Evaluating on-line distance learning from learners' and teachers' perceptions: A case study at Sultan Qaboos University

The current study evaluated online distance learning from learners' and teachers' perceptions through a descriptive case study of a Foundations basic computer skills course, which followed the ADDIE instructional design model within the institutional context of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in Oman. Following SQU strategic plan guidelines for 2025, three objectives were achieved: reinforcing the need for transformation of educational delivery methods, exploring students' perceptions of online distance learning and identifying both successful and impeding factors involved in implementation of online distance learning. A blended qualitative and quantitative exploratory approach was taken in conjunction with mixed methods for data collection from document analysis, interviews, focus groups and online surveys. Research questions identified learners’ and teachers’ perceptions of five attributes of online learning: learner-autonomy, interactive dynamics, flexible accessibility, effective feedback and multimedia simulations. Based on these attributes, results of the study provided institutionally related instructional design standards for effective online distance learning at SQU. In considering the feasibility of online courses at SQU in the future, the results indicated that learners would take online courses provided that they received training, technical support and better internet services. Teachers stipulated that they would require pedagogical and technical support to enable them to facilitate online courses. Also, incentives, flexible schedules and clear policies regarding intellectual property rights were highly demanded. This thesis consists of six chapters. The first chapter gives a historical background of e-learning providing the relevant demographic and sociological context. The second chapter reviews e-learning modes of delivery and related learning theories. The third one bridges the theoretical foundation with empirical implementation of an online course at SQU. Research methodology is described in chapter four, followed by detailed analysis of results in chapter five. The final chapter concludes the thesis by recommending actions for better implementation of online learning at Sultan Qaboos University

SageMathCloud as the Learning Tool Cloud Technologies of the Computer-Based Studying Mathematics and Informatics Disciplines

Метою даного дослідження є визначення особливостей комп'ютерно-орієнтованого навчання інформатичних та математичних дисциплін в хмаро орієнтованому середовищі SageMathCloud. Цілі дослідження - вивчення дидактичного потенціалу SageMathCloud, вивчення його структури та компонентів SageMathCloud для створення хмаро орієнтованого програмного забезпечення і систем навчання та дистанційних курсів з математичних та інформатичних дисциплін. Об'єкт дослідження - обчислювальна математично-орієнтована освіта з інформатичнихінформатики дисциплін. Предметом дослідження є вивчення інструменту хмарних технологій комп'ютерно-орієнтованого навчання математичних та інформатичних дисциплін. У цій статті схарактеризовано дидактичний потенціал середовища SageMathCloud для здійснення комп'ютерно-орієнтованого навчання математики та інформатики з використанням хмарних технологій; перераховано та проілюстровано основні компоненти SageMathCloud, які можуть бути використані при розробці хмарних програмно-методичних комплексів і дистанційного навчального курсу. Результати дослідження будуть основою для написання рекомендацій для вчителів природничих, математичних та інформатичних дисциплін з використанням хмаро орієнтованого програмного забезпечення, систем навчання і дистанційних курсів навчання, заснованих на SageMathCloud.The aim of this study is to determine peculiarities of computer-based learning and mathematical disciplines in informatychnyh oriented cloud environment SageMathCloud. The objectives of the study is to investigate the didactic potential SageMathCloud, study its structure SageMathCloud isolation components to create a cloud-oriented software and learning systems and distance learning courses in the mathematics and informatics disciplines. The object of research is computed mathematically-oriented education informatics disciplines. The subject of research is the learning tool cloud technologies of the computer-based studying mathematics and informatics disciplines. In this paper, the characteristics of the didactic potential SageMathCloud environment for the implementation of computer-based learning natures, mathematics and informatics disciplines with the use of cloud technologies; lists and illustrates the basic components SageMathCloud, which can be used in the design of cloud-based software and methodical complex and remote training course. Results of the study will be the basis for writing guidelines for teachers of natural, mathematics and informatics cloud-oriented software and learning systems and distance learning courses based on SageMathCloud

An authoring tool for structuring and annotating on-line educational courses : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Computer Science at Massey University

