Supporting student learning with digital audio: A low-tech approach

Advances in technology have made the use of digitized audio, often in the form of podcasts, more popular in recent years. The MP3 compression file format for such audio has become a defacto standard and the associated MP3 players are now ubiquitous. In the domain of eLearning, audio id perceived as a low-tech approach when compared with video technology. However such an approach can be useful as firstly, such audios can support mLearning as they can be listened to anywhere, and secondly, they are easy to produce for technology challenged instructors. This paper uses a teaching and learning framework as a basis for discussing how audio can support learning. It outlines some practical issues for instructors and students and provides suggestions for making the best use of audio. Some of the feedback obtained from online surveys that has been carried out with students at a university in Australia is utilised to support the discussion

E-Learning Management System for Simad University in Somalia

With the advancement of Information and Communication Technology in this era, teachers should take the advantage to improve their teaching techniques. Students should be allowed to learn at anytime, anywhere and at their own pace. Teachers also be able to keep a collection of test/tutorial questions online. Furthermore, the motivation for this study is to improve the learning environment in SIMAD University through the use of Internet technology. Therefore, based on the above ideas, a prototype of E-learning Management System has been developed. In addition, this software is a web based application system that can be accessed by students as well as lecturers through the Internet technology by anywhere and anytime. The methodology adopted in this study is the design research Methodology by Vaishnavi and Kuechler (2004)

Supporting Student Learning with Digital Audio: A Low-Tech Approach

Advances in technology have made the use of digitized audio, often in the form of podcasts, more popular in recent years. The MP3 compression file format for such audio has become a defacto standard and the associated MP3 players are now ubiquitous. In the domain of eLearning, audio id perceived as a low-tech approach when compared with video technology. However such an approach can be useful as firstly, such audios can support mLearning as they can be listened to anywhere, and secondly, they are easy to produce for technology challenged instructors. This paper uses a teaching and learning framework as a basis for discussing how audio can support learning. It outlines some practical issues for instructors and students and provides suggestions for making the best use of audio. Some of the feedback obtained from online surveys that has been carried out with students at a university in Australia is utilised to support the discussion

Exploring the reusability of web-based learning resources

This paper describes a project in the Australian training sector which sought to design and develop a digital repository of learning resources to facilitate their reuse and application in new learning settings. The paper describes the context in which the original resources were created and the development of a system to store and provide access to these resources. The paper concludes with an examination of the utility and functionality of the system and the limitations inherent in the reuse of digital resources supported by such systems

Developing e-learning environments that support knowledge construction in higher education

Much of the conventional development of Web-based learning environments the creation of electronic forms of existing print-based materials. In such instances the Web-based courses have tended to display limited evidence of an underpinning learning design and varying degrees of use of the opportunities and affordances of the new technologies. This paper provides an overview of instructional design principles that can guide the creation of Web-based learning materials that support learner engagement and knowledge construction. The paper describes the attributes of constructivist learning settings and provides some examples of explicit learning designs that can be applied in the design of Web-based learning environments. It describes strategies that are currently underway that are looking to provide ways to mainstream effective Web-based learning designs

Seeking best practice in online learning: Flexible learning toolboxes in the Australian VET sector

This paper describes The Flexible Learning Toolboxes Project , a component of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework for the National Vocational Education and Training System 2000-2004 (AFL Framework). The AFL Framework is designed to support the accelerated take-up of flexible learning modes and position Australian VET as a world leader in applying new technologies to vocational education products and services. A Toolbox is a set of learning resources designed for web based delivwww.ascilite.orgs customisation and reuse in the National Training Framework, which forms the basis of qualifications and accreditation in the Australian VET sector. The paper describes aspects of the Project and discusses the innovative design approaches that are being used to create quality online learning resources. Examples of several Toolboxes are provided to demonstrate the forms of online learning settings that have been developed for the Australian VET sector

