Digital Commons Network^™

Constructing Knowledge, Identity And Community In Asynchronous Discussion Forums: Socio-Semiotic Perspectives In Online Learning, Janine Louise Delahunty

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This thesis explores the nature of engagement in asynchronous discussion forums in fully delivered online courses in higher education; in particular, online engagement as part of the total subject design. It addresses a number of research questions to understand how online discussion forums shape the teaching-and-learning experience, namely: What kinds of knowledge are socially constructed in online forum interactions? What is the role of interpersonal contributions in fostering/inhibiting student engagement in forum interaction, and in building a sense of community? What is the role of the instructor in mediating online discussion?

The study was motivated to understand how interaction - …

Problems L2 Readers Encounter With Metaphor In Discipline Specific Texts, Julienne Margaret Stewart Sandgren

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Metaphor is seen to pervade all language and communication (see Littlemore, 2001a), being our primary means of conceptualising abstract and complex phenomena into more concrete and easier-to-understand terms. Native speakers use metaphor automatically and without effort, often without noticing (Chilton & Lakoff, 1989, Lakoff & Johnson, 1980, Lakoff, 1993), which leaves second language learners at risk of misunderstandings (e.g. Littlemore, 2001b, 2004b, 2005; Littlemore & Low, 2006a, 2006b, Low & Littlemore, 2009).

Metaphor is recognised as having an unambiguous importance in language learning notwithstanding the general lack of research in the TESOL field (e.g., Cameron & Low, 1999a, 1999b). Research …

Developing A Factor-Model To Understand The Impact Of Factors On Higher Education Students’ Likelihood To E-Cheat, Zeenath Reza Khan

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Most educators strive to develop in their students a certain level of academic integrity that they hope will be carried into the workplace. Academic integrity can benefit higher education, workplaces and the greater society by promoting integrity, scientific progress and responsible citizenship. But, academic dishonesty has been a concern for academics and researchers as long as educational institutions have existed. In the last few decades, the concerns have increased due to an increase in the reporting of cases of cheating in academic settings.

To date, many studies have been carried out that report instances of increasing cheating, some have researched …

Examining Digital Natives: An Investigation Of University Students’ Engagement With Technology, Linda Corrin

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

The expanding role of technology in supporting teaching and learning in higher education has prompted educators to consider how young people engage with technology across the multiple contexts of their lives. Early discussion of this topic was heavily influenced by generational assumptions, based primarily on anecdotal evidence. Labels such as ‘digital natives’ and the ‘Net Generation’ were used to refer to a generation of young people who were said to have a natural ability with and motivation to use technologies in all aspects of their lives (Prensky, 2001; Tapscott, 1998). Over time, the homogenous nature of this group was challenged …

An Investigation Of Factors Affecting High School Student’S Choice Of University In Thailand, Kamol Kitsawad

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

The purpose of the study was to investigate into the factors influencing high school student's choice of university in Thailand with the aims to ascertain and explore as to how Thai high school students who aspire to embark on higher studies make their choice of university and why they choose one university over the others.

To address the purpose of the study, the following research questions were posed:
• What factors influence students’ choice of university in Thailand?
• Which attributes or characteristics of the university influence students’ opinions and perceptions on university choice?
• Which persons influence students’ decision …

A Socio-Rational Approach To Identifying And Addressing Factors Contributing To Attrition In Ict Degrees In Australia, Madeleine Rachel Helen Roberts

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

Student attrition is an issue of serious concern to universities around the world. Attrition from ICT degrees is of particular concern, as is the lack of students commencing ICT degrees, which have together reduced the number of potential future ICT professionals (Cory, Parzinger & Reeves, 2006; Granger, Dick, Jacobson & Slyke, 2007; Zweben, 2008). For the purposes of this study, attrition encompasses students enrolled in an ICT degree who chose to transfer out of that degree to take up study in an unrelated area at their university or who quit their university without completing any course of study.

Tinto’s (1975) …

Liberalism, Human Capital And Equity: An Historical Analysis Of Australian Commonwealth Government Reports On University Education, 1950 To 2000, Kim Draisma

University of Wollongong Thesis Collection 1954-2016

This thesis provides an historical examination of the development of Australian university education, 1950 to 2000, a period of rapid population expansion and social and technological change. The thesis examines the variants of liberal ideology held by successive Commonwealth Governments that influenced the direction of changes in university education. In so doing it examines the relationship of liberal ideology to notions of what constituted a university education - and the kinds of people who gained access to it. Consequently, the thesis also examines concepts of human capital, equity and equality of access, since these are fundamental to an understanding of …