This thesis studies the design and prototype implementation of a new web-based course authoring system for the Technology Integrated Learning Environment (TILE) project. The TILE authoring system edits the course structure and allows the author to annotate the course structure with meta-data. It makes extensive use of XML technology to communicate structured data across the Internet, as well as for both local and web-side databases. The Authoring tool is designed to support development by multiple authors and has check-in and check - out, as well as version control facilities. It also provides an interface for adopting other multimedia tools such as AudioGraph. The tool has an easy-to-use graphical user interface. The technical problems that have been solved in this project include issues such as cross-platform support, drag and drop functionality using JDK l.l.8, etc. System environments, such as relational database set up, XML database set up, Java swing set up in Mac also have been discussed. The authoring system interface analysis, database analysis and function analysis have been completed for the complete the system as specified. An intermediate system, designed to a reduced specification, has been implemented as a prototype and details of this system, which can work independently of the TILE delivery system, are included. The Full TILE authoring system including InstantDB database access also has been partially implemented. The prototype application has also has been tested on the PC platform

Implementation of Internet based courses in computer information systems at Milwaukee Area Technical College

Includes bibliographical references

Managing evolution and change in web-based teaching and learning environments

The state of the art in information technology and educational technologies is evolving constantly. Courses taught are subject to constant change from organisational and subject-specific reasons. Evolution and change affect educators and developers of computer-based teaching and learning environments alike – both often being unprepared to respond effectively. A large number of educational systems are designed and developed without change and evolution in mind. We will present our approach to the design and maintenance of these systems in rapidly evolving environments and illustrate the consequences of evolution and change for these systems and for the educators and developers responsible for their implementation and deployment. We discuss various factors of change, illustrated by a Web-based virtual course, with the objective of raising an awareness of this issue of evolution and change in computer-supported teaching and learning environments. This discussion leads towards the establishment of a development and management framework for teaching and learning systems

Designing Open and Distance Learning for Teacher Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: A toolkit for educators and planners

Everyone remembers a good teacher. Good teachers are the key to educational expansion and improvement. In many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is an urgent need to expand the number of primary and secondary teachers. In all African countries, there is an equally important need to improve the quality of teaching. To achieve this, it is clear that new approaches to teacher education are essential. Existing institutions of teacher education will continue to play an important role, but, alone, they will not meet the goals of Education for All (EFA) by 2015. It is fortunate that, just as the twin needs to improve the quantity and quality of teachers become imperative, so new forms of education and training are becoming available. The world is witnessing a revolution in information and communication technologies (ICTs), which can offer training and support of a type and at a cost hitherto impossible to consider, and thus, must be fully explored given the scale and urgency of demand. In doing so, however, it will be necessary to build on existing and well-tested strategies, including the best models of open and distance learning. This toolkit is the third in a series of recent publications by the Africa Region Human Development Department of the World Bank to share knowledge and experience on how distance education and ICTs can support education in Sub-Saharan Africa. It emphasizes the rigorous process by which new forms of distance-education programs for teacher education can be planned and implemented. The best models of established programs are considered along with the potential for incorporating, as the means become available, new modes of communication. Most forms of teacher education, particularly those concerned with qualification upgrading and ongoing professional development, will have to be based in schools. The authors demonstrate how school-based programs, appropriately resourced and supported, have the potential not only to raise significantly the number and quality of teachers, but also to improve classroom practice and school organization, generally. The guidance and advice, which is drawn from many years of experience in design and implementation, and embraces a range of case studies from across the region, will be of considerable value to those preparing new policies and programs of teacher education and to those seeking to improve existing programs

A gentle transition from Java programming to Web Services using XML-RPC

Exposing students to leading edge vocational areas of relevance such as Web Services can be difficult. We show a lightweight approach by embedding a key component of Web Services within a Level 3 BSc module in Distributed Computing. We present a ready to use collection of lecture slides and student activities based on XML-RPC. In addition we show that this material addresses the central topics in the context of web services as identified by Draganova (2003)

Possible versus desirable in instructional systems: Who's driving?

This paper takes a pragmatic stance that the key to successful application of technology in education is good teaching: using technology only when it is a cost‐effective servant of pedagogy. The paper discusses some fundamental issues in the production of computer‐based materials, and considers them in the context of an on‐going evaluation of an Internet courseware project