New Articles in The European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning

Take a look at these articles, appears in EURODL.
 

Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) in a Distance Learning Course on Mathematics Applied to Business
José Bidarra [bidarra@uab.pt], João Araújo [jaraujo@uab.pt],

Universidade Aberta, Rua da Escola Politecnica 147, 1269-001 Lisbon, Portugal, [http://www.uab.pt/web/guest/english/the-university]   

Abstract  
This paper argues that the dominant form of distance learning that is common in most e-learning systems rests on a set of learning devices and environments that may be outdated from the student’s perspective, namely because it is not supportive of learner empowerment and does not facilitate the efforts of self-directed learners. For this study we gathered and examined data on student’s use of Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) within a course on Mathematics Applied to Business offered by the Portuguese Open University (Universidade Aberta). We base the discussion on aspects that characterize student’s conceptions of PLEs, the emergence of connectivism as a new account of how learning occurs in a networked global environment, and conclude that an important goal of online course design should be to let students explore what the emergent Web 2.0 tools have to offer in distance learning. The widespread adoption of PLEs, bringing together learning from different contexts and sources of learning, shows that students are capable of expression in different forms, generating an added-value to distance learning environments. 
Date of publication: 26.06.2013.
Read more... 

High School Open On-line Courses (HOOC): A Case Study from Italy  
Enrique Canessa [canessae@ictp.it], ICTP – The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste,
 Armando Pisani [arpisan@tin.it], Liceo Classico Dante Alighieri, Gorizia, Italy 

Abstract 
The first implementation of complete high school, open on-line courses (HOOC) aiming to support the training and basic scientific knowledge of young students from the Liceo Ginnasio Dante Alighieri in Gorizia, Italy, is discussed. Using the open source and automated recording system openEyA, HOOC give an student the opportunity to watch on-line, at their own place and own pace, the same lessons of physics and mathematics held in the classroom. It is found that high school students’ have changed the traditional modality of study and their scores have systematically improved since the implementation of this project. In only few months the use by students of the www.OpenDante.it video archive for HOOC has growth from 30 % to 97 %. Feedback from students and Parents on the use and impact of making HOOC available on the web are encouraging.

Date of publication: 26.06.2013.
Read more... 

Learning Object Repositories in e-Learning: Challenges for Learners in Saudi Arabia

Abdullah AlMegren [amegren@elc.edu.sa], Siti Zuraiyni Yassin [raiyni@elc.edu.sa],
National Center for E-Learning & Distance Learning Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia   

Abstract 
The advent of the millennium has seen the introduction of a new paradigm for ICT-enhanced education. Advances in ICT have led to the emergence of learning networks comprising people who want to discover and share various innovative technologies on a global scale. Over the past decade, there has been tremendous worldwide interest in the concept of reusable digital learning resources, usually referred to as ‘learning objects’ (LOs), and the organised content delivery mechanism for pieces of educational content, described as ‘learning object repositories’ (LORs). These elements of e-learning are said to offer many benefits to learners. LOR platforms are rich in digital content resources, and are reusable, accessible and adaptable at any time. Although the use of LORs in e-learning can have a positive effect on learners on a universal scale, issues have emerged at the more microscopic level. This study investigates the specific challenges of LOR use faced by learners in Saudi Arabia. It is hoped that the detailed expository discussion herein will help to eradicate or at least minimise LOR obstacles and eventually support the development of advanced e-learning practices amongst learners in Saudi Arabia. 
Date of publication: 26.06.2013.
Read more... 

Source: The European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning – EURODL

New Articles in The European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning

Take a look at these articles, appears in EURODL.
 

Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) in a Distance Learning Course on Mathematics Applied to Business
José Bidarra [bidarra@uab.pt], João Araújo [jaraujo@uab.pt],

Universidade Aberta, Rua da Escola Politecnica 147, 1269-001 Lisbon, Portugal, [http://www.uab.pt/web/guest/english/the-university]   

Abstract  
This paper argues that the dominant form of distance learning that is common in most e-learning systems rests on a set of learning devices and environments that may be outdated from the student’s perspective, namely because it is not supportive of learner empowerment and does not facilitate the efforts of self-directed learners. For this study we gathered and examined data on student’s use of Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) within a course on Mathematics Applied to Business offered by the Portuguese Open University (Universidade Aberta). We base the discussion on aspects that characterize student’s conceptions of PLEs, the emergence of connectivism as a new account of how learning occurs in a networked global environment, and conclude that an important goal of online course design should be to let students explore what the emergent Web 2.0 tools have to offer in distance learning. The widespread adoption of PLEs, bringing together learning from different contexts and sources of learning, shows that students are capable of expression in different forms, generating an added-value to distance learning environments. 
Date of publication: 26.06.2013.
Read more... 

