Distributed Learning System Design: A New Approach and an Agenda for Future Research

This article presents a theoretical framework designed to guide distributed learning design, with the goal of enhancing the effectiveness of distributed learning systems. The authors begin with a review of the extant research on distributed learning design, and themes embedded in this literature are extracted and discussed to identify critical gaps that should be addressed by future work in this area. A conceptual framework that integrates instructional objectives, targeted competencies, instructional design considerations, and technological features is then developed to address the most pressing gaps in current research and practice. The rationale and logic underlying this framework is explicated. The framework is designed to help guide trainers and instructional designers through critical stages of the distributed learning system design process. In addition, it is intended to help researchers identify critical issues that should serve as the focus of future research efforts. Recommendations and future research directions are presented and discussed

A literature review of the use of Web 2.0 tools in Higher Education

This review focuses on the use of Web 2.0 tools in Higher Education. It provides a synthesis of the research literature in the field and a series of illustrative examples of how these tools are being used in learning and teaching. It draws out the perceived benefits that these new technologies appear to offer, and highlights some of the challenges and issues surrounding their use. The review forms the basis for a HE Academy funded project, ‘Peals in the Cloud’, which is exploring how Web 2.0 tools can be used to support evidence-based practices in learning and teaching. The project has also produced two in-depth case studies, which are reported elsewhere (Galley et al., 2010, Alevizou et al., 2010). The case studies focus on evaluation of a recently developed site for learning and teaching, Cloudworks, which harnesses Web 2.0 functionality to facilitate the sharing and discussion of educational practice. The case studies aim to explore to what extent the Web 2.0 affordances of the site are successfully promoting the sharing of ideas, as well as scholarly reflections, on learning and teaching

Working collaboratively on the digital global frontier

An international online collaborative learning experience was designed and implemented in preservice teacher education classes at the University of Calgary, Canada and the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. The project was designed to give preservice teachers an opportunity to live the experience of being online collaborators investigating real world teaching issues of diversity and inclusivity. Qualitative research was conducted to examine the complexity of the online collaborative experiences of participants. Redmond and Lock’s (2006) flexible online collaborative learning framework was used to explain the design and the implementation of the project. Henri’s (1992) content analysis model for computer-mediated communication was used for the online asynchronous postings and a constant comparative method of data analysis was used in the construction of themes. From the findings, the authors propose recommendations for designing and facilitating collaborative learning on the digital global frontier

The Community of Inquiry Framework Ten Years Later: Introduction to the Special Issue

This article introduces the special issue on the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework which is being published ten years after the model was first introduced. Since that time the CoI framework has been used to guide and inform both research and practice worldwide. We are very honored to have articles by the original three authors of the CoI model in this special issue. The special issue also contains articles by leading CoI researchers as well as some scholars who are just beginning to use the framework

Using Technology to Support At-Risk Students' Learning

A new report finds that technology - when implemented properly -can produce significant gains in student achievement and boost engagement, particularly among students most at risk

Instructional Strategies and Activities that Inform the Community of Inquiry (CoI) Framework

The Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework is one of the more widely used frameworks supporting online learning effectiveness. While there has been extensive research on the development and validation of the CoI framework and survey, less attention has been devoted toward implementation of a CoI and how practitioners design instructional strategies and activities that support this type of constructivist online learning environment. The research literature about the CoI along with phenomenological interviews with expert designers guided the creation of three products: the Community of Inquiry (CoI) Instructional Strategies and Activities Guide, Community of Inquiry (CoI) Instructional Strategies and Activities Job Aid, and the CoI Design Framework. These products were validated by an expert panel using a three-round Delphi study. As an original contribution in the field of computing technology in education, this design and development research has theoretical and practical significance. First, it serves as a springboard for further understanding and discussion of the gap between the CoI as a constructivist framework and the more prescriptive world of instructional design. Second, it expands the guidance for practitioners who desire to create a community of inquiry in an online learning environment

Authenticity in Language Learning: A Study of Language Materials in Public High Schools

Instructional materials are paramount in effecting language instruction. However, there are contextual issues related to the use and selection of these materials. This study focused on authentic language instructional materials in public secondary schools in the Philippines. This study employed a mixed-methods research approach. This study concludes that internet-based authentic language instructional materials are inadequate in language instruction, showing limitations on the capacity of the school and the language teachers to provide adequate internet-based materials; there are concerns about using authentic language instructional materials that hinder learners' authentic response and comprehension to authentic language instructional materials, and there were measures to overcome the concerns which could develop authentic language instructional materials into the ideal learning materials. It is recommended that language teachers select resources according to the learners' unique requirements, proficiency levels, cultural contexts, and educational contexts. The participation of learners in the selection process and activity design is crucial to ensure the materials are engaging and culturally pertinent. To effectively address the challenges associated with using these resources, a collaborative approach is recommended, involving teachers, students, and other stakeholders in implementing the suggested solutions

An exploration of online interprofessional education facilitation

This thesis by publication explored the facilitation of Interprofessional Education (IPE) in the online environment. It described cognitive and behavioural outcomes associated with the facilitation experience, demonstrated the applicability of the Community of Inquiry framework to guide facilitation responses, and presented guidelines for educators developing and supporting a team of online IPE facilitators

Engaging the 'Xbox generation of learners' in Higher Education

The research project identifies examples of technology used to empower learning of Secondary school pupils that could be used to inform students’ engagement in learning with technology in the Higher Education sector. Research was carried out in five partnership Secondary schools and one associate Secondary school to investigate how pupils learn with technology in lessons and to identify the pedagogy underpinning such learning. Data was collected through individual interviews with pupils, group interviews with members of the schools’ councils, lesson observations, interviews with teachers, pupil surveys, teacher surveys, and a case study of a learning event. In addition, data was collected on students’ learning with technology at the university through group interviews with students and student surveys in the School of Education and Professional Development, and through surveys completed by students across various university departments. University tutors, researchers, academic staff, learning technology advisers, and cross sector partners from the local authority participated in focus group interviews on the challenges facing Higher Education in engaging new generations of students, who have grown up in the digital age, in successful scholarly learning