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Online Learning (online + learning)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences30%
Education20%

Terms modified by Online Learning

  • online learning environment
    		•

    Selected Abstracts

    Computer Self-Efficacy and Motivation to Learn in a Self-Directed Online Course

    DECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 1 2009
    Marcia J. Simmering
    ABSTRACT Despite the increased use of new learning technologies, there is still much to be learned about the role of learner characteristics in online learning. The purpose of this study was to examine how subjects' characteristics normally associated with effective training (i.e., initial motivation to learn and self-efficacy) related to learning in a self-directed online course. From an analysis of 190 respondents, computer and Internet usage prior to the start of class were positively related to individuals' computer self-efficacy and computer self-efficacy was positively related to learning. However, contrary to expectations, computer self-efficacy was not related to initial motivation to learn and motivation to learn was not related to learning in the class. Post hoc analysis of qualitative data enabled a rich explanation of the findings, including an evaluation of the unexpected relationships among the variables of interest and the nature of self-directed courses in virtual learning environments. [source]

    The Determinants of Students' Perceived Learning Outcomes and Satisfaction in University Online Education: An Empirical Investigation,

    DECISION SCIENCES JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION, Issue 2 2006
    Sean B. Eom
    ABSTRACT In this study, structural equation modeling is applied to examine the determinants of students' satisfaction and their perceived learning outcomes in the context of university online courses. Independent variables included in the study are course structure, instructor feedback, self-motivation, learning style, interaction, and instructor facilitation as potential determinants of online learning. A total of 397 valid unduplicated responses from students who have completed at least one online course at a university in the Midwest were used to examine the structural model. The results indicated that all of the antecedent variables significantly affect students' satisfaction. Of the six antecedent variables hypothesized to affect the perceived learning outcomes, only instructor feedback and learning style are significant. The structural model results also reveal that user satisfaction is a significant predictor of learning outcomes. The findings suggest online education can be a superior mode of instruction if it is targeted to learners with specific learning styles (visual and read/write learning styles) and with timely, meaningful instructor feedback of various types. [source]

    Soft Decision with Soft Target for Car-like Mobile Vehicle in Dynamic Environment

    IEEJ TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2009
    Yougen Chen Non-member
    Abstract Online flexible operation of a car-like mobile vehicle with non-holonomic constraints in dynamic environment is still a very challenging problem because the surrounding situations are not qualified in static, knowledge is only partial and the execution is often associated with uncertainty. The difficulty lies in the setting of appropriate moving sub-targets in real-time to obtain a collision-free and low-cost path. In this paper, we present a new approach for the autonomous motion control of mobile vehicle in a narrow area with static and dynamic obstacles. It is based on the selection of sub-target points of vehicle's movement called ,soft target' which is a target set defined as all possible and reachable via-points in a navigation space. The soft target is acquired by online learning based on the final target and environment information. Each element of it has its membership value in [0, 1] denoting its evaluation degree. With the acquired soft target, soft decision is made like human's decision process by predictive fuzzy control (PFC) to achieve final target safely and economically. The simulation results show the effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed vehicle motion control method. © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source]

    The development of a facet analysis system to identify and measure the dimensions of interaction in online learning

    JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR INFORMATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 11 2007
    Shawne D. Miksa
    The development of a facet analysis system to code and analyze data in a mixed-method study is discussed. The research goal was to identify the dimensions of interaction that contribute to student satisfaction in online Web-supported courses. The study was conducted between 2000 and 2002 at the Florida State University School of Information Studies. The researchers developed a facet analysis system that meets S. R. Ranganathan's (1967) requirements for articulation on three planes (idea, verbal, and notational). This system includes a codebook (verbal), coding procedures, and formulae (notational) for quantitative analysis of logs of chat sessions and postings to discussion boards for eight master's level courses taught online during the fall 2000 semester. Focus group interviews were subsequently held with student participants to confirm that results of the facet analysis reflected their experiences with the courses. The system was developed through a process of emergent coding. The researchers have been unable to identify any prior use of facet analysis for the analysis of research data as in this study. Identifying the facet analysis system was a major breakthrough in the research process, which, in turn, provided the researchers with a lens through which to analyze and interpret the data. In addition, identification of the faceted nature of the system opens up new possibilities for automation of the coding process. [source]