High School Open On-line Courses (HOOC): A Case Study from Italy  
Enrique Canessa [canessae@ictp.it], ICTP – The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste,
 Armando Pisani [arpisan@tin.it], Liceo Classico Dante Alighieri, Gorizia, Italy 

Abstract 
The first implementation of complete high school, open on-line courses (HOOC) aiming to support the training and basic scientific knowledge of young students from the Liceo Ginnasio Dante Alighieri in Gorizia, Italy, is discussed. Using the open source and automated recording system openEyA, HOOC give an student the opportunity to watch on-line, at their own place and own pace, the same lessons of physics and mathematics held in the classroom. It is found that high school students’ have changed the traditional modality of study and their scores have systematically improved since the implementation of this project. In only few months the use by students of the www.OpenDante.it video archive for HOOC has growth from 30 % to 97 %. Feedback from students and Parents on the use and impact of making HOOC available on the web are encouraging.

Date of publication: 26.06.2013.
Read more... 

Learning Object Repositories in e-Learning: Challenges for Learners in Saudi Arabia

Abdullah AlMegren [amegren@elc.edu.sa], Siti Zuraiyni Yassin [raiyni@elc.edu.sa],
National Center for E-Learning & Distance Learning Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia   

Abstract 
The advent of the millennium has seen the introduction of a new paradigm for ICT-enhanced education. Advances in ICT have led to the emergence of learning networks comprising people who want to discover and share various innovative technologies on a global scale. Over the past decade, there has been tremendous worldwide interest in the concept of reusable digital learning resources, usually referred to as ‘learning objects’ (LOs), and the organised content delivery mechanism for pieces of educational content, described as ‘learning object repositories’ (LORs). These elements of e-learning are said to offer many benefits to learners. LOR platforms are rich in digital content resources, and are reusable, accessible and adaptable at any time. Although the use of LORs in e-learning can have a positive effect on learners on a universal scale, issues have emerged at the more microscopic level. This study investigates the specific challenges of LOR use faced by learners in Saudi Arabia. It is hoped that the detailed expository discussion herein will help to eradicate or at least minimise LOR obstacles and eventually support the development of advanced e-learning practices amongst learners in Saudi Arabia. 
Date of publication: 26.06.2013.
Read more... 

Source: The European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning – EURODL

The Scout Report: Research and Education

Check out these highlights from The Internet Scout Project

July 26, 2013 -- Volume 19, Number 30

below.

Gather: The Art and Science of Effective Convening

http://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/bellagio-center/gather-art-science-effective

The Rockefeller Foundation, along with the Monitor Institute and Monitor Deloitte, provides this new guidebook for the purpose of assisting groups who are in the beginning stages of planning a convening, an event which asks groups of people to come together for a short time to accomplish a shared goal for an organization, or for the greater good. The guidebook, which is available as a PDF, outlines the detailed thought processes and planning that should be done before deciding to organize such an event. This material would be invaluable for a group looking to design an event like this for the first time, large or small. The website also includes a short introductory video clip.

NPR: Education

http://www.npr.org/sections/education/

NPR's coverage of educational topics is equal parts current and thought provoking. The organization's education blog collects current news articles pertaining to education, school administration and reform, funding, and more. Users may read each story individually, or add the audio reports of individual stories to a playlist, which launches an interactive media player. Another option allows visitors to listen to all recent audio stories on the topic or add all of the most recent stories to a playlist. Towards the bottom of the page, one can find links to podcasts and RSS feeds on education and U.S. news.

Mashable

http://mashable.com/

In a matter of speaking, Mashable brings together the good, interesting, strange, and "other" of the web together in one place. With its easy to use interface, Mashable brings together the top-trending new stories from the world of social media, business, technology, and entertainment. Visitors can use one of the three tabs on the top of the homepage to get started, and they can also look at the top stories from specific social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. On any given moment, stories on Mashable might include pieces like "Your Smartphone May Soon Alert You When You Get Snail Mail" and "Samsung To Hold First Developer Conference." Additionally, visitors can sign up to receive updates from the site in a highly customized and personal fashion.

