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Communication Technology and New Media Commons™
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Articles 1 - 30 of 58
Full-Text Articles in Communication Technology and New Media
Review Of Existing Australian And International Cyber-Safety Research, Julian J. Dooley, Donna Cross, Lydia Hearn, Robyn Treyvaud
Review Of Existing Australian And International Cyber-Safety Research, Julian J. Dooley, Donna Cross, Lydia Hearn, Robyn Treyvaud
Research outputs pre 2011
Information and communication technologies have permeated almost all areas of society and become an important component of daily functioning for most Australians. This is particularly true for Internet and mobile phone technology. The majority of Australian households (67% in 2007 – 2008) have access to the Internet and over 11 million Australians use the Internet as an integral part of their personal, social and occupational activities. By mid-2008, there were over 22 million active mobile phones being used in Australia, which equates to more than one phone for every citizen. There are many benefits associated with Internet and mobile phone …
We've Thrown Away The Pens, But Are They Learning? Using Blogs In Higher Education, Katrina Strampel, Ron Oliver
We've Thrown Away The Pens, But Are They Learning? Using Blogs In Higher Education, Katrina Strampel, Ron Oliver
Research outputs pre 2011
In today’s university classrooms, “the time of restricting students products and learning opportunities to ink on paper are past” (Siegle, 2007). Blogs are only one of many computer-mediated technologies starting to dominate blended and wholly online courses. Most people assume that using these technologies, because it is what the students want, will translate into increased learning opportunities. As the literature continuously asserts, however, learning, and especially reflection, does not just happen (Boud, Keogh, & Walker, 1985). It seems imperative, therefore, that extra measures are taken when any technology is being implemented in a university classroom to ensure high levels of …
Can Reflective And Executive Control Skills Be Fostered Online?, Catherine E. Mcloughlin, Joseph Luca
Can Reflective And Executive Control Skills Be Fostered Online?, Catherine E. Mcloughlin, Joseph Luca
Research outputs pre 2011
One of the crises facing the professions is the scepticism surrounding the nature of professional knowledge and whether individuals can cope with the increased complexity of society and the changing demands of the workplace. In order to develop these skills students need to be able to reflect on their learning experiences, integrate them with prior knowledge, self-evaluate and develop decision-making and planning processes. The development of reflexivity is presented in the context of an online tertiary unit where students proceed through the cycle of action, reflection, planning and abstract conceptualisation by engaging in a range of collaborative tasks including peer …
Cognitive Realism In Online Authentic Learning Environments, Janice Herrington, Ron Oliver, Thomas Reeves
Cognitive Realism In Online Authentic Learning Environments, Janice Herrington, Ron Oliver, Thomas Reeves
Research outputs pre 2011
The development of virtual reality and advanced computer applications have meant that realistic creations of simulated environments are now possible. Such simulations have been used with to great effect in training in the military, air force, and in medical training. But how realistic do problems need to be in education for effective learning to occur? Some authors and researchers argue that problems should be real, or that simulations should have ultra-realistic physical similarity to an actual context. This paper proposes that physical verisimilitude to real situations is of less importance in learning than 'cognitive realism', provided by immersing students in …
Designing Accessible On-Line Environments For The Visually Impaired, Ruchireak Permvattana, Ron Oliver, Frank Bate, Jean Macnish
Designing Accessible On-Line Environments For The Visually Impaired, Ruchireak Permvattana, Ron Oliver, Frank Bate, Jean Macnish
Research outputs pre 2011
Providing accessible Web pages is becoming a key concern for many providers of electronic information. There are many people who find accessing Web pages difficult and among these, vision impaired users are perhaps the group with the greatest needs. The Web is a strong visual environment and most designers use this aspect of the environment as a critical element in their interface and information design. Such strategies, while providing many opportunities for mainstream Web users, provide limiting and impeding outcomes for visually impaired Web users. There are a number of accessibility standards that now exist to inform and guide the …
Designing For Online Learning Communities, Christopher Brook, Ron Oliver
Designing For Online Learning Communities, Christopher Brook, Ron Oliver
Research outputs pre 2011
This paper investigates the development of sense of community among learners engaging in online learning where the principles of collaborative learning are considered key instructional strategies. In particular this paper explores the development of learner's sense of community as an outcome of engaging in instructor initiated activities that are intended to promote community development. The paper discusses design principles for the development of sense of community identified in contemporary literature. In addition it reports a case study that sought to identify the forms of engagement and activity that promote community development, the manner in which students responded to these and …
Exploring Online Learning Community Development: The Relative Importance Of Influencing Factors, Christopher Brook, Ron Oliver
Exploring Online Learning Community Development: The Relative Importance Of Influencing Factors, Christopher Brook, Ron Oliver
Research outputs pre 2011
