Online Discussions: Improving the Quality of the Student Experience

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Paperpeer-review

Abstract

Over the past five years, the School of Applied Vision Sciences at the University of Sydney has used orientation activities to improve the quality of the students' online learning experience while they are located off-campus undertaking professional practice placements. During 2004 and 2005, students were introduced to Salmon's (2000) five stage model of online learning and teaching in the orientation sessions to provide a structure for reflection on the quality of their on line learning experiences before and after participation in asynchronous discussions. These student reflections were coded and compared to the student ratings of their stage of development as online learners and their academic performance. There was a significant change in the learners' stage of development and degree of reflection before and after their participation, which was positively correlated with their online participation assessment results. Important insights including strategies that improve the quality of asynchronous discussions are considered.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBreaking down Boundaries: International Experience in Open, Distance and Flexible Education - Selected Papers
Subtitle of host publicationODLAA 2005
EditorsM Tulloch, S Relf, P Uys
Place of PublicationCharles Sturt University, Bathurst
PublisherOpen and Distance Learning Association of Australia
Chapter18
Pages170-179
Number of pages10
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes
Event17th Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia (ODLAA) Biennial Conference - Breaking the boundaries: The international experience in open, distance and flexible education - Adelaide, Australia
Duration: 9 Nov 200511 Nov 2005
Conference number: 17
https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20070829053635/http://odlaa.org/events/2005conf/about.htm

Conference

Conference17th Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia (ODLAA) Biennial Conference - Breaking the boundaries: The international experience in open, distance and flexible education
Abbreviated titleODLAA 2005
Country/TerritoryAustralia
Period9/11/0511/11/05
Internet address

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