Source: Internet Scout Project

The Scout Report: Research and Education

Check out these highlights from The Internet Scout Project

July 26, 2013 -- Volume 19, Number 30

below.

Gather: The Art and Science of Effective Convening

http://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/bellagio-center/gather-art-science-effective

The Rockefeller Foundation, along with the Monitor Institute and Monitor Deloitte, provides this new guidebook for the purpose of assisting groups who are in the beginning stages of planning a convening, an event which asks groups of people to come together for a short time to accomplish a shared goal for an organization, or for the greater good. The guidebook, which is available as a PDF, outlines the detailed thought processes and planning that should be done before deciding to organize such an event. This material would be invaluable for a group looking to design an event like this for the first time, large or small. The website also includes a short introductory video clip.

NPR: Education

http://www.npr.org/sections/education/

NPR's coverage of educational topics is equal parts current and thought provoking. The organization's education blog collects current news articles pertaining to education, school administration and reform, funding, and more. Users may read each story individually, or add the audio reports of individual stories to a playlist, which launches an interactive media player. Another option allows visitors to listen to all recent audio stories on the topic or add all of the most recent stories to a playlist. Towards the bottom of the page, one can find links to podcasts and RSS feeds on education and U.S. news.

Mashable

http://mashable.com/

In a matter of speaking, Mashable brings together the good, interesting, strange, and "other" of the web together in one place. With its easy to use interface, Mashable brings together the top-trending new stories from the world of social media, business, technology, and entertainment. Visitors can use one of the three tabs on the top of the homepage to get started, and they can also look at the top stories from specific social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. On any given moment, stories on Mashable might include pieces like "Your Smartphone May Soon Alert You When You Get Snail Mail" and "Samsung To Hold First Developer Conference." Additionally, visitors can sign up to receive updates from the site in a highly customized and personal fashion.

Source: Internet Scout Project

New Issue: International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies Vol 7, No 3 (2013)

International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM) has just published its latest issue at  http://www.i-jim.org. 
Have a look at the Table of Contents.

Review the Table of Contents below and then visit the website to review articles and items of interest.

Table of Contents

Papers 

MIMO-OFDM Systems Performance Enhancement Based Peaks Detection Algorithm

By Omar Daoud, Qadri Hamarsheh and Wael Al-Sawalmeh

Abstract This work proposes a new algorithm to enhance the performance of the speaker verification over the communication systems based Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) - Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) techniques. The algorithm mainly tackles and overcomes the effect of the high Peak-to-Average Power Ratio problem that is found in OFDM systems, MIMO-OFDM combination has been developed to meet the rapidly increment in the users demand such as the ubiquitous transmission, imposing new multimedia applications and wireless services. In this algorithm, wavelets techniques have been used to denoise the affected OFDM symbol by high PAPR values. After that and based on adaptive threshold method the local maxima and minima will be determined and replaced by the average of them and their surrounding neighbors; Denoise OFDM and Replace PAPR (DORP). A system performance investigation process will be accomplished based on both of numerical method and MATLAB simulation. Moreover, a comparison has been made to check the validity of our proposition either with our previously published work or with the literature. Although, the achieved results show that the proposed work has lower PAPR values; an additional complexity has been added to transceiver’s structure. Moreover, and as a result to the comparison with the conventional systems, the bit error rate (BER) performance has been improved for the same bandwidth occupancy. As a validity process a comparison has been made with the current values found in the literature and we have achieved around 30% PAPR extra reduction. That is in addition to around 90% verification rate and noise immunity.