This paper describes an investigation into the development of learners’ sense of community using a model describing community development through presage, process and product stages. The study sought to explore the relative importance of design factors and to describe the relative influence of factors between the presage and process stages in the model. The study was facilitated through an investigation into the practices of a professional working in the field who was committed to the principles of collaborative learning and the development of a learning community. The findings reveal a strong influence of presage factors many of which had the …
Exploring The Reusability Of Web-Based Learning Resources, Ron Oliver, Ralph Wirski, Philip Hingston, Arshad Omari, Graeme Brownfield
Exploring The Reusability Of Web-Based Learning Resources, Ron Oliver, Ralph Wirski, Philip Hingston, Arshad Omari, Graeme Brownfield
Research outputs pre 2011
This paper describes a project in the Australian training sector which sought to design and develop a digital repository of learning resources to facilitate their reuse and application in new learning settings. The paper describes the context in which the original resources were created and the development of a system to store and provide access to these resources. The paper concludes with an examination of the utility and functionality of the system and the limitations inherent in the reuse of digital resources supported by such systems.
Factors Influencing The Discovery And Reusability Of Digital Resources For Teaching And Learning, Graeme Brownfield, Ron Oliver
Factors Influencing The Discovery And Reusability Of Digital Resources For Teaching And Learning, Graeme Brownfield, Ron Oliver
Research outputs pre 2011
This paper describes findings and outcomes from the Toolbox Digital Repository project (http://toolbox.flexiblelearning.net.au/index.htm) undertaken in 2002 that was concerned with the design and development of a digital library to support the discovery, access and reuse of the vast number of digital resources developed for online learning settings as part of the National Flexible Toolbox Project. The importance for processes and strategies supporting resource discovery in development stages has emerged from the work as an area needing attention. Digital resources use metadata to facilitate their discovery and recovery. Our project has identified the provision of metadata as an important component of …
Home-Grown Courseware Management System, Arshad Omari, Joseph Luca, Andrew Dunbar
Home-Grown Courseware Management System, Arshad Omari, Joseph Luca, Andrew Dunbar
Research outputs pre 2011
No abstract provided.
Attempting To Ground Ethnographic Theory And Practice, Lelia Rosalind Green
Attempting To Ground Ethnographic Theory And Practice, Lelia Rosalind Green
Research outputs pre 2011
This paper is a response to continued discussion about the necessary and sufficient characteristics of a claim to 'ethnographic method' when made by researchers in the Media and Cultural Studies traditions. Many of the seminal studies informing-particularly-audience studies research have claimed that they were 'ethnographic'. But is this a variety of ethnographic that an anthropologist would recognise? And if not, what kind of ethnography is it, and why might it be more or less appropriate as a research fromework than straightforward 'interview' or 'focus group' research? Further, when might we say that an interview is conducted in the course of …
Implementing Courseware Management: Off-The-Shelf Purchase Or In-House Development?, Joseph Luca, Arshad Omari
Implementing Courseware Management: Off-The-Shelf Purchase Or In-House Development?, Joseph Luca, Arshad Omari
Research outputs pre 2011
In the past decade there has been a proliferation of courseware management systems being developed and promoted as a means of simplifying the creation and management of instructional websites. Implementing these systems can be resource intensive and require large budgets to cover aspects such as infrastructure, integration into legacy databases, training, maintenance and on-going support. With these costs in mind, deciding to implement such a system should be carefully considered. Are there other options? With the proliferation of many freeware applications, and powerful online databases, the ability to develop customised in-house solutions is now becoming more attractive and viable. This …
Making Teamwork Equitable With Online Technology: A Case Study, Joseph Luca, Catherine E Mcloughlin
Making Teamwork Equitable With Online Technology: A Case Study, Joseph Luca, Catherine E Mcloughlin
Research outputs pre 2011
In many higher education institutions, teamwork is considered an essential part of the syllabus in helping to promote deep and meaningful learning as well as professional skills such as communication, collaboration and leadership skills. However, in many cases students are unhappy with teamwork activities, as they consider the distribution of marks to be unfair. In many cases, team members are all allocated the same mark regardless of the amount of effort or quality of work contributed by each individual. This case study attempts to resolve these issues by presenting a self and peer assessment strategy (supported with online technology) to …
Online Learning Designs In The Training Sector, Ron Oliver, Vivienne Blanksby
Online Learning Designs In The Training Sector, Ron Oliver, Vivienne Blanksby
Research outputs pre 2011
This paper describes current activities within the vocational education training (VET) sector in Australia where traditional views of teaching and learning for training are being challenged. The paper showcases innovative and leading edge applications of technology in the National Flexible Toolbox Project and draws on the history of this project to demonstrate current thinking within the Australian VET sector in relation to student learning. The paper examines the learning designs and resources that have been developed across the past five years in the National Flexible Toolbox Project and uses the outcomes to argue and demonstrate its findings.
