ISSN 1546-8992
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Volume 4, Issue 1
The paper presents a study that makes use of computer-mediated communication as a way to promote reflective thinking in pre-service teachers. Web based discussion forums were used to enhance traditional face-to-face medium. The discussions were part of the assignments in 2 classes of Foundations of Education. One course was situated in the elementary teacher preparation program and the other within the secondary teacher preparation program. The results indicate that online discussion forums can function as a viable arena to foster enhanced student discourse and may serve to stimulate higher levels of critical reflection than achieved in traditional F2F settings.
by Alcione Ostorga and Martha Jeanne Yanes
Teaching online is a growing phenomenon. Distance education via online is expected to grow exponentially. Current research indicates a lack of a conceptual framework for accounting via online education. This paper develops and applies a conceptual framework based on transactional theory to the design of online international accounting courses. The factors considered include dialogue, structure, autonomy, learning theory, technology, and pedagogical strategy. Application of the framework to international accounting is discussed. This framework creates an awareness describing varying levels of teacher-student interaction. It serves as a practical foundation for future development and improvement of accounting courses.
by Orapin Duangploy, Dahli Gray, and Marvin Williams
The Electronic Learning in Nursing Education ( eLine) innovative program delivery method was developed through a federal grant as an alternative to traditional classroom undergraduate nursing education. The eLine goal was to enhance nursing resources in a region by increasing the number of new nurses entering the workforce. This collaborative venture between a community college and university provided students previously unable to attend college access to their nationally accredited programs. The central assumption embedded in eLine was that associate and baccalaureate educational programs prepare graduates to enter the workforce as competent clinicians. Commonalities between these programs were identified to create an articulated option for eligible students. The purpose of this article is to describe the process of creating learning experiences consistent with distance learning principles while preserving the unique objectives of the collaborating institutions.
Eve Layman, Bunny Forgione, and Mary Jane Hamilton
Software for narrating lectures and then making the lectures available online are becoming more common and easier to use. An implementation of online lectures and a study comparing the performance of students who viewed lectures online, in-class or who do not view lectures is presented. No significant difference in performance is found between students who view the material online versus those who view the lecture in-class for the early, more basic material. Significant differences are found later in the semester when more involved problems and procedures are covered.
by Ronald Bremer