Education Commons^™

Taking University Business Courses Online: An Instructional Designer's Perspective, Zachary P. Benton-Slocum

Graduate Research Papers

This report details an instructional design project for the College of Business (COB) at the University of Northern Iowa, an average-sized Midwest university. During the project as an instructional designer, I converted an existing traditional face-to-face business readiness program (Business 1000, 2000, 3000, & 4000) to online/flipped/blended courses using the Blackboard Learning Management System. The process involved working with faculty, program heads, students, and the staff of the COB with the intention of lowering the technology bar of intimidation enough to integrate it with the pedagogy needs of the courses.

Extending Mathematic Learning Beyond The Classroom Through Online Discussion And Reflection, Linsey Zimmerman

Graduate Research Papers

This review explores the research (2002-2015) focusing on the use of writing in the high school mathematics classroom incorporating blogs and online discussion. Thirty articles were identified and analyzed which provided information on how writing in the math classroom was developed and carried out. The research found that extending the mathematical learning through writing creates a sense of community among students, allows student reflection and application, and helps students gain a deeper understanding of a mathematical concept. Implications of the research and suggestions for future research are discussed.

The Effects Of Interactive Videoconferencing On Elementary Literacy : Collaborative Learning Environment, Heather A. Klenke

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the effectiveness of videoconferencing on elementary students' literacy learning process. Over thirty peer-reviewed journal articles published within the last ten years are critically analyzed and evaluated. The findings suggest that videoconferencing can embrace elementary students' literacy learning by motivating them to learn, engaging them in diverse activities for collaboration, and enhancing their communication skills development and academic achievement, if appropriate and meaningful learning and teaching strategies are adopted. This review also identifies benefits of using videoconferencing for teacher professional development.

To Complete Or Not Complete : Student Persistence In Post-Secondary Education Online Courses, Amy Christian

Graduate Research Papers

Many factors influence learners' decisions to complete or drop out of online learning courses in higher education where learners' persistence is considered critical to the success of the higher education institutions. This review examines recent literature on the relationship between learners' perceived Sense of Community (SOC), Social Presence, Satisfaction, and Participation and Interactions in distance education courses and learner persistence. Over 30 peer-reviewed studies published in academic journals within the past ten years were selected for critical analysis. Results are mixed and while many studies imply relationships between various learner and institution characteristics and student persistence, significant correlations are often …

The Effects Of Web 2.0 Pedagogy On Student Engagement, Collaboration, And Achievement, Kelsey Lage

Graduate Research Papers

This review explores various studies and articles on the effects of Web 2.0 pedagogy on student engagement, collaboration, and achievement in a K-undergraduate setting. A critical review of purposefully selected peer-reviewed journal articles highlight the relationship between Web 2.0 pedagogy and student engagement, collaboration, and achievement. This literature review provides an analysis for administrators and teachers when implementing Web 2.0 pedagogy. This review suggests that the implementation of Web 2.0 pedagogy increases student engagement, collaboration, and achievement.

Surveying The Online Classroom : Student Reactions To E-Learning, Jordan Dierks

Graduate Research Papers

The utilization of commercial, open source, and institution designed learning management systems are increasing in higher education. Universities are competing with each other to find qualified applicants or increase enrollment. Many higher education institutions are evaluating their return on investment for educational technologies, white public institutions are facing the reality of shifting funding sources from state support to self-sufficiency. The purpose of this study is to determine if the use of a learning management system (LMS) in an online classroom supporting either a full-web or blended course affects student satisfaction with the learning experience. Additional areas examined include whether students …

Essential Assessment For Quality Online Learning In Higher Education, Shu-Hsiang Chen

Graduate Research Papers

Linking assessment with learning objectives and outcomes has become significantly important in assessing adult learners in higher education. To better understand how adults learn and their expectations for learning, this paper provides a literature review that examines adult learning theory, learner characteristics, and motivation factors that shape our understanding. Additionally, this paper provides an in-depth review on the definition of assessment, types of assessment, formative versus summative assessment, alternative assessment, self-assessment, and the most appropriate and essential implementing principles and strategies in an online learning environment. The resources were retrieved using the University of Northern Iowa Library's online cataloging system …

