Research Article
Mustafa Serkan Gunbatar, Tolga Guyer
CONTEMP EDUC TECHNOL, Volume 8, Issue 2, pp. 158-175
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study, with reference to Community of Inquiry, is to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of Learning activities based on Online Inquiry differentiating as Open and Guided Inquiries. This study employs mixed research method and explanatory design. The data were collected with the Community of Inquiry Index and the Student Process Survey. According to the Community of Inquiry index results, scores of all guided inquiry students in terms of the scale were higher at a statistically significant level than those of open group. Similarly, regarding the subscales of community of inquiry index teaching presence and cognitive presence factor scores were higher in favor of the guided inquiry students. There is no significant difference between the social presence scores of the groups. Obtained qualitative data also support this result. According to these findings, we can arrive at the conclusion that, within the scope of Community of Inquiry, the students in the guided inquiry group had a more efficient working process than the students in the open inquiry group.
Keywords: online learning, inquiry-based learning, community of inquiry model, open inquiry, guided inquiry
Research Article
Gurhan Durak, Murat Ataizi
CONTEMP EDUC TECHNOL, Volume 7, Issue 1, pp. 85-105
ABSTRACT
The purpose of the study was to investigate the views of learners experienced in the Distance Learning Platform (DLP), which was prepared according to an online course design model. The participants of the study were 19 learners who took the programming languages course (via the DLP for 14 weeks). Before the application, the preparation of the DLP took nearly 500 hours. A pilot study was performed with the learners during the summer school. The design of the DLP was improved through the views of those learners. The data were obtained through face-to-face interviews with the learners. The following themes emerged from analysis of the data: factors in preferring the DLP, general characteristics of the DLP, the effectiveness of the DLP, and expansion of the DLP. These themes are further analyzed on the basis of “Diffusion of Innovations” and “Uses and Gratifications” theories. As a result of the interviews conducted with the learners, it was found that the learners had positive opinions about the DLP as it (1) offers flexibility, (2) contains elements enhancing their motivation, (3) enables the learners to communicate easily with the instructor, (4) provides the learners with instant feedback, and (5) enables them to access to the course materials easily.
Keywords: Distance education, Online learning, Instructional design model, Programming language, Learner views, Course evaluation
Research Article
Hasan Karal, Mehmet Kokoc, Canan Colak, Yasin Yalcin
CONTEMP EDUC TECHNOL, Volume 6, Issue 4, pp. 319-337
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to explore instructors’ perspectives on the effect of using pen-based technology in the online mathematics courses and understand instructors’ experiences in online mathematics teaching with pen-based technology. In this study, two instructors who taught online mathematics courses in fourteen weeks used digital pen as a pen-based technology. The data were obtained from semi-structured interviews and observation of online mathematics course records. The findings indicated that the use of digital pen in the online mathematics course was fairly beneficial in pedagogical and interaction aspects and it was necessary to use digital pen in online mathematics courses for displaying steps of problem solving process synchronously. It was concluded from the study that digital pen technology plays a positive role in the enhancement of interaction between the elements of an online learning environment by providing real-time feedback to students and permitting to digitize mathematical concepts. The observation findings also supported the statements of the instructors. The findings of the study have further provided some insight into how to use digital pen by an instructor in online mathematics course efficiently.
Keywords: Online mathematics course, Digital pen, Digital ink technology, Interaction in online learning, Teaching with digital ink
Research Article
Joanne Blannin
CONTEMP EDUC TECHNOL, Volume 6, Issue 3, pp. 188-205
ABSTRACT
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become ubiquitous in our society. In particular, 10-12 year old (primary school aged) children report that they increasingly rely upon ICTs for social interaction and for learning (ACMA, 2013). In spite of the large number of students reporting high ICT use, research indicates that many primary school teachers are not making effective use of online resources in the classroom. Influencing this lower level use is a lack of specifically focused research that considers the vital role of the primary school teacher in the integration of ICTs into the classroom program. To identify where research is most needed and might be most useful to support teachers to increase the use of ICTs in the classroom, this paper draws on research conducted in primary, secondary and tertiary education. It defines three core areas in which research is needed. These areas are teachers’ internal (personal) and external (socio-cultural) barriers as well as the students’ role in, and expectations of, pedagogical changes to classroom learning.
