The impact of computer-mediated interaction on distance learning

Distance‐learning courses were classified with regard to their use of computer‐mediated interaction and the degree to which such interaction was integrated into the curriculum and the assessment regime. This produced four groups of courses varying according to their use of interaction and integration. The impact of interaction and integration was investigated in terms of their effects on students' performance, their perceptions of academic quality and their approaches to studying. In all three respects, variations within the groups of courses proved to be more important than variations between the groups. Interpretation of these results suggests that the adoption of interactive environments within computer‐mediated learning may not be enough in itself to lead to positive learning outcomes. We found no evidence for this assumption in terms of students' completion rates, pass rates, grades, perceptions of the quality of their courses or approaches to studying. Large variations in the measured indicators were found between courses, and these appeared to be largely independent of the effects of interaction and integration. Courses may differ markedly with regard to how they make use of computer‐mediated interaction and how this is integrated into the curriculum and the assessment regime. A case study approach is suggested as being more likely to identify the impact of specific designs based on computer‐mediated interaction and to bring together the diverse student responses arising from the use of such interaction in their studies.     

基于碎片化学习的远程开放教育移动学习模式探讨

人类学习方式经历了私塾求学、课堂学习及网络学习三个历史阶段,现代远程开放教育是社会发展的必然要求。移动学习(M-Learning)能够针对现代社会学习者流动分散的学习特征,利用碎片化学习方式,实现最佳学习效果,运用越来越广泛的移动学习必将成为未来学习过程中不可或缺的学习方式,是未来远程开放教育中的最佳学习模式。     

Applying learning and instructional strategies in open and distance learning

This paper is about the application of learning and instructional strategies in open and distance learning settings. First, a brief comment is made on the nature of open and distance learning and also teaching and learning in such settings. This is followed by a brief discussion of the impacts of particular types of learning and instructional strategics on learning. A framework is presented for applying learning and instructional strategies in open and distance learning contexts, and the translation of this framework into an instructional transaction that offers a generic plan for developing instruction.

This is, therefore, a conceptual paper. It discusses a theoretical framework for applying learning and instructional strategies that is currently being implemented in the design and development of instruction for an on‐line (electronic) teaching‐learning environment. The results of that implementation will be reported at a later date.     

Predicting student success in open and distance learning

This paper reviews some of the ways in which student success can be predicted in conventional and distance education. Predicting such success is particularly important for new students where the pre‐course start information available is sometimes slight and withdrawal often occurs very early in a course. It suggests that, in such cases, statistical methods involving logistic regression analysis are more useful than questionnaires or tutors’ opinions. Identifying students with low probability of success allows support to be targeted on them. However, there are ethical dilemmas to do with targeting support and openness with students about the results of any analysis.     

远程开放教育研究型学习模式

研究型学习模式最富有时代色彩的话语是:引导学习者在行为上主动参与学科建设,在认知上发展原创性思维,在情绪上寻找知识建构的美感,从而促使学习主体与学习客体间建立一种互动的平衡机制,以达到远程开放教育素质化的理想目标。     

Assuring quality in Asian open and distance learning

Open and distance learning (ODL) is enjoying phenomenal growth in Asian higher education, new forms of provision are being developed, new institutions are being established and there is a surge in online export and import. However, there is still need to ensure that increasing access does not result in lowering standards and to prove that ODL is at least as good as conventional education and, in many cases, more innovative, effective and efficient. The paper examines the various quality assurance approaches employed in Asian university ODL, and the values, assumptions and advantages and disadvantages of these. It concludes by suggesting what is needed to encourage and achieve a culture of quality in the field.     

Transactional distance theory and total quality management in open and distance learning

Abstract

Although our perceptions regarding distance education (DE) have changed significantly, there still remains a perceived lack of quality in the development, management and delivery of DE programmes. Unfortunately, DE offered in developing countries depends largely on first and second-generation delivery modes and relies heavily on print as form of information dissemination. Thus, technological drawbacks are often hailed as the main reason for such setbacks. This article discusses the findings of a comparative study involving an education programme that runs as both a contact and a distance programme. The assessment indices include access, delivery and output, while the Transactional Distance Theory is adopted to ascertain the extent to which the theory accounts for excellence in a given programme. Findings clearly support the importance of the relationships between dialogue, structure and autonomy. However, the researchers proffer that the Transactional Distance Theory should apply not just to learning material, but to the totality of a given programme. Finally, suggestions on enhancing the total quality of programmes in this context include: the introduction of generic courses; provision of bursaries; introduction and decentralisation of pre-orientation programmes, provision of quality learning material; and workable tutoring and counseling systems.     