Developing Personal Learning Networks Through Social Media As An Effective Learning Strategy Across Generational Demographics, John A. Engelhart

Graduate Research Papers

The changing world of technology and the increasing use of social media for learning are present among a multitude of identified generations. Adult learning and the approach to which learning is facilitated has changed greatly in recent years due to emerging technologies. This literature review presents evidence of each generation's learning style. The integration of social media into learning environments supports Personal Learning Networks for any age demographic. This review of literature is based on published literature including peer-reviewed scholarly journals, books, and reputable websites. The reviewer found social media is not used equally among generational demographics. Social media's impact …

Interaction And Social Learning : Keys In Distance Education, Delmar Hafermann

Graduate Research Papers

While distance learning is now becoming a norm, instructional designers and distance educators alike need to relook at how instruction is occurring in the online environment to ensure interaction is present. This literature review shows how distance learning has evolved through the use of an ever-changing facilitator, namely technology. The review explores interaction and the role it plays in the learning process. Social learning stresses that learners need to interact in order to build their knowledge and since technology-enhanced worlds hinder face-to-face interaction, distance educators and designers can address these shortcomings by designing interactive and collaborative environments. In conclusion, taking …

Facilitating Maximum Benefit For Students With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Distance Education, Rodd Grady

Graduate Research Papers

Traditional distance education environments are not conducive to learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The purpose of this literature review is to address how learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can better succeed in distance education learning environments. The review defines distance education, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and briefly explains some of the details of each. It then reviews strategies for helping students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Considerations for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in distance education are addressed. It discusses media, interaction, engagement of learners, feedback, motivation, and support systems as possible ways to help learners with …

Constructivism And Distance Education : Meeting The Needs Of Adult Learners In Distance Education, Kimberly D. Nicholson

Graduate Research Papers

This review addresses literature regarding how the implementation of constructivist principles in designing online learning environments can meet adults' needs. This literature review identifies the specific characteristics and concerns associated with distance learning environments. It also explores the usefulness of using constructivism as a means to meet the unique needs of adult learners in distance learning courses. Resources consist primarily of books and articles published from 1995 to the present, dealing with issues of constructivism, andragogy, and distance education.

The topics covered include constructivism, adult learners, and constructivist-based strategies integration with particular attention being paid to the problem-based learning model, …

Designing And Developing Online Instruction For The Adult Learner : Learning Theories, Motivational Models, And E-Tivities, Krystal Grady

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to describe how instructors can build interactive online courses that will enhance student learning, enjoyment, motivation, and success in an online distance education course. It is intended to be a resource for instructors to use when planning and preparing to teach an online course. This literature review should help instructors understand who adult learners are and what motivates them to succeed; why using an instructional design model will help save time, money, and increase the success of the course; and how to use the technology available in the online environment to build online …

Using Podcasts To Support Distance Education For Adult Learners, David Graw

Graduate Research Papers

Podcasting is one of several emerging Web 2.0 technologies that are becoming important to the future of distance education for adult learners. This investigation examines the influence of podcasting in support of distance education programming for adult students. An overview of student perspectives, instructional support systems, and technological trends is presented to readers interested in using podcasts to support adult learners enrolled in distance education programs.

The literature review provides information that will help readers understand the complexities of integrating podcast technology into adult distance education programs. This review of the literature concludes that an understanding of student perspectives, podcast …

Networked Learning In An Educational Environment, Garey Gill

Graduate Research Papers

Yesterday's methods of instruction are no longer sufficient for today's global world or today's learners. Networked learning provides the capability of making connections with people and information for lifelong learning. This literature review seeks to define Networked Learning and Personal Learning Networks and their implications for education. Networked learning and Personal Learning Networks in relationship to motivation theory is also explored. Recommendations for future use include using social networking as an educational strategy for student learning and instructor professional development. Another recommendation and strategy discussed includes student-centered learning to improve student learning in an educational environment through networked learning. Technology …

Distance Education : Is The Classroom Becoming Obsolete?, Randall M. Gilbert

Graduate Research Papers

The future of education seems to be moving rapidly towards distance education. Society is moving faster as people are trying to coordinate work, family, and school. Due to the increasing pressure of time and distance constraints, today's learners are sometimes choosing to get their educations online, or through a school with distance education technologies and capabilities. This literature review describes distance education, instructor and student attitudes towards distance education, benefits and disadvantages of distance education, the past and the future of distance education, and how and why it should be used in training and education.