    Using consensus groups in online learning

    NEW DIRECTIONS FOR ADULT & CONTINUING EDUCATION, Issue 113 2007
    Regina O. Smith
    This chapter describes online consensus group work, a form of collaborative learning. It discusses collaborative learning, small group work, and consensus learning, with recommendations for their use in online contexts. [source]

    Administrative challenges and rewards of online learning in a rural community college: Reflections of a distance learning administrator

    NEW DIRECTIONS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGES, Issue 150 2010
    Gwladys A. Austin
    Development of online learning courses and programs in colleges and universities has changed the teaching and learning environment and many institutional processes and systems over the past decade. This chapter describes the changes, challenges, and rewards of developing an online learning program by a small rural community college in central Michigan. [source]

    A study of critical reasoning in online learning: application of the Occupational Performance Process Model

    OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2009
    Anita Witt Mitchell
    Abstract This study examined the effect of an online guided independent study on critical reasoning skills. Twenty-one first-semester Master of Occupational Therapy students completed an online assignment designed to facilitate application of the Occupational Performance Process Model (Fearing & Clark) and kept reflective journals. Data from the journals were analyzed in relation to the three sets of questions, question type and results of the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal (WGCTA). This assignment appeared to be effective for enhancing awareness and use of critical reasoning skills. Differences in patterns of critical reasoning between students with high and low WGCTA scores and results of an inductive analysis of the journal entries are discussed. Future research investigating the types of feedback that effectively facilitate development of critical reasoning and whether students with high and low WGCTA scores might benefit from different types of instruction and/or feedback is recommended. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

    Assessment of online continuing dental education in North Carolina

    THE JOURNAL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION IN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS, Issue 2 2000
    Ms. Bonnie Francis RDH
    Abstract Background: Dental professionals are discovering the unique advantages of asynchronous lifelong learning through continuing dental education (CDE) opportunities offered online. The purpose of this study was to evaluate both the process and outcomes of online CDE in North Carolina. The assessment was designed to provide a better understanding of practicing dental professionals experiences with online CDE and to determine the effectiveness of this learning strategy. Methods: Dental professionals from four North Carolina Area Health Education Centers regions evaluated two pilot online CDE modules in 1998. Thirty-one participants were recruited and subsequently enrolled with 23 completing at least one module. Each module included objectives, a multiple-choice pretest, interactive core material, and a post-test. Participants completed three online surveys measuring individual demographics and computer skill level, module design, and use and overall reaction to online learning. Results: Most participants agreed that the modules were comprehensive, were pleasing in appearance, provided clear instructions, provided adequate feedback, and were easy to navigate. Most participants agreed that knowledge of the material increased. This was validated by a significant increase in mean pre- to post-test scores (p =.0001). Participants agreed that convenience was a definite advantage, and they would choose online courses again to meet their CDE needs. The least-liked aspects included technical and formatting issues. Implications: Participants were enthusiastic about online learning and learned effectively with this teaching strategy, but desired much more interactivity than existed in the current design. [source]

    The effects of ageing and cognitive impairment on on-line and off-line motor learning

    APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 2 2010
    Jin H. Yan
    Skilled performance is a collective function of practice-related experiences (online learning) and post-practice memory consolidation during sleep (offline learning). This study examines the effects of ageing and cognitive impairment on the on- and offline learning of a point-to-point arm movement. In a 3-day experiment, older adults (cognitively normal or impaired) and young adults (YAs) were randomly assigned to practice or no-practice conditions. Changes in the dependent measures of movement time and timing error were analysed within and between conditions across days. The findings suggest that both age and cognitive function affect skill learning. YAs improved performance via both on- and offline learning whereas older adults with normal cognitive capacities appeared to learn the movement skill primarily in an online mode. Cognitive impairments were found to hinder both types of skill learning. Implications for motor skill acquisition and rehabilitation are briefly discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

    Cancer curriculum in the Asia,Pacific: Opportunities and challenges in the age of globalization

    ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 4 2005
    Bogda KOCZWARA
    Abstract With the rising incidence and prevalence of cancer in Asia,Pacific, the need for adequate cancer education of medical graduates in the region has become particularly urgent. There are 769 medical schools across the Asia,Pacific region in 33 countries serving over 60% of the world population in very diverse socioeconomic environments. This paper discusses some of the challenges for medical education in the Asia,Pacific in light of increasing globalization of health care, including the need to develop global standards in the area of diverse resources and health care priorities. It also points out emerging opportunities including online learning, telemedicine and collaborative educational initiatives across the region. [source]