Read these two articles I thought you may find interesting, appears in this edition of The European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning.
Communication and Social Presence: The Impact on Adult Learners' Emotions in Distance Learning
By Christina Angelaki and Ilias Mavroidis
Abstract
The aim of this work is to examine the
role of communication and social presence in distance learning environments and
their impact on the emotions of adult learners. A study was conducted at the
Hellenic Open University (HOU), using a questionnaire that was completed by 94
undergraduate and postgraduate students. More than 94 % of the students
felt the need to communicate with their instructor and fellow students, but
less actually did. More than 50 % of the students experienced both
positive and negative emotions, while women were more prone to negative
feelings. Negative emotions motivated students mainly to contact the tutor,
while both negative and positive emotions motivated them to contact their
fellow students. After communication, the majority of students felt positive
emotions more intensely and negative ones less intensely, due to support and
encouragement that they received from their tutor and fellow students. More
than 80 % of the participants considered social presence as an important
element of communication during their course, related to positive emotions.
Regardless of the level of the course, age and marital status, quality
student–tutor and student-student communication in the Hellenic Open University
has an important effect on students’ emotional well being.
Date of publication: 12.04.2013
Enriching Learning for First Year Chemistry Students: Introduction of Adobe Connect
By Erica Smith, Ben Greatrex, Michelle Taylor and Ieva Stupans
Abstract
The study of chemistry is central within science and other associated degrees. At the University of New
England in Armidale academics need to provide chemistry teaching in both
a distance and the
traditional on-campus mode within science and other degrees. This
study explores the contribution that the adoption of Adobe
Connect technology can make to support of students and enhancement
of their
learning. The preliminary response from students has been
unequivocally
positive with an increased confidence around unit materials gauged
by improved
student learning outcomes and unsolicited positive comments.
Date of publication: 12.04.2013
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