Using Web 2.0 Technology To Support Collaborative Learning In Distance Education, Sarah E. Ling

Graduate Research Papers

Distance education continues to grow in popularity with higher education institutions across the country. A shift in pedagogy towards collaborative learning activities within the online learning environments is designed to bring students together as a group. This review of research investigates how Web 2.0 technology has proven to be useful in these collaborative activities. Various issues and obstacles are addressed which may arise in the use of this social software for collaborative learning within a distance education setting. The introduction of Web 2.0 software to distance education may hold the key to creating powerful collaborative learning experience for students who …

Promoting Student Success In Online Courses, Cecilia Ruhlmann

Graduate Research Papers

This review examines the factors promoting student success in online courses. The first part of the study examines how prevalent the dropout rate is in secondary education, not only in the United States but also in Asia and Europe. The second part examines how online courses differ from face-to-face courses. The third part covers skills that are essential for succeeding in an online environment. The skills discussed are self-regulation, self-efficacy, motivation, and depth of learning. The fourth part of the study discusses what can be done to strengthen online courses.

Effective E-Learning Environments For Adult Learners, Lois A. Lindell

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the types of instructional strategies that are appropriate and effective in e-learning environments for today's adult learners. To identify the best practices among instructional strategies in e-learning environments, three specific questions were addressed. These areas include: adult learning, instructional design and future developments in e-learning.

The literature reviewed highlights the importance of learner-centered instructional strategies that use authentic learning experiences, collaboration, and real-world problem solving applications. Continued research is called for to further refine and expand on the best instructional practices. Institutions engaged in distance education need to provide for training …

Key Components In An Online Class, Renae Darlene Farrell

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review focuses on what needs to be in place to have an effective online class. Instructional design models, interactive learning communities, learning theories, and instructional/student technology training are some of the issues that the literature review documents. The purpose of this literature review is to examine research on the topics of the instructional design process and the transformation of a traditional classroom to an online classroom. The conclusions formed within this document are based upon literature reviews about the topics of effective online classes. This review has led to a conclusion that online education can be an effective …

Transferring A Face-To-Face Course To Online Instruction At A Community College, Brenda Heitmeyer

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a literature review of research related to the differences between developing an online class and a face-to-face class. Differences include how the course material is presented, how to engage the learners, and how students are learning in an online environment. Research is presented from various sources regarding considerations for online instruction and includes statistics on online student learners. The literature states that the instructor assumes a different role as a facilitator for online collaboration in a learning environment.

Instructors need to consider the differences presented by distance education when creating online instruction. The advantages and disadvantages of …

Webquests : An Online Strategy For Web-Based Inquiry Learning, Chieko Homma

Graduate Research Papers

This review discusses the WebQuest format, a strategy to support web-based inquiry learning, from both inquiry learning and web-based learning perspectives. The purpose of this review is to reveal what elements in WebQuests support learning effectively in a school setting while using resources regarding inquiry, web-based learning, and the implementation of WebQuests. The result shows WebQuests can be a solution for teachers to integrate inquiry learning and the Internet into the classroom effectively, and also for students to go through the inquiry process by using appropriate information. WebQuests require the inquiry process and significant elements to support web-based inquiry learning. …

Copyright Policy And Enforcement In Higher Education: The Impact On Distance Education, Michelle Elizabeth Zilisch

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review is to study the current trends in copyright policy among higher education and how abuse of copyright policy, enforcement and laws are impacting the way that educators are able to teach in the classroom and through distance education methods

