Image–language interaction in online reading environments: challenges for students’ reading comprehension

This paper presents the qualitative results of a study of students’ reading of multimodal texts in an interactive, online environment. The study forms part of a larger project which addressed image–language interaction as an important dimension of language pedagogy and assessment for students growing up in a multimedia digital age. Thirty-two Year 6 students representing a sample of high, medium and low performers on an Australian state-wide school literacy test were surveyed about their internet usage and interviewed using a structured protocol while working online through a selection of materials from an educational website. Findings from the earlier stages of the project indicated that different types of image-text relations vary in the degree of difficulty they pose for students’ reading comprehension. This phase of the project extended the analysis of image-text relations to online, interactive texts. Student performance on online reading tasks and interview data are used to illustrate some of the complexities students encounter when reading online, and how this may vary with factors such as their day-to-day literacy experiences and levels of engagement. The results have implications for literacy pedagogy and assessing the reading of web-based texts.     

Differential effectiveness by gender of instructional methods on achievement in mathematics at tertiary level

In order to investigate the effect of methods of teaching on achievement in mathematics of first year National Certificate of Education (NCE) students in Nigeria, a sample of 165 students comprising 71 males and 94 females, was exposed to three methods of teaching in a second semester basic mathematics course. The three methods were the traditional lecture method, interactive method with individual use of materials and interactive method with group use of materials. Analysis of covariance showed a significant interactive effect of gender and method of teaching on student achievement. Further analysis showed that the use of interactive methods with group use of materials favoured males while interactive method with individual use of materials favoured females. Implications of the results for teaching of tertiary mathematics are discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

互动营销与消费者购买动机、购买意愿之相关性——以网络购物为例

现今因特网发达,网络购物盛行,网络互动与顾客消费息息相关,唯有成功掌握网络互动性,才能吸引并增加消费者的购买意愿与购买行为。本研究采量化研究,以网络问卷调查,对曾经网络购物的消费者,进行网络问卷调查,以期了解购物网站的网络服务、互动营销机制、与消费动机以及再购意愿之间的关系。研究结果将提供给购物网站做为互动营销的参考依据,协助提供消费者一个良好的网络购物环境,为企业创造价值,也为消费者创造价值。     

基于ISM与AHP的学习者在线学习投入影响因素研究

在线学习投入程度影响在线学习质量,探究在线学习投入影响因素对于改善在线学习效果具有重要意义。将解释结构模型（ISM）和层次分析法（AHP）相结合,在文献研究与专家访谈基础上建立在线学习投入影响因素多层次结构,确定各层级因素的综合权重系数。研究结果表明：学习动机、自我效能感和教学方法是最直接影响因素,网络技术环境、学习动机、自我效能感、教师参与度、学习支持服务和在线交互环境为最主要影响因素。提出引导和激励在线学习者,提供良好的情感支持;提升教师存在感和参与度,提供充足的教师支持;营造积极的在线交互环境,提供多元的学习支持等策略,提升学习者在线学习投入。     

Teachers' views on and use of printed materials in a distance learning teacher education course

Despite the heavy emphasis on online learning in recent years, print is still an important medium for course delivery in distance education. Distance educators have argued that, with the incorporation of appropriate access structures, distance learning materials can be self‐instructional and interactive. This study aims to explore the extent to which students on a distance teacher education course considered that the print materials had achieved the course objectives, and how they made use of the in‐text access structures. The results indicate that, although teachers on the course agreed that the materials were able to achieve the course objectives, the extent to which they made use of the access devices varied considerably.     

Collaborative online projects for English language learners in science

This paper summarizes how collaborative online projects (COPs) are used to facilitate science content-area learning for English Learners of Hispanic origin. This is a Mexico-USA partnership project funded by the National Science Foundation. A COP is a 10-week thematic science unit, completely online, and bilingual (Spanish and English) designed to provide collaborative learning experiences with culturally and linguistically relevant science instruction in an interactive and multimodal learning environment. Units are integrated with explicit instructional lessons that include: (a) hands-on and laboratory activities, (b) interactive materials and interactive games with immediate feedback, (c) animated video tutorials, (d) discussion forums where students exchange scientific learning across classrooms in the USA and in Mexico, and (e) summative and formative assessments. Thematic units have been aligned to U.S. National Science Education Standards and are under current revisions for alignment to the Common Core State Standards. Training materials for the teachers have been integrated into the project website to facilitate self-paced and independent learning. Preliminary findings of our pre-experimental study with a sample of 53 students (81 % ELs), distributed across three different groups, resulted in a 21 % statistically significant points increase from pretest to posttest assessments of science content learning, t(52) = 11.07, p = .000.     

E–Learning in Hong Kong: comparing learning outcomes in online multimedia and lecture versions of an introductory computing course

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of Web–based, highly interactive, and multimedia–rich e–learning materials by comparing students' learning outcomes in the lecture and online versions of an introductory computing course. The course versions differed only in that face–to–face lectures were replaced with e–learning modules in the online course; the other course elements (laboratory sessions, use of computer–mediated communications, examinations) were the same. The e–learning trial took place at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, where the first author taught the lecture course to 105 students, and the online course to 180 and 129 students in the following semesters. The lecture and online students achieved comparable factual learning outcomes and the online students outperformed the lecture students in applied–conceptual learning. Findings suggest that the use of carefully designed interactive e–learning modules fosters higher–order learning outcomes.     