Overcoming "Process-Blindness" In The Design Of An Online Environment: Balancing Cognitive And Psycho-Social Outcomes, Catherine E. Mcloughlin, Joseph Luca
Overcoming "Process-Blindness" In The Design Of An Online Environment: Balancing Cognitive And Psycho-Social Outcomes, Catherine E. Mcloughlin, Joseph Luca
Research outputs pre 2011
Learning environment research can contribute to our understanding of how psychosocial processes need to be balanced with cognitive outcomes in the design of units of study. The research on Web-based learning supports the assumption that the nature of social interaction affects student outcomes and student perceptions of the quality of the learning experience. The purposeful this study is to examine student perceptions of psychosocial processes in a blended learning environment using a learning environment survey tool. Students assessed the environments as favourable, but found that the quality of dialogue and peer support offered did not meet their needs. Implications for …
Using Multimedia To Develop Students' Programming Concepts, Kacha Chansilp, Ron Oliver
Using Multimedia To Develop Students' Programming Concepts, Kacha Chansilp, Ron Oliver
Research outputs pre 2011
The growing use of computers and computer technology is creating a worldwide need for more programmers and computer professionals. The increasing complexity of programming languages and applications is demanding higher skills sets from the programmers who are being trained. Kann et al. (1997) suggest that the graphic representation of algorithms used in most textbooks are too abstract and insufficient for learners to develop the logical thinking required in computer science courses. Many programming students have problems due to a lack of understanding of conceptual and mental models (Soloway et al., 1981). This paper describes the development of an alternative teaching …
Patterns Of Engagement In Authentic Online Learning Environments, Janice Herrington, Ron Oliver, Thomas Reeves
Patterns Of Engagement In Authentic Online Learning Environments, Janice Herrington, Ron Oliver, Thomas Reeves
Research outputs pre 2011
The use of authentic activities within online learning environments has been shown to have many benefits for learners in online units and courses. There has been renewed interest in the role of student activities within course units, as constructivist philosophy and advances in technology impact on educational design and practice. Courses based on these principles have been used successfully across a wide variety of discipline areas. In spite of the growing evidence of the success of authentic learning environments, they are not without their problems. In this paper we discuss patterns of engagement that have emerged from our own research …
Beyond W3c: Truvision - Enhanced Online Learning For People Blind Or Vision Impaired, Ron Oliver, Frank Bate
Beyond W3c: Truvision - Enhanced Online Learning For People Blind Or Vision Impaired, Ron Oliver, Frank Bate
Research outputs pre 2011
This paper describes the design and development of TruVision, an online learning environment designed to enable blind and vision impaired students to develop skills and expertise in elementary and advanced information processing strategies to enable them tom seek full-time employment within industry in such positions as administrative assistants, Help Desk personnel and data entry operators. Truvision is a product within The Flexible Learning Toolboxes Project , a component of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework for the National Vocational Education and Training System 2000-2004 (AFL Framework). The AFL Framework is designed to support the accelerated take-up of flexible learning modes and …
Developing Evaluation Frameworks For Assessing Quality Ict-Based Learning In Higher Education, Ron Oliver, John Hedberg, Barry Harper, Sandra Wills, Shirley Agostinho
Developing Evaluation Frameworks For Assessing Quality Ict-Based Learning In Higher Education, Ron Oliver, John Hedberg, Barry Harper, Sandra Wills, Shirley Agostinho
Research outputs pre 2011
