6 research outputs found
Qualitative Research In Online Language Learning - What Can It Do?
In this article we explore the theoretical foundations of qualitative research in online language learning. We will look at the distinction between offline and online language learning and discuss whether different ways of knowledge generation are appropriate for those different learning environments. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies will be examined and their fit with various learning theories evaluated. Fundamental theoretical differences between epistemologies supporting a realist ontology and those favouring relativist ontologies will be presented and set in the context of online and technology enhanced language learning research. Finally, we argue that a sociocultural framework, which goes beyond quantitative research approaches, is necessary to adequately understand the experiences of language learners and teachers who share a common interest in the new digital environments
Merging MOOC and mLearning for Increased Learner Interactions
In this paper, the authors suggest the merger of the Massively Open Online Course (MOOC) format and mobile learning (mLearning) based on mutual affordances of both contemporary learning/teaching formats to investigate learner interactions and dialogues in an open online course. The paper presents a case study of how MobiMOOC, a course created using the MOOC format, demonstrates the synergistic characteristics between the MOOC format and mLearning, making a combination of both fields ideal for contemporary, digital, collaborative learning, and knowledge construction based on learner interactions and dialogue. MobiMOOC was a six-week online course focusing on mLearning that ran in April and May 2011. An endof-course survey providesinsight thatsupportsthe synergies between MOOCs and mLearning: collaboration, informal and lifelong learning, and dialogue.Fil: De Waard, Inge. Athabasca University; BĂ©lgicaFil: Koutropoulos, Apostolos. University of Massachusetts; Estados UnidosFil: Hogue, Rebecca J.. University of Ottawa; CanadáFil: Abajian, Sean C.. California State University Northridge (calif. State Univ. Northridge);Fil: Keskin, NilgĂĽn Ă–zdamar. Anadolu University; TurquĂaFil: Rodriguez, Carlos Osvaldo. Universidad del Cema. Departamento de IngenierĂa Informatica; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones CientĂficas y TĂ©cnicas; ArgentinaFil: Gallagher, Michael Sean. University of Edinburgh; Reino Unid