E-Learning Adoption: Designing a Network-Based Educational and Methodological Course on "Humans and Their Health"

This study aims to explore the factors influencing the adoption of e-learning platforms in biology education and examine the impact of online learning on students’ performance. This study investigates the relationships between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude toward e-learning, flexibility, content quality, and students’ behavioral intention to adopt e-learning activities. A mixed-methods approach was employed consisting of two phases: a questionnaire survey with structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze data and an experiment with an independent sample t-test to assess the impact of online learning on student performance. Findings disclosed that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude toward e-learning, flexibility, and content quality positively impacted students’ behavioral intention to adopt e-learning and their performance. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of the factors influencing e-learning adoption in biology education. Practical recommendations are provided for educators, instructional designers, and policymakers to facilitate the implementation of e-learning platforms in biology education. These recommendations include promoting the perceived usefulness and ease of use of e-learning platforms, fostering a positive attitude toward e-learning, enhancing flexibility, ensuring high-quality content, providing training and support for educators, and considering the needs of students with disabilities. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-06-014 Full Text: PD

Exploring key parameters influencing student performance in a blended learning environment using learning analytics

Understanding the factors that influence students' results in hybrid learning environments is becoming increasingly important in today's educational environment.  The goal of this research is to examine factors that influence students' academic performance as well as their level of participation in blended learning environments.  A comprehensive study was conducted with 330 interested participants from the prestigious government polytechnics of the state of Karnataka in order to achieve this goal. Our data acquisition approach relied on the administration of a meticulously crafted survey questionnaire. The conceptual framework underpinning this study seamlessly integrates Transactional Distance Theory (TDT) principles with valuable insights derived from prior research. The Welch test and one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) are two statistical approaches that we used selectively to reinforce our research which produced surprising results.  These findings underscore the pivotal role played by certain specific factors. The geographical location of learners and the medium through which they pursue their studies have emerged as critical determinants significantly influencing academic performance. Aspects like the frequency of login activities and active engagement in forum discussions have been found to exert a positive influence on learners' academic performance. In contrast, the duration of sleep did not show a significant impact on performance. These insights bear tangible implications for teachers and policymakers who are dedicated to the enhancement of the quality of BL programs with the ultimate goal of enriching the overall educational experience

The empirical analysis in determining the critical determinants of using technology in utilising online learning platforms for improving academic achievements using Anova analysis

The goal of this study is to identify and investigate the elements that may influence the levels of achievement and contentment experienced by students enrolled in online classes. There is a body of research that has already investigated the advantages and applications of online education. In the current dynamic environment, many people using online platforms, this presents a problem in and of itself. The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding in determining the critical determinants of using technology in utilising online learning platforms for improving academic achievements. In the past, some of the implementation issues that have been highlighted include a lack of trained lecturers, insufficient facilities, and students who are unprepared to use online learning platforms and Learning Management System (LMS) platforms as teaching tools. In addition, a dearth of trained lecturers has been identified as a challenge. The demand for it among students increased, and it is currently utilized by individuals all over the world as a result of its adaptable design and several helpful functions. There have, for a considerable amount of time, been concerns over the expansion of online learning environments at the expense of those that are more traditional

An Investigation of the Impact of Student Satisfaction on Student Outcomes Among Undergraduate Students in a Blended Learning Environment in University A

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of student satisfaction on student outcomes among undergraduate students in a blended learning environment in University A. It was a quantitative predictive correlational design, with predictor variables satisfaction with course, sex, age and race/ethnicity, and criterion variable end-of-course score. The Corona Virus pandemic highlighted the central role of blended and online learning in educational processes globally. The technological revolution in education characterized by the infusion of digital technologies in classrooms, indicates that blended learning will continue to feature prominently in educational settings. Student satisfaction in blended learning redounds to the benefit of students and educational institutions since it could contribute to improved pedagogical and curricular practices, goodwill, enhanced reputation, and increased enrollment. Participants for this study were drawn from a convenience sample of 330 undergraduate students enrolled in a blended general education course at University A. Data collection procedures for predictor variables were accomplished through the online administration of the Satisfaction with Blended eLearning Systems (BELS) Questionnaire, while criterion variable data was garnered from student records. Applying multiple linear regression analysis, a statistically significant relationship was found between the linear combination of satisfaction with course, sex, age, race/ethnicity and end-of-course score. However, satisfaction with course emerged as the only significant predictor of the end-of-course score. Course satisfaction in blended learning settings influences performance. Further investigations are needed in other tertiary level institutions in the Caribbean, across different disciplines, and different blended learning delivery methods

