benefits and challenges of distance learning from the faculty perspectives in order to implement better distance learning strategies. Future Research: The impact and influence of each of the components of the model should be further researched and measured using quantitative methodologies.

scholarly journals Unlocking Technology for Language Learning: A Viability at the Time of Transition from Traditional to Online Teaching and Learning

2021 ◽  
pp. 96-110
Author(s):  
Reema Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Learning Platforms ◽  
Teaching Learning

Online teaching and learning activities are no longer ‘a nice-to-have extracurricular facility’ but an answer to what, how, when people learn, and where they learn it from. Digitization of education helps us to find answers to how technology can enable teachers and students to access specialized materials outside the classroom, in various formats and ways that help to utilize both time and space. Educators all over the world are trying to overcome the limitations of being physically separated by moving onto online learning platforms. This paper attempts to find out the feasibility of using technology for teaching language to learners of English as a second language in the present-day context. The findings of this research are based on responses to a questionnaire answered by both the Language teachers and the Undergraduate students of Middle East College, Muscat and through literature review. Gen Z, the ‘digital natives’ do not want teachers to be replaced entirely by computers as they need motivation, inspiration, and emotional support. Virtual education is feasible, but its success depends upon the effective content generation, designing and planning for its delivery, and the effective use of teaching/learning tools that can supplement the efforts of the teachers. For online teaching and learning not only do the colleges and educational institutions need to be well-equipped, the learners also need to adapt to the changing scenario.

Pedagogical Issues and Challenges for Cross-Cultural Online Instruction

2019 ◽  
pp. 384-406
Author(s):  
Chien Yu ◽  
Kun Huang ◽  
Gabe Posadas
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Cultural Distance ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Pedagogical Issues ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Scholarly Publications

Due to the increasingly multicultural nature of online learning environments, it is crucial that instructors and instructional designers be aware of the importance of cultural factors in online teaching and learning. This chapter examines current educational and strategic studies of cross-cultural distance learning based on a review of scholarly publications, and helps readers develop an up-to-date understanding of the issues as well as challenges pertinent to cross-cultural online teaching and learning. In addition to reviewing the notion of cultural differences, the chapter seeks to provide instructional strategies that incorporate multicultural experience in designing online teaching or training. The chapter can help extend readers' knowledge and understanding of cross-cultural perspectives, influence of cultural differences on learning, and implications for designing cross-cultural distance learning.

Distance Learning in Chemical Engineering

2021 ◽  
pp. 118-148
Author(s):  
Ashleigh J. Fletcher ◽  
Mark Haw ◽  
Miguel Jorge ◽  
Kenneth Moffat
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Chemical Engineering ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Access To Education ◽  
Learner Engagement ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Technologies ◽  
The University

Online teaching and learning opens up great opportunities, particularly in terms of widening access to education, but also poses important challenges related to delivery, student engagement, adapting contents, and ensuring reliability of assessment. Some of these challenges assume particular relevance in engineering degrees, due to their strong practical dimension, the connection to industrial practice, and the need for programme accreditation. This chapter focuses on the example of the Chemical Engineering Distance Learning degree at the University of Strathclyde, describing its decade-long transformation from a mainly correspondence-based course to a fully online programme. The main challenges faced by course directors and teaching staff are identified, and the response to those challenges is critically discussed. Finally, a reflection is presented on the future of distance learning programmes in the context of expected developments enabled by online technologies, artificial intelligence, and collection of rich datasets on learner engagement and development.

scholarly journals Unlocking Technology for Language Learning: A Viability at the Time of Transition from Traditional to Online Teaching and Learning

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reema Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
Online Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Learning Platforms ◽  
Teaching Learning

Online teaching and learning activities are no longer ‘a nice-to-have extracurricular facility’ but an answer to what, how, when people learn, and where they learn it from. Digitization of education helps us to find answers to how technology can enable teachers and students to access specialized materials outside the classroom, in various formats and ways that help to utilize both time and space. Educators all over the world are trying to overcome the limitations of being physically separated by moving onto online learning platforms. This paper attempts to find out the feasibility of using technology for teaching language to learners of English as a second language in the present-day context. The findings of this research are based on responses to a questionnaire answered by both the Language teachers and the Undergraduate students of Middle East College, Muscat and through literature review. Gen Z, the ‘digital natives’ do not want teachers to be replaced entirely by computers as they need motivation, inspiration, and emotional support. Virtual education is feasible, but its success depends upon the effective content generation, designing and planning for its delivery, and the effective use of teaching/learning tools that can supplement the efforts of the teachers. For online teaching and learning not only do the colleges and educational institutions need to be well-equipped, the learners also need to adapt to the changing scenario.

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