This paper describes the evaluation of high quality learning designs which are being selected for possible redevelopment in a National Project funded by the Australian University Teaching Committee (AUTC). The project focuses on "Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Their Role in Flexible Learning" and is evaluating over 50 projects with a view to developing a range of software tools, templates and/or guidelines based on those that are deemed to be effective ICT-based learning projects. The approach is unique in that it tries to pinpoint the key attributes of ICT-based projects that make them suitable for application in other contexts …
Authentic Activities And Online Learning, Ron Oliver, Janice Herrington, Thomas Reeves
Authentic Activities And Online Learning, Ron Oliver, Janice Herrington, Thomas Reeves
Research outputs pre 2011
There has been a renewed interest in the role of student activities within course units as constructivist philosophy and advances in technology impact on educational design and practice. This paper proposes ten characteristics of authentic activities, based on a substantial body of educational theory and research, which can assist teachers to design more authentic activities for online learning environments. The paper includes a short review of the literature, together with the list of characteristics attributed to appropriate authors and theorists. The paper concludes with a discussion of how the affordances of Internet technologies can facilitate the operationalisation of authentic activities …
Designing For Reflection In Online Courses, Ron Oliver, Janice Herrington
Designing For Reflection In Online Courses, Ron Oliver, Janice Herrington
Research outputs pre 2011
Reflection can be described as both an individually-mediated and a socially-mediated process. In this paper we describe an online unit in a Graduate Certificate of Online Learning that has been designed to enhance the opportunities for students to reflect on their learning. Rather than being promoted as a learning strategy to supplement the unit curriculum, reflection has been integrated fully within the course design. Students are encouraged to reflect as they complete their chosen project (reflection-in-action) and in a more sustained and extended manner (reflection-on-action) as they write up their experiences in an article of publishable quality. The technology and …
Formalising The Description Of Learning Designs, Ron Oliver, Barry Harper, John Hedberg, Sandra Wills, Shirley Agostinho
Formalising The Description Of Learning Designs, Ron Oliver, Barry Harper, John Hedberg, Sandra Wills, Shirley Agostinho
Research outputs pre 2011
This paper describes an activity being undertaken by researchers involved in the AUTC funded Project: Information and Communication Technologies and Their Role in Flexible Learning. The project is seeking to investigate and develop generic and reusable frameworks for the provision of technology-enhanced high quality learning experiences in higher education. To achieve this, the researchers have been exploring ways to formalise generic descriptions of some learning designs that foster knowledge construction and problem solving. This paper provides a summary of the work that has been undertaken and describes the generic descriptions that have been developed in this process.
A Typology For Identifying Teachers' Progress In Ict Uptake, Barnard Clarkson, Ron Oliver
A Typology For Identifying Teachers' Progress In Ict Uptake, Barnard Clarkson, Ron Oliver
Research outputs pre 2011
This paper describes the design of an instrument to help identify teachers' level of ICT uptake. The instrument takes the form of a typology matrix comprising four stages in ICT uptake across a continuum describing teachers' levels of dependence. Identification of teachers' positions in the typology matrix is determined by their affective, cognitive and demonstrated states of ICT application and use. The paper describes the process of determining the position of two elementary school teachers within the typology and discusses the reliability and validity of the instrument and the placement process.
