Proposals

Instructional Technology Conference 2009

Title: Creating the Online Learning Environment: What Works and What Doesn't.

Name: Dr.Jeff Hoyer

Audience: Primarily faculty, deans, lab directors, and technology specialists

Audience Level: All

Length: 1 Hour

Abstract: The online learning environment is one of layered complexity. It involves overlapping factors such as technology and delivery systems, curriculum design, cultural backgrounds, and also the human factor involving both instructor and student characteristics. Understanding, based on research in these areas, benefits curriculum designers, helps instructors create the most conducive learning environment, and aids students in gaining more from their online learning experiences. The author uses a triangulated approach involving a survey of 78 University of Tennessee undergraduate students who have initiated, but not completed online studies and a focus group comprised of graduate students from the Philippines to provide cross cultural insights into multiple factors that comprise the online learning environment.

Description: Online study non-completion rates of as high as 50 percent have been reported in literature. Understanding why students fail to complete online courses may provide insight into factors which could be improved to provide stronger support and higher learner satisfaction. Studies which look at why students fail in an online learning environment have identified various categories that affect the learning environment. These include design, actual environment, technology, and learner motivation. The

author did a census of students who had dropped out of online courses at the University of Tennessee during the spring semester of 2006 using a one-shot questionnaire survey with a resulting n=78. The questionnaire was designed using Dragon software and the students completed the questionnaire online. The results were analyzed using the Wilcox Signed Ranks Test. Results showed significance in relating to failure of course completion to four motivational factors and one design factor. A gender trend was also noted with females having a much higher drop rate than males. Additionally, in spring 2008, the author conducted a focus group comprised of 25 graduate students in the Philippines who were part of a study in assessing their needs for establishment of web-based seminary curriculum on Mindanao. In this paper, the author takes a triangulated perspective that looks at factors from both studies which might provide insight into what factors inhibit and what factors support development of a positive online learning environment.

Session Type: Lecture/Presentation

On-Site Equipment Requirements: Computer with Powerpoint, compatible projection equipment, and display screen.

Contact Information/Affiliation:
Dr.Jeff Hoyer
Associate Professor
Department of Communications
University of Tennessee at Martin
e-mail: jhoyer@utm.edu
phone: 731-514-3197