Individual Learning Vs. Interactive Learning: A Cognitive Diagnostic Analysis of MOOC Students’ Learning Behaviors

ABSTRACT

Researchers have been interested in classifying massive open online course (MOOC) students based on their learning behaviors. However, less attention has been paid to the cognitive attributes associated with various learning behaviors. In this study, we propose a conceptual model that links MOOC students’ observable learning behaviors to their latent attributes (i.e., individual learning versus interactive learning). Using students’ behavior data from a MOOC, we performed a cognitive diagnostic analysis to identify the students’ learning profiles and to determine how these profiles related to their course achievement. We found that a large portion of the students performed individual learning whereas only a very small portion of them overtly performed interactive learning. In addition, the students who performed interactive learning were more likely to pass the course with distinction than the students who did not show this attribute. The results of this study have important implications for improving students’ learning in MOOCs. Further, the study provides a good demonstration of how to use clickstream process data for psychometric analysis.     

Exploring the Roles of Social Presence and Gender Difference in Online Learning

Online learning has become more popular in higher education with its advantages of flexibility and accessibility. However, there have been challenges to students’ learning experience in online learning. One critical challenge would be providing interactions between students and instructors as good or effective as in the face‐to‐face environment. However, providing face‐to‐face interactions in online learning is not feasible because students and instructors are not physically present together. In this study, we introduce and empirically investigate social presence as student learning experience in online learning in which physical presence does not exist. Drawing upon the social presence and online learning literature, we propose a research model to explore how the interactivity of communication tools can drive social presence and student satisfaction in online learning. Furthermore, this study examines gender difference as a moderator in the model. Data were collected from undergraduate students who were taking online business statistics courses where an interactive communication tool was required to use for class communication and collaboration. The results showed that social presence driven by tool interactivity had a significant impact on student satisfaction in online learning. We also found that gender difference moderated the relationship between tool interactivity and social presence in online learning.     

富交互型网络学习环境探索与实证研究——基于大学英语实践能力培养的视角

提升网络学习环境的交互技术水平,以及加强网络互动教学活动的探索,是当前促进大学生英语实践能力提高的核心研究内容.通过问卷等方法对大学英语网络学习的相关问题和需要做了较细致的调查,根据调查结果,以富交互技术的使用和协作交流功能的设计作为核心,探索了大学英语富交互型网络学习环境.依托该大学英语网络学习环境设计了交互特征明显的教学活动,运用实验法对大学生英语实践能力进行了实验效果分析,考查了大学英语网络教学环境中的交流互动与大学生英语听力、写作水平的关系.研究表明,师生通过富交互技术参与英语网络教学活动,形成了积极运用英语来交流与表达的互惠团体,从而能够较好地提高大学生的英语实践能力.     

Supporting online,non-traditional students through the introduction of effective e-learning tools in a pre-university tertiary enabling programme

The increasing number of external students enrolling at Charles Darwin University has led to the university investing in new technologies to provide better support for students studying online. Many students, however, come from non-traditional backgrounds and lack some of the skills and confidence to participate successfully in an e-learning environment at university. This article discusses the findings of a pilot study conducted in a pre-university tertiary enabling programme. Three e-learning tools were developed for external students to enhance their understanding of the learning materials and create a greater sense of connectedness between students, staff and the learning materials. Academic staff implemented the use of video clips and synchronous online tutorials and also refined their use of discussion groups to facilitate interactive engagement with learning materials.     

基于语音的人机交互界面的研究与实现

通过对人机界面设计中的人因素及其设计原则进行研究,提出了一个语音界面的交互模型。根据这个交互模型,开发了一个学生在线语音练习系统原型,并对这个系统进行可用性测试,提出相应的改进方案。     

基于贝叶斯网络的网络交互教学成效评价系统

网络交互质量是影响网络教学效果的重要因素。已有的网络交互教学成效评价系统缺乏对学习过程的监控和对学习者的良好建模,评价大多凭借专家经验,评估的主观随意性大,评价结果与实际值存在一定的误差。贝叶斯网络有很强大的解决不确定问题的处理水平,是目前基于概率的不确定表达和智能推理方面最有效的理论模型之一。基于贝叶斯网络的网络交互教学成效评价系统,基于领域知识关系构建贝叶斯网络学生模型,并引入模糊数学变换方法对学生认知水平进行评估。能减少不正常因素的干扰,提高对学生认知能力评价的精确度．实现对网络教学交互的质量评估和个性化导学。     

Adapting a Face-to-Face Role-Playing Simulation for Online Play

The rapid acceleration of online course offerings presents a design challenge for instructors who want to take materials developed for face-to-face settings and adapt them for asynchronous online usage. Broadcast lectures are relatively easy to transfer, but adapting content is harder when classes use small-group discussions, as in role-playing or negotiation games. To be successful, such environments should address three interrelated design challenges: (a) sustaining engagement, (b) promoting content-focused discussion, and (c) promoting reflection-on-action. This article is a case study of how one interactive role-playing game, Island Telecom, was adapted for online play. We describe eight design features, including automated player roles and a structured team decision-making process, and show how they match with design challenges. Feedback from a recent run of this game shows that, although students still prefer to play face-to-face, they now also give favorable ratings to the online version. Feedback on specific adaptations is also presented.     