Nontraditional Graduate Students\u27 Satisfaction With Their Transnational Educational Experience

This retrospective, nonexperimental, quantitative study was designed to explore nontraditional students’ perceptions of satisfaction with their graduate education experience in a customized transnational educational context. This study was undergirded by theories and concepts gleaned from multiple disciplines. Disconfirmed expectations theory of consumer satisfaction derived from expectancy theory, which describes the motivations and behaviors of consumers who purchase a service but cannot fully evaluate the service until it has been consumed, provided the overarching conceptual framework for the research. This research analyzed data from 62 graduates of a customized, transnational Master of Education program in educational leadership. Participants responded to a quantitative instrument that contained 18 questions related to various aspects of the respondents’ educational experience. The qualitative component involved responding to six open-ended questions. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted on the quantitative data. The analyses performed include frequency distributions, means and standard deviations, Cronbach’s coefficient alpha, and a correlation matrix for the dependent and independent variables and for the six subcategories. To examine whether differences in satisfaction with specified aspects of the program were reflected in differences in subscale satisfaction, t tests were also conducted. Conventional content analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data. Statistical analyses indicated that participants were satisfied with every aspect of their educational experience. This empirical study contributes to the knowledge bank of student satisfaction in a transnational context. When the particular and peculiar needs of nontraditional learners are considered when designing graduate level programs, institutional accommodations are provided, courses that are relevant to students’ needs are taught by instructors with relevant andragogical skills, the appropriate support systems are in place, and the overall goal is to provide education that is relevant to the personal and career goals of the students, students will be satisfied with their educational experience

The Effect Of Social Presence On Teacher Technology Acceptance, Continuance Intention, And Performance In An Online Teacher Professional Development Course

The purpose of this study was to determine if the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) could explain the relationship between teacher\u27s acceptance of an online teacher professional development course and their continuance intentions regarding online teacher professional development (oTPD). This study focused on the perceptions of the teachers as opposed to the design or implementation of oTPD. The participants (N=517) were mostly teachers (88.8%) enrolled in a statewide online course to provide classroom teachers with the latest knowledge of research-based instructional reading strategies. The course was offered over a 10-14 week period during the Spring 2006 semester through a public state university. Structural equation modeling was used to create a path analytic model extending the TAM to include two additional constructs: sociability and social presence. In addition, gains in instructional reading strategies knowledge (performance) were examined. Using this expanded version of the TAM, the study examined the causal relationships between sociability, social presence, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, continuance intention, and gains. Online distance education research has indicated that social presence can influence post-secondary students\u27 attitude and persistence within a web-based course. However a paucity of research exists on how technology acceptance and social presence impacts teachers within an online teacher professional development setting. Path analysis, univariate analysis of variance, and independent t-tests in SPSS v12.0 for Windows were used to analyze the data. The results suggest that the hypothesized extended model was a good fit. The model did indicate that both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness were determinants of teachers\u27 intent to continue using oTPD for future professional development needs

Review of research and evaluation on improving adult literacy and numeracy skills

The purposes of this literature review are threefold. First, this review summarises findings of the research from the last decade in six fields identified by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) as critical to its forward planning: (1) the economic, personal and social returns to learning; (2) the quality and effectiveness of provision; (3) the number of learning hours needed for skills gain; (4) learner persistence; (5) the retention and loss of skills over time; (6) the literacy and numeracy skills that are needed. Second, this review assesses this evidence base in terms of its quality and robustness, identifying gaps and recommending ways in which the evidence base can be extended and improved. Thirdly, this review attempts to interpret the evidence base to suggest, where possible, how returns to ALN learning for individuals, employers and wider society might be increased through effective and cost-effective interventions