Online learning designs in the training sector

This paper describes current activities within the vocational education training (VET) sector in Australia where traditional views of teaching and learning for training are being challenged. The paper showcases innovative and leading edge applications of technology in the National Flexible Toolbox Project and draws on the history of this project to demonstrate current thinking within the Australian VET sector in relation to student learning. The paper examines the learning designs and resources that have been developed across the past five years in the National Flexible Toolbox Project and uses the outcomes to argue and demonstrate its findings

Factors contributing toward student performance in a distance education accounting degree

PURPOSE – The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of five determinates of performance in students (N 677) who completed three years of financial accounting to obtain a Bachelor of Accounting Science (BCompt) degree by distance education through the University of South Africa. DESIGH / METHODOLOGY / APPROACH – Regression analysis is used on three yearly measures of performance with five independent variables (age, gender, prior accounting knowledge, mathematics background and academic aptitude). FINDINGS – Results show that mathematics background and academic aptitude are both significantly associated with student performance, throughout the financial accounting subjects. Prior accounting knowledge is also important in the first year of study but not thereafter. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS / IMPLICATIONS – Prior research has found that other factors may influence student performance, and future studies which include these variables will add to these findings. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS – The results of this study have important implications for instructors, students and career advisers, particularly as research linking various factors with performance in accounting subjects over the length of a degree is limited. ORIGINALITY / VALUE – The current study considers the determinants of student performance over three financial accounting years (rather than one year or one subject) and from a distance education perspective. As distance education becomes a more important delivery method of study in the future, these results have important implications.http://www.emeraldinsight.com/loi/medarhb201

O audiovisual para promoção da saúde: caso da cessação tabágica

Mestrado em Comunicação MultimédiaThis project aims on the development of three videos which will function as a tool to used along with therapeutical treatment for individuals who intent to change their health behaviors. The videos were developed using experts’ therapeutic practical experiences and printed materials following certain, learning and communication theories such as Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Construtivism, Persuasion theory, Transtheoretical and Elaboration Likelihood models. A profound study on these theories and models helped to understand health behaviors facilitating thus the development of the videos which might contribute smoker’s efforts to alter bad health habits, bad addictive behaviours and shift to healthier lifestyle. The project took place at the University of Thessaly, Departament of Physical Education and Sports Science, at the city of Trikala, Greece. The conceptual model was elaborated with the influence of user centred design concepts from therapists specialized on this technique, originating the development of a prototype with audiovisual elements. Its assessment content was done between some experts in the fields of smoking cessation intervention program, media and smokers to evaluate certain of its aspects (design, quality, messages and others). This preliminary evaluation allow to the conclusion that audiovisual material might play an important role on smoking cessation interventions, since its usage might bring extra motivation for the smokers and present information through more interesting strategies.Este projecto consiste no desenvolvimento de vídeos que irão funcionar como materiais alternativos no tratamento terapêutico a indivíduos que querem alterar os seus comportamentos aditivos. Os vídeos foram desenvolvidos de acordo com experiencias nas práticas terapêuticas e materiais impressos, seguindo certas teorias de aprendizagem e comunicação, tais como, Behaviorismo, Cognitivismo, Construtivismo, Teoria da Persuasão e modelos Transteorético e de Probabilidade de Elaboração. Um estudo aprofundado destas teorias e modelos ira ajudar a compreender como o indivíduo pensa, facilitando o desenvolvimento dos vídeos que podem ajudar os pacientes. Este projecto é desenvolvido na área de utilização de práticas terapêuticas, aplicando à realidade grega através do audiovisual. O projecto teve lugar na Universidade de Tessália, Departamento de Educação Física e Ciência do Desporto, na cidade de Trikala, Grécia. O modelo conceptual foi elaborado com a influência de conceitos de design centrado em terapias especializadas com componentes audiovisuais. A sua avaliação de conteúdo foi feita por especialistas em programas de cessação tabágica, media e fumadores onde foram avaliados aspectos como o design, qualidade, mensagem, entre outros. Esta avaliação preliminar permitiu concluir que o uso do audiovisual pode ter um papel importante na luta pela cessação tabágica, já que o seu uso pode trazer motivação adicional para fumadores e apresentar informações através de estratégias interessantes