Education Commons^™

Analyzing Impact Of Aesthetic Visual Design On Usability Of E-Learning: An Emerging Economy Perspective, Akanksha Ghai, Urvashi Tandon

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objectives: The purpose of the study is to examine various dimensions of aesthetic visual design and their role in predicting usability in e-learning in higher education institutions of northern India. Using quantitative means of data collection, this research identified, ways and means to make learning content effectively usable, that is, attractive, interesting, motivating, and engaging for the learners.

Method: A survey questionnaire was developed through focused group discussions with field experts. Data were collected through online as well as offline modes. A Google form was created and its weblink was shared with the students pursuing degree courses in various state …

E-Learning For Expanding Distance Education In Tertiary Level In Bangladesh: Problems And Progress, Md. Abdullah Al-Masum, Saiful Islam Chowdhury

Higher Learning Research Communications

E-learning has broadly become an important enabler to promote distance education (DE) and lifelong learning in most of the developed countries, but in Bangladesh it is still a new successful progressive system for the learning communities. Distance education is thought to be introduced as an effective way of educating people of all sections in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Open University (BOU), the only distance education provider in Bangladesh, has been trying to adopt the use of various e-learning materials for its distance delivery. This paper has tried to describe the current progress of quality e-learning for expanding distance education, identifying the major …

The Use Of Internet-Based Social Media As A Tool In Enhancing Student’S Learning Experiences In Biological Sciences, Maribel Beltran Cruz, Shannen Belle B. Cruz

Higher Learning Research Communications

This study explored the use of social media as a tool in enhancing student’s learning experiences, by using online instruction as a supplement to a face-to-face general education course, such as biological sciences. Survey data were collected from 186 students who were enrolled in a Biological Sciences course. The course was taught in a blended format using Facebook and Edmodo online social networks. A four point Likert scale was used to interpret the data collected. Findings indicated that, when traditional face-to-face instruction was combined with online components, students’ learning was enhanced. Findings from this study indicate that students had better …

Facilitating Inquiry-Based Science Learning Online In A Virtual University, Bernard Hoop, Rosalind Kam

Higher Learning Research Communications

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the authors’ interaction-engagement approach in facilitating online courses, which focused on a guided inquiry approach to build understanding of core science concepts using hands-on experimental science investigations. The graduate-level courses were taught during 2005 through 2010, entirely online. The course participants were practicing teachers who were enrolled in the K-8 Science Specialization of a Master of Science in Education degree program. It was presumed that teachers undertook this graduate program to improve their content knowledge, as well as for their professional advancement in their teaching careers and, for some, financial incentives from …