Archive for the ‘Research’ Category

Accessibility of MOOCs: Understanding the Provider Perspective

Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) have become an accepted way to make learning opportunities available at large scale and with low cost to the learner. However, only if these are made accessible will they be able to offer flexibility of learning and benefits to all, irrespective of disability. Experience in providing accessible online learning at […]

The Effects of Integrating Social Learning Environment with Online Learning

The aim of this paper is to present the learning and teaching styles using the Social Learning Environment (SLE), which was developed based on the computer supported collaborative learning approach. To avoid burdening learners with multiple platforms and tools, SLE was designed and developed in order to integrate existing systems, institutional learning, management systems, and […]

Information technologies as a tool for agricultural extension and farmerto- farmer exchange: Mobile-phone video use in Mali and Burkina Faso

Mobile phones are widespread in the rural areas of Mali and Burkina Faso, but their potential as a tool for knowledge transfer by extension services in the region remains largely unexplored. The aim of this contribution is to evaluate the potential of video on mobile phones as a tool for farmer-to-farmer exchange and agricultural extension […]

“It’s a Humbling Experience” – Lessons from Language MOOCs

This contribution reports on a language teacher education project involving student teachers enrolled in beginning-level Language MOOCs. Participants self-reported their main learning experiences against the backdrop of favourable conditions for language learning. Their feedback focused primarily on skills, activities, and participation, as well as the LMOOC design. European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning 

The Virtual Professor and Online Teaching, Administration and Research: Issues for Globally Dispersed Business Faculty

Changes in the manner in which universities are delivering education are revolutionary. Learning spaces are changing, online learning is increasing, the demand for more flexible learning continues to grow, and the skill set for academics is expanding. Recruitment and retention of academic staff to work in this type of context creates a range of challenges […]

Using cloud computing to develop an integrated virtual system for online GIScience programs

Using cloud computing to develop an integrated virtual system for online GIScience programs The variety of offerings of online Geographical Information Science (GIS) programs has been extensively reported in the literature, which describes various types of degrees and certificates offered by institutions all over the world. Most online courses have merely focused on delivering lectures, […]

Students and mobile devices

Many educators advocate, promote and encourage the dreams of agency, control, ownership and choice amongst students whilst educational institutions take the responsibility for provision, equity, access, participation and standards. The institutions traditionally procure, provide and control the technology for learning but now students are acquiring their own personal technologies for learning and institutions are challenged […]

Effective e-learning? Multi-tasking, distractions and boundary management by graduate students in an online environment

This paper reports the findings of a small-scale study that documented the use of information technology for learning by a small group of postgraduate students. Our findings support current knowledge about characteristics displayed by effective e-learners, but also highlight a less researched but potentially important issue in developing e-learning expertise: the ability of students to […]

Common Challenges for Instructors in Large Online Courses: Strategies to Mitigate Student and Instructor Frustration

Teaching in the online classroom is becoming commonplace for instructors as universities seek to grow enrollments and tap into unexplored markets. Many instructors, however, are often unprepared for the nuances of distance education and apprehensive about making the transition to online learning. This article aims to discuss common challenges for instructors of high-enrollment online courses […]

Using Social Learning Networks (SLNs) in Higher Education: Edmodo Through the Lenses of Academics

Using Social Learning Networks (SLNs) in Higher Education: Edmodo Through the Lenses of Academics With its total number of users (around 62 million) throughout the world, it is important to determine the views of academics who use Edmodo (the leading SLN. In this respect in the first part of this two-part research, the purpose was […]