Online Learning Daily (OLD).
A free subscription daily e-mail newsletter produced by Stephen Downes. Links will take you to the latest developments in online learning and associated technologies, and also to some fine articles and papers of academic interest. There are archives to access with some wonderful resources.
Operationalizing mental models: Strategies for assessing mental models to support meaningful learning and design supportive learning environments. David H. Jonassen
What is the new paradigm of instructional theory? Charles M. Reigeluth
New times demand new ways of learning
Considers a range of traditional assumptions about learning and the use of technology in learning. It lists and discusses 26 indicators of engaged learning grouped into eight categories: Vision of Learning, Task, Assessment, Instructional Model, Learning Context, Grouping, Teacher Role and Student Role Indicators; as well as six categories of technology performance and related indicators for measuring effectiveness: Access, Operability, Organisation, Engagibility, Ease-of-use and Functionality.
Shift happens: Online education as a new paradigm in learning (pdf). Linda Harasim |
Preparing to teach with the web.
Interaction online: Above and beyond requirements of assessment. Meg O'Reilly and Diane Newton
Looks at the intrinsic spin-offs of online communication.
Abstract
"Today's literature is filled with new paradigms for learning, specifically in relation to the increasing adoption of computer mediated techniques for interactive learning. In many cases, learning may now be enhanced through the experience of a shared online environment for critical discussion, knowledge building and the establishment of supportive social communities. Research data obtained from social science students at Southern Cross University over two semesters reveals students' perceptions of the importance of online discussion whether these are assessable or not. This paper presents some findings and explores the impact of the emergence of a student-centred social learning environment."
Building community in web-based learning environments: Strategies and techniques. Janette R. Hill, Assistant Professor, Instructional Technology, University of Georgia, 604 Aderhold Hall, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
Abstract
"The Web has received widespread acceptance and use for creating and supporting learning activities across disciplines within higher education. However, satisfaction with the Web for purposes of learning has not been as strong as proponents may have hoped. Creating a community for supporting learners is one strategy that has been recommended for increasing satisfaction. The designer and/or instructor of a course can have the goal (i.e., intent) of creating a learning community, but may not have a clear idea of how to make this happen. Identifying successful strategies and techniques for enabling community to develop is a critical step toward making the goal a reality. The purpose of this paper is to present several strategies and techniques that have proven successful for community building in Web-based learning environments."
Using Kirkpatrick's four-level ecaluation model to explore the effectiveness of collaborative online group work (pdf). Colin Baskin, Teaching and Learning Development Unit, James Cook University
Examines two cohorts of students, each engaged in the same course of study but using different means of engagement. |
Improving learning and reducing costs: Redesigning large-enrollment courses. Carol A Twigg The Pew Learning and Technology Program
Addresses institutional readiness criteria and course readiness criteria, including sections on improving students learning and cost implications. All with case studies.
Development Time, Costs and Instructional Design of a Web Course. Developed by Judith V. Boettcher, Ph.D.
A useful framework for estimating resource and time requirements for developing web units. |
Engagement theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Greg Kersley & Ben Shneiderman
Engagement theory is aligned with other tehoretical frameworks for learning such as constructivism, situated learning and adult learning. Kearsley and Shneiderman set out the basic principles of engagement theory.
Prolegomena to a theory of instructional design. Philip Duchastel
Tip tool
TIP is a tool intended to make learning and instructional theory more accessible to educators. The database contains brief summaries of 50 major theories of learning and instruction. These theories can also be accessed by learning domains and concepts. |