Keywords: Online learning, Self-efficacy, Teacher professional learning, Primary schooling, ICT integration, Increasing ICT use
Research Article
Sirous Hadadnia, Norouz Hadadnia, Nina Shahidi
CONTEMP EDUC TECHNOL, Volume 3, Issue 1, pp. 50-59
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted with the purpose of comparing the effect of teaching of the online teacher with that of the real teacher on the students' learning in the university classroom. The study was conducted in the academic year 2009-2010. The sample of the study consisted of 80 students working either in control group or experimental group, 40 in each. The subjects were chosen and assigned by cluster sampling method. For data gathering, a 40 item test was administered in given time intervals to measure prior knowledge, achievement and retention of learning. Research methodology is of empirical, applied, and prospective nature. For data analysis, a t-test for comparing the differences between mean scores was employed. Based on the findings of this study, it appears that to overcome the lack of skilled university instructors, one could use online teachers. The quality of learning provided by the online teacher is the same as the one provided by the real teacher. In the university classrooms, one can use online teachers instead of the real teacher for a number of reasons. Finally, the degree of learning retention in both types of instruction (online versus traditional) is the same.
Keywords: Online learning, Virtual teaching, Face-to-face instruction, Online teacher, Distance education
Research Article
Fathallah Ghanem, Majid Hamayil
CONTEMP EDUC TECHNOL, Volume 2, Issue 1, pp. 55-76
ABSTRACT
Al Quds Open University has actually employed blended learning since 2007; it is becoming the basis for much of today’s academic teaching. Therefore, this paper aimed at figuring out the extent that QOU managed distance learning programs effectively. The study reported here focused on the following factors: Vision and plans, quality assurance, curriculum, staff-training/support, and student-training/support. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered online to the QOU instructors who were involved in blended learning teaching experience. Researchers claimed that QOU administration has applied the above mentioned factors effectively and efficiently in planning distance learning courses. It was obvious that QOU, focusing mainly high quality, has paid high attention to blended learning courses and invested in its training staff in order to achieve excellence in teaching and learning. However, the participants believed that the courses concerning the development of instructor skills and competencies were not sufficient enough and there was a clear need to revise the quality and quantity of such courses.
Keywords: Blended learning, Distance learning, Online learning, Open learning
Research Article
Saidatul Maizura Sahimi, Farah M. Zain, Nabila A. N. Kamar, Noorizdayantie Samar, Zuraidah A. Rahman, Omar Majid, Hanafi Atan, Fong Soon Fook, Wong Su Luan
CONTEMP EDUC TECHNOL, Volume 1, Issue 2, pp. 175-185
ABSTRACT
This paper describes the impact of the degrees of realism (unrealistic, moderately realistic and highly realistic) of the pedagogical agent on student’s achievement during online learning in terms of gender. Three modes of the e-learning portal with appropriate degrees of realism, namely, Online Learning with a Cartoon Pedagogical Agent (OLCPA), Online Learning with a Moderately Realistic Pedagogical Agent (OLMRPA) and Online Learning with a Highly Realistic Pedagogical Agent (OLHRPA) were developed and implemented. A quasi-experimental 3x2 factorial design was employed; independent variables were three degrees of realism, the dependent variable was achievement scores, and the moderator variable was gender of students. The subjects were 130 Form Four students (16 years old) from Malaysian secondary schools who were randomly assigned to groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to analyze data. The findings of the study suggest that there was no significant difference in the students’ achievement among the three degrees of realism in terms of their genders; both genders achieved almost the same across different degrees of realism. The reasons for the observed results are discussed and elaborated.
Keywords: Online learning, Pedagogical agent, Degree of realism, Gender issues
Research Article
Fethi A. Inan, Raymond Flores, Michael M. Grant
CONTEMP EDUC TECHNOL, Volume 1, Issue 2, pp. 148-159
ABSTRACT
Adaptive Web-Based Learning Environments (A-WBLEs) provide mechanisms to individualize instruction (e.g., content, interface, strategies, and assessment) for learners based on their individual differences. In this paper, various adaptive methods influencing the design of AWBLEs are explained and how these methods aim to address individual differences is discussed. Empirical evaluations of adaptive systems are synthesized and four levels for categorizing AWBLEs are created to provide a guideline for future design and development of A-WBLEs.
Keywords: Adaptive Web-based learning environments, Individual differences, Online learning, Individualized instruction, Adaptive hypermedia