对远程开放教育学习支持服务系统构建的认识与思考

本文紧密联系国内外远程教育特别是我国远程开放教育试点的实际,对学习支持服务的理念、理论与实践进行了理性分析;围绕学习支持服务的构成要素、各要素间的相互关系,从理论与实际的结合上构建了学习支持服务系统;针对目前的实践从四个方面阐述了学习支持服务系统建设的思路.     

远程开放教育环境下自主学习模式的探讨

随着电大远程开放教育的深入发展,加强学生自主学习能力的培养,使学生学会自主学习,提高学生参与学习的主动性和积极性,对保障教学过程顺利进行,提高教学质量具有重要意义。     

移动学习在远程开放教育的应用研究

随着网络信息技术不断发展以及智能手机出现,移动学习已经成为当今教育技术探讨的热点之一,移动学习以其实用性、方便性、不受时空限制等特点吸引着开放教育的学生。本文主要以工商管理专业开放教育的学生为研究对象,针对移动学习应用情况进行初步探讨。     

现代远程开放教育教与学模式探讨

现代远程开放教育教与学模式的核心是在网络技术条件下,在有效的学习支持服务系统基础上,采用多种教学媒体交互使用的方式,教师通过指导性教学,学生通过自主性学习,完成教与学任务。教与学模式是教学活动与学习活动通过一定媒体资源连接起来的方式。教育活动的基本要素是教育者、受教育者、媒体资源及连接方式。教与学模式研究的重点应该是教育者采用什么媒体通过什么方式连接受教育者。     

远程开放教育环境下教与学互动关系的构建

现代开放教育理论对传统的“传递-接受”武师生关系提出了挑战,强调师生之间教与学的互动。作者结合近年来在开放教育教学工作中的实践,以课程教学为例,提出了构建师生互动关系的思路,并介绍了一些深受学员好评又初见成效的构建良好师生互动关系的具体操作方法。     

E-learning and technologies for open distance learning in Management Accounting

This research develops a knowledge acquisition and construction framework for e-learning for Management Accounting students at the University of South Africa, an Open Distance Learning institution which utilises e-learning. E-learning refers to the use of electronic applications and processes for learning, including the transfer of skills and knowledge over a distance. It is important to the knowledge construction process to understand how students learn in order to determine a set of suitable learning strategies. Studies have shown that e-learning applications are seldom used, sometimes because of inappropriate content and technologies. Other prohibitive factors are cost, poor or inadequate technology infrastructure (or a lack of access to such infrastructure), and a shortage of human resources. We propose a framework for addressing these concerns and consider how constructivist theories may enrich such a framework.     

远程开放教育课程学习评价系统设计

远程开放教育课程学习评价系统的开发、应用是广播电视大学开展现代远程教育的客观需要,也是“基于网络的远程开放教育学习评价研究与实践”(教育部重点课题,课题批准号:DKA050165)研究的一个重要内容。本文阐述了基于网络学习评价系统的设计目标,学习评价系统的概念结构,学习评价各子系统的基本需求分析,形成性评价系统的技术设计。     

试论现代远程教育条件下学习者的学习方式

本文首先论述了学会学习是实现远程学习和终身学习的基础。其次指出现代建构主义理论是指导学习者学会学习的理论基础。最后指出要学会学习一要转变观念,树立全新的学习观念;二要个别化学习,培养自学能力;三要探究学习,提高信息素养;四要协作学习,培养人际交往和与人合作的能力。     

从词汇变化与技术进步的关系试探见证词的可靠性

语言是人类历史的映射。本文试图通过比较人类历史上重要发明出现的时间和其语言对应体———见证词———出现的时间来探试见证词的可靠性。研究结果表明 ,一项发明的出现总会引起新的表达或新词 (见证词 )的出现。虽然两者之间存在时差 ,但见证词在很大程度上是可靠的