Constructivism In Online Learning : A Literature Review, Zishan Hong

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to look at the interaction of constructivist-based approaches, adult learning characteristics and six online learning issues. Constructivist learning environments allow learners to build their own meaning and understanding from learning resources and circumstances. Constructivists claim that learners accumulate new knowledge by themselves and use this to pile up previous knowledge and experiences. The learner is the learning focus, and the instructors act as facilitators or guides, which provide appropriate and enriching supplies. This theory supports well the adult style of learning. Based on constructivism, the online instructor is a facilitator to monitor and provide …

Creating A Successful Online Class In An Alternative Educational Environment, Cathy L. Lewis

Graduate Research Papers

This paper's objective was to describe how creating an online class for alternative education students could benefit school districts. Alternative education is a continuing problem for school districts. Small school districts have difficulty affording alternative education environments. Online alternative programs also benefit students. Creating an online learning environment allows students to work at their own pace, stay in touch with their class, and perform at their own level. This paper's conclusions indicate alternative education programs can benefit through the creation of online classes.

Designing Online Courses : Reflections From The Cyber Trenches, Cherie Post Dargan

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reviews research on the use of instructional design in developing course websites; it then describes the writer's experience creating a supplemental website using Blackboard, contrasting the project with the previous experience of creating an online course using WebCT. The writer analyzes problems with early online courses, reflects on the challenges of becoming an online teacher, documents her methodology, shares the results of the project, and makes recommendations for the design of effective web-based courses. Online teachers incorporate instructional design in many ways: they rethink their courses, analyze learners and content, design on paper first, structure the physical layout …

Females And Computer-Mediated Communication : New Technologies, New Challenges, Kelly Coleman

Graduate Research Papers

Advanced technologies are changing the face of higher learning by creating opportunities for those who wish to continue their education. On-line education, currently the most common mode of education delivery, has revolutionized the way in which learning takes place. Adult females appear to benefit greatly from computer-mediated communication distance learning due to its flexibility. However, there has been a general lack of research and focus on the females as distance learners and their success in on-line learning. This literature review examines the reasons why females comprise the majority of computer-mediated students and also looks at those barriers that keep women …

Classroom Success Using Online Distance Education : Methods For Maximizing The Effectiveness Of Online Distance Education, Deborah Rae Crane

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature was conducted to explore classroom success using online distance education and proven methods of maximizing the effectiveness of online distance education.

The components of successful online distance education programs are reviewed and brought together in a paper that suggests that online education developed with careful planning will continue to grow and become a standard component of many programs. The challenges that online instruction faces as it continues to develop are also included.

The future of online education is dependent on the quality that is built into courses. Technologies continue to evolve and present opportunities and challenges …

Specific Problem Solution And Distant Learning, David L. Kastler

Graduate Research Papers

This document is an overview of a project to identify the cause of a coolant overheating complaint on a diesel engine that powers a mechanical lift machine, implement a short-term solution and place into action a long-term solution. The short-term correction was to make necessary repairs in the field, long-term solution includes distant training of the mechanical lift machine assembly line and training on the proper assembly procedure of assembling the alternator pulley to the alternator shaft.

The project utilized problem evaluation (Root Cause Analysis), implementing corrective action (short term and long term), and training through distant communication via Internet …

Adult Distance Learners In Distance Education : A Literature Review, Yu Cao

Graduate Research Papers

Distance education is a current reality creating new opportunities and challenges for educational institutions, offering students expanded choices in where, when, how and from whom they learn, and making education accessible to a large population, especially for adult learners. This paper intends to present and discuss some of the most current research on the issues which influence adult distance learners' learning process. And help the school administrators, distance course designers and distance instructors to truly understand adult distance learners and their learning needs; design an effective and efficient learning environment and experience; facilitate adult learners' learning, provide learners' support to …

Experiential Learning In Webcasting For Peace Through Tourism, Courtlandt Butts

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to report on a project to develop cultural awareness and knowledge of the tourism profession; and to bring the team of students to Amman, Jordan to facilitate the first ever-global webcast of a conference. Within the international experience itself, the major components of the overall project involved grant writing, technological hands-on training, international student presentations, and the production of a professional videotape. The possibility of gaining such access had been made possible through the Undergraduate Research/ Experiential Learning Grant (UREL Grant) offered by the College of Education at UNI, which provided the ideal avenue …