Online discussion in schools: Towards a pedagogical framework

In this paper, we draw on Bernstein's [1996. Pedagogy, symbolic control and identity: Theory, research, critique. London: Taylor and Francis] notion of framing of pedagogical communication to propose a framework for use in specific literacy contexts. Here, we illustrate how this framework has emerged from an examination of text response online discussions in the English/Language Arts curriculum in primary and secondary school contexts ostensibly concerned with the development of critical literacies. We focus on the selection of the literary texts and the prompts around those, the pacing and sequencing of the discussion, and the way in which responses are negotiated online. Using this framework in two specific contexts, we find that the more mediated, but less interactive framing in one institutional context tends to support the development of desired critical literacy practices, while the less mediated but more interactive framing of the online discussions in the second context is less supportive of such literacy practices. We suggest that this analytical framework could be adapted for use in a range of online contexts in order to make more visible the extent to which the intended forms of literacy are realised and which interactional affordances are exploited in the process.     

Poser,an Online Review Tool in Java

This paper presents an online reviewing tool, Poser, written in the Java programming language. Online quizzing tools have proliferated lately, but most are not so well-suited for reviewing. Poser's basic functionality is to provide students with a convenient, interactive way to review course materials in a question/answer format. Incorrect responses are corrected, along with an optional explanation. The program keeps usage statistics and information on responses to questions. Poser can be an important part of any course, because it gives students an easy way to test their understanding of the course materials from any Internet computer. We used Poser in two introductory Computer Science courses and gathered some formative data which was used to modify and evaluate the program. Over 100 students used the program and they answered over 38,000 questions while reviewing for their final exams. Student comments indicate that the program was very helpful. Overall, we feel that Po ser was a huge success and are planning a controlled study in the coming semesters to measure how much the use of the program facilitates student learning and understanding.     

A practical approach for applying online remote experiments: OnPReX

The development of Internet technologies stimulates the increase of online technology-supported education in universities. Online learning based on remote experiments is capable of diminishing the scantiness in practical courses. In this paper, we present online practical courses based on remote experiments (OnPReX). These courses consist of online experiments, interactive graphics and an online tutoring-system organised at the Berlin Institute of Technology (TUB). We developed two online practical courses, one focusing on classical and the other on modern physics, for bachelor and intermediate diploma engineering students. Our online practical courses based on remote experiments took place in two test phases during two semesters. These courses were evaluated and the results were used to improve the courses. Our online practical courses on remote experiments have successfully been integrated as electives at the TUB.     

疫情防控下在线教学直播授课互动研究

为了解直播授课环境下在线课堂使用多种互动工具平台时师生互动情况,对扬州大学临床医学和文秘专业共629名学生进行问卷调查。调查结果表明,教师进行线上互动频率选择经常和偶尔的比例分别为48.32%、50.67%,说明教师直播授课互动意识并不强烈,互动形式也较单一,需要提供更高效的直播授课互动策略。     

依托交互微课教学平台助力教学腾飞

交互微课教学平台功能强大,在平台里教师可以通过导入PPT、选择模板或用空白页轻松制作出美观实用的交互微课;可以通过利用平台的翻页查看功能、超级链接功能、交互试题功能和学情跟踪功能开展高效的互动教学。文章以交互微课《如何区分主要矛盾与矛盾的主要方面》为例,介绍了依托交互微课教学平台制作使用微课的过程及效果,得出教师可以利用交互微课教学平台轻松在线制作交互微课,学生可以利用平台进行高效在线学习的结论。     

Student‐to‐Student Interaction Revisited: A Case Study of Working Adult Business Students in Online Courses*

Faculty teaching in online environments are universally encouraged to incorporate a variety of student‐to‐student learning activities into their courses. Although there is a body of both theoretical and empirical work supporting this, adult professional students participating in an online MBA program at an urban business school reported being at best indifferent and often negative regarding these learning activities. A case study was performed to explore how pervasive this attitude was and the possible reasons for it. Through various sources of data and exploration, we discovered that common interactive modalities are not associated with either perceived learning or satisfaction. A content analysis of a data analysis course revealed that 64.5% of responses recalled student‐to‐student interactivities when responding to a “learned least from” query. We identified three possible reasons for these negative responses: time inefficiency, interaction dysfunction, and flexibility intrusion. We conclude that, although some working professional students probably do learn from student‐to‐student interactivity, the costs incurred may be too great. If working adult students present a different profile than those students typically represented in academic research and thus have different needs and expectations, we may need to rethink the design of online education delivered to them.