edit 590 research proposal allison czapracki latanger gray rashmi jain april 30 2007
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EDIT 590Research Proposal
Allison Czapracki LaTanger Gray
Rashmi JainApril 30 2007
Asynchronous Learning
What is your favorite mode of asynchronous learning?
Asynchronous Learning
Chat
Blogs
Wikis
Instant Messenger
Discussion Boards
What is your favorite mode of asynchronous learning?
Literature Review
Discussion boards (a.k.a. web forums, bulletin boards, or electronic discussion groups) became prevalent in the mid-1990s as a way for communities to meet and exchange ideas.
There is limited empirical evidence that online learning and asynchronous text-based communications support the higher order forms of learning that university graduates need to develop.
Most educators know why higher order thinking (HOT) is important, but they may not know how to recognize HOT or how to support it through tasks, activities and interventions while teaching face-to-face or online
What is WebCT?
•Virtual learning environment•Home for the following:
•Discussion Boards•Syllabi•Assignments•Resources•Submitting Coursework•Email•Progress•Grades
Research Proposal
Hypothesis:
The use of WebCT discussion boards as a collaborative tool in classrooms helps enhance higher order thinking skills of graduate level students when mastering and understanding course material.
Higher order thinking skills
Research questions
Do students who have taken courses that engage in WebCT discussion board learning activities display the following higher order thinking skills?
– Comprehension
– Application
– Synthesis
Methodology
Based on the literature review
Discusses– The survey instrument– Target Population– Data Analysis techniques
Survey Instrument
Contains 20 questions organized in three sections:– Demographics– Frequency of use of WebCT discussion board– Student perception of learning from
participating in online discussions on a WebCT discussion board
Survey Instrument
Student perception of learning:– Students rate themselves on a Likert scale of
“always” to “never” in various areas of comprehension, application, and synthesis skills.
Surveyed students in Dr. Nada Dabbagh’s EDIT 732: Advanced Instructional Design
Comprehension Skills
Participating in WebCT discussions helped me to:– Compare and contrast different ideas presented
by my peers. – Understand the course material better. – Select and organize my thoughts effectively in
a pressure-free environment.
Application Skills
I applied knowledge and/or skills gained from participating in online discussions to non-classroom situations.
I was able to make connections between discussion board topics and readings/in-class discussions.
My ability to express ideas and thoughts in an asynchronous discussion setting improved.
Synthesis Skills
As a result of participating in a WebCT discussion: – I learned to generalize information from course
material.
– My ability to correlate knowledge from several course-related areas or topics increased.
– I successfully took ideas discussed in class and made fresh, intellectual contributions to the discussion while keeping the discussion focused on the topic.
Target Population
Data Analysis
Statistical software program– Excel, SPSS
Inferential and Descriptive statistics– Would be used to summarize the results
Tables and Charts– Graphical representation
Sample Survey Findings
Most students reported that learning is improving through the use of asynchronous WebCT discussion boards.
Comprehension, application, and synthesis skills aren’t improving evenly.
Usability: half of students found using discussion boards and navigating through the discussion board to be easy.
The Future…
WebCT – merger with BlackBoard
WebCT will continue to be used and supported over the next few years– New version: Blackboard Learning System –
CE Enterprise License, or WebCT CE6
…of WebCT
New discussion board features:– Instructors: can set up blogs for themselves/students– More user friendly– Can be organized more efficiently– Learning module based:
• Student can be sent directly to discussion board topic without searching
– Instructors can link to learning objects in discussion boards
– Wiki feature with Application Pack 2– Students can sign up for their own group discussion
Questions?
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