An Examination of High School Student Success In online Learning

Online learning education in K-12 districts across the United States has continually grown in the United States (Barbour & Kennedy, 2014). Research from online course studies of adult learners suggests several factors influence successful course completion. However, discrepancies exist as to whether the findings can be generalized to 9-12 E-learning students. Literature exploring the learner characteristics associated with successful secondary students in online studies is limited. The research on online education identifies students who are highly motivated, high-achieving, and self-starting as those that are most likely to complete online courses successfully (Barbour & Reeves, 2009). High schools across Ohio employ online learning education to support graduation pathways of all diverse learners. This study explored differences that exist between subgroups when learner characteristics in the online learning environment are compared with course completion percentage. Archival records of students who had attempted credits towards high school graduation through online learning coursework were collected from four participating school districts. The sample for this study was drawn from inner-ring suburban school districts in Northeast Ohio with an urban boundary. The subjects of this study included 214 high school students, grades 9-12, enrolled in online courses pursuing credits toward high school completion. vi Standard linear regression was calculated to predict course completion percentages based on gender, race, grade level, and grade level according to expected age as the independent variables. The results of this study provided evidence related to online learner characteristics that exist in digital learning environments. Positive results indicate students in upper-grade levels, and female students are more likely to be successful in earning credits in virtual learning environments. The analysis produced favorable outcomes for students who are at grade level to complete online courses successfully. Non-Black students are more likely to complete online courses when compared to Black students based on the findings of this research. The implications of this investigation have practical significance for school districts implementing virtual learning options across the curriculum. It is essential to continue exploring the relationship between individual learner characteristics and course completion for high school E-learners to support online education as a viable instructional pedagogy

FACTORS INFLUENCING ADOLESCENT EFL LEARNERS’ ENGAGEMENT IN ONLINE CLASSES: INSIGHTS FROM LEARNERS’ PERSPECTIVES

Learners’ engagement has been identified as a crucial factor contributing to effective teaching and learning (Chiu, 2022); yet research focusing on this particular topic remains limited (Werang & Leba, 2022). In the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-depth investigations into this aspect have become increasingly urgent, especially in such contexts as Vietnam where online instruction has become “a new normal”. This descriptive case study, as a part of a more comprehensive study, responded to such as pressing call by exploring two aspects: (1) adolescent EFL learners’ engagement levels, and (2) factors influencing learners’ engagement in synchronous online classes. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires administered to 193 Vietnamese adolescent EFL learners at an EFL language center in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Results revealed that learners’ perception of adolescent learners’ engagement level was high. Specifically, learners were more behaviorally engaged compared to the other dimensions, namely emotional, cognitive and agentic engagement. Two categories of factors, namely teacher-related aspects and teaching content and activities were found to have the most significant influence on learners’ engagement. These findings provide teachers, curriculum developers, and institution administrators with important practical implications for measures to effectively foster higher engagement in virtual classrooms.  Article visualizations

Employee demand for skills: evidence and policy review : UK Commission for Employment and Skills Research Report no. 3

This report presents the results of a detailed review of evidence and policy relating to the factors that influence the engagement of the individual in skills development. It incorporates a broad range of formal and informal learning activities, delivered in a range of institutional settings and through different media, including work-based, classroombased, distance learning and community based learning. The review is deliberately broad in its focus, drawing on evidence and policy relating to people in different positions within the labour market - in or out of work, new entrants into employment, younger and older workers, people with and without qualifications and/or with higher and lower skills. However, a key focus for the research was the barriers and factors affecting access to skills development opportunities among lower skilled and lower qualified people. The review was undertaken by WM Enterprise and the Employment Research Institute, Edinburgh Napier University for the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UK Commission)