A Mobile Shared Workspace Supporting Healthcare Task Cooperative Planning
By Fouzi Lezzar

Abstract In a health care environment, in which task planning process is fundamentally a collaborative task that requires the participation of many health care professionals with different skills working simultaneously on same cases. However, most recent healthcare research has focused on methods mainly based on communication, rather than collaboration supports. We followed then a CSCW-based planning approach which constitutes an evolution of planning environments toward new shared workspaces supporting collaboration. Our work led us first, to analyse the related tasks in an Algerian maternity ward in order to highlight the vital collaborative medical tasks that need to be modelled. The following sections outline basic design concepts of our mobile collaborative planning system, which is designed to provide a flexible group interaction support for care coordination and continuity.  A Holistic Virtual Laboratory on Wireless Communications and Sensor Networks

By Christos K Liaskos, George C Koutitas and Ioannis P Vlahavas  Abstract Virtual laboratories have evolved into an adequately mature educational tool for multiple fields of study. Their use is especially beneficial to modern topics such as modern wireless communications. Related solutions in this field explored various approaches and architectures in designing such a virtual environment. The presented software package combines these fragmentary conclusions to a holistic and extensible laboratory architecture. Classic and modern topics, such as propagation, green networking, indoor communications and sensor networks are discussed through interactive 2D/3D environments. The student is also introduced to field measurement procedures and ray tracing principles. Statistical assessment in the context of a postgraduate course in wireless communications demonstrates the educational benefits of the approach.

Undergraduate Students’ Adoption of Website-service Quality by Applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in Jordan
By Mohammed-Issa Riad Jaradat and Marie Banikhaled

Abstract Websites design and quality becomes a critical success factor especially for Electronic University (E-University) and/or Mobile University (M-University) as a part of E-Government and/or M-Government; because websites are the main interface between the universities and its students and stakeholders. This study presents factors that affect undergraduate students’ adoption of website-service quality by applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in Jordan. The proposed model was empirically tested using data collected from a survey containing 24 questions. Out of the 450 questionnaires that were randomly distributed, 422 were returned (93.8%). The structural equation modeling technique (SEM), by using the WarpPLS 3.0 software, was used to evaluate the causal model. Results show that student adoption and use of university website services can be predicted from the students’ behavioral intentions, which are affected significantly by performance expectancy and effort expectancy. The results show that social influence, website quality, and facilitating conditions have no direct significant effect on behavioral intention to use university website services even they have a medium grand mean for the scores of responses statements. Finally, as an ultimate aspiration, it was found that there is a direct effect between behavioral intention and actual behavioral to use university website services. Furthermore, the authors hope that understanding the underlying assumptions and theoretical constructs through the use of the UTAUT will assist developers in building, developing and maintaining a university website. Reliability in Situated Simulations

By Una Johanne Engmark

Abstract This paper demonstrates how the mediation of situated simulations (sitsims) might disseminate an enhanced sense of reality for the user – regardless of the actual amount of authenticity in the reconstruction. Therefore, it will be argued, for sitsims to serve their potential as tools for learning, documentation, source criticism and visualisation of uncertainty is key. In order to increase the reliability of sitsims, this paper suggest an extended use of the accompanying website; a continuation of encouraging user-generated links; and more visualisations of alternative interpretations. Additionally, it provides suggestion for further research on ways to improve reliability by 1) allowing users to alter structures without being constrained by fixed values, and 2) employing colour-coding based on level of documentation.  Information and Mobile Technologies for Promoting Maternal-Child Health Care Status in Rural Areas of Jordan

By Edward Jaser

Abstract Rural communities in developing countries, due to its geographical and demographic conditions, are faced with many challenges. One of the most pressing challenges which affect the life and welfare of citizens in these communities are health awareness and health services. It is essential to research efficient and cost effective methods to tackle these challenges and be appropriate for developing countries with limited resources. In this paper, we report our findings from implementing a number of ICT interventions to promote maternal-child health care status in rural areas of Jordan. Collected feedback demonstrates the benefits of such system in supporting government activities. Using Mobile Technology for Fostering Intellectual Engagement

By Armando Paulino Preciado Babb, Candace Saar, Chenoa Marcotte, Jim Brandon and Sharon Friesen

Abstract
Student engagement, and in particular intellectual engagement, has been identified as a key factor in learning at the high school level. While this type of engagement has an impact on student learning in fields related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), it also has a positive impact on the learning of other disciplines such as English, Fine Arts, and Social Sciences. This report describes a set of projects co-designed by teachers and education specialists aimed at engaging students intellectually in each major high school subject area. Student use of mobile technologies, in this case the iPad2, features prominently in each of these projects. Interviews with teachers and students were conducted in order to identify evidence of intellectual engagement, as well as students’ interactