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Education Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

2010

Online and Distance Education

University Libraries & Learning Sciences Faculty and Staff Publications

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Education

Enhancing Collaborative Problem Solving In Distance Education Courses Using Web-Based Concept Mapping, Ludmila Ortegano-Layne, Charlotte Nirmalani Gunawardena, Carrie Main Jan 2010

Enhancing Collaborative Problem Solving In Distance Education Courses Using Web-Based Concept Mapping, Ludmila Ortegano-Layne, Charlotte Nirmalani Gunawardena, Carrie Main

University Libraries & Learning Sciences Faculty and Staff Publications

The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of web-based concept maps as a communications and problem-solving tool in an online graduate level course. The study used an exploratory-descriptive research design that applied a qualitative methods approach in order to explore how concept maps foster collaborative problem-solving activities in an online learning environment. Three of the five groups participating in the study effectively used concept mapping, which they combined with other communication strategies such as eliciting group suggestions, asking questions, and brainstorming ideas, to reach consensus and solve the CBR project required. These results indicate that concept maps …


Predictors Of Learner Satisfaction And Transfer Of Learning In A Corporate Online Education Program, Charlotte Nirmalani Gunawardena, Jennifer Linder-Vanberschot, Deborah Lapointe, Lalita Rao Jan 2010

Predictors Of Learner Satisfaction And Transfer Of Learning In A Corporate Online Education Program, Charlotte Nirmalani Gunawardena, Jennifer Linder-Vanberschot, Deborah Lapointe, Lalita Rao

University Libraries & Learning Sciences Faculty and Staff Publications

This study explores factors that predict learner satisfaction and transfer of learning in an online educational program at a multinational corporation, established to improve organizational learning through providing training in technical skills. A mixed-methods design was employed, selecting both quantitative methods utilizing survey research and qualitative methods employing open-ended questionnaire items, face-to-face and phone interviews, gathering the perspective of students, instructors, and instructional designers. The online courses were designed using a problem-centered and case-based approach to learning, and utilized technologies including Learning Management Systems such as Blackboard, Sharepoint, as well as instructional design tools such as Breeze, Captivate and PowerPoint. …