Online Learning Design For Dummies: Professional Development Strategies For Beginning Online Designers, Ron Oliver, Janice Herrington
Online Learning Design For Dummies: Professional Development Strategies For Beginning Online Designers, Ron Oliver, Janice Herrington
Research outputs pre 2011
Much of the conventional development of Web-based learning environments stems from design strategies that are based on providing delivery of the course content. Contemporary courseware delivery systems encourage teachers to see the design of online learning as settings as a process of electronic delivery of content and information. As a consequence Web-based courses have tended to display limited evidence of an underpinning learning design and varying degrees of use of the opportunities and affordances of the new technologies. This paper provides an overview of instructional design principles that can guide beginning designers in the creation of Web-based learning materials that …
Exploring The Development Of Learning Communities In Online Settings, Ron Oliver, Christopher Brook
Exploring The Development Of Learning Communities In Online Settings, Ron Oliver, Christopher Brook
Research outputs pre 2011
This paper discusses the notion of community as an outcome of working within an online environment. In particular, the paper explores the concept of users' development of a sense of community as an outcome of working within an online environment designed to support the professional and personal development of its users. The paper discusses previous research, which has explored the development of a sense of community and reports a study that investigates the development of a sense of community among users of a community-oriented site supporting teachers' professional development. The data gathered in this inquiry provided evidence that the users …
Promoting Student Learning Through Peer Tutoring - A Case Study, Barnard Clarkson, Joseph Luca
Promoting Student Learning Through Peer Tutoring - A Case Study, Barnard Clarkson, Joseph Luca
Research outputs pre 2011
The literature abounds with information about peer tutoring and the benefits that it can bring to student learning. This case study sought to explore ways of using peer tutoring to enhance the learning experience of a group of higher education students in a multimedia course, who had access to learning resources in an online environment. It illustrates how easily and effectively the basic principles of peer tutoring can be adapted and implemented following explicit guidelines from the literature.
Keeping An Anchor Watch: Industry Partnership A Basis For Learning, Catherine E Mcloughlin, Joseph Luca
Keeping An Anchor Watch: Industry Partnership A Basis For Learning, Catherine E Mcloughlin, Joseph Luca
Research outputs pre 2011
During the 1990’s Australia has heard the call for graduates equipped with generic skills as a key theme in the development appropriate curriculum and pedagogy. In tertiary contexts, skills and knowledge are often decontextualised and transferable, and work-related skills are not accorded sufficient emphasis in teaching and assessment. The present study is an example of industry involvement on tertiary learning and assessment enhances the student experience and contextualises the curriculum. The context of the study is a project management unit at tertiary level that utilising online learning and self-directed learning pedagogies. The design of the environment is presented within a …
Open Online Assessment: Keeping The Tutors Honest!, Corri Barrett, Joseph Luca
Open Online Assessment: Keeping The Tutors Honest!, Corri Barrett, Joseph Luca
Research outputs pre 2011
Tutors often find it difficult to mark consistently across all students in their classes. Students will occasionally complain about marking inconsistencies noticed when they compare assignments. The task of maintaining consistency in marking becomes much more difficult when all students can openly see everybody’s solutions, marks and tutors’ comments. This task becomes even more difficult when the marking of tutors from other classes is also available to be seen openly. This case study describes a learning environment that had four tutors in four separate classes with a total of 85 students. Students were required to post solutions to an online …
A Question Of Balance: Using Self And Peer Assessment Effectively In Teamwork, Joseph Luca, Catherine E Mcloughlin
A Question Of Balance: Using Self And Peer Assessment Effectively In Teamwork, Joseph Luca, Catherine E Mcloughlin
Research outputs pre 2011
There is a growing emphasis that students should develop professional skills in the course of their education. These include team skills, problem solving skills, decisionmaking skills, communication skills, information literacy skills, time management skills and many others. To develop such skills, tertiary learners have to engage in tasks that are likely to help students reflect on their own success in completing tasks, and that of their peers. In the literature on learning and self-regulation, self and peer assessment are important strategies used to help develop these skills as well as helping to promote skill transfer to the workplace. On-line learning …
Enhancing The Quality Of The Student Experience Online: Revisiting The Imperative Of Learning As Socially Based, Catherine E Mcloughlin, Joseph Luca
Enhancing The Quality Of The Student Experience Online: Revisiting The Imperative Of Learning As Socially Based, Catherine E Mcloughlin, Joseph Luca
Research outputs pre 2011
Delivery of quality educational services and opportunities is becoming increasingly more complex as Web-based learning tools and support structures continue to evolve. Although much effort is devoted to examining the use of technology to teach course content, an emerging area of some importance in online teaching is how to enhance the student experience of learning and communicating online. Associated with this is the creation of social and supportive environments for learning when there is little face-to-face contact between distance learners and their teachers. This paper provides a framework and a set of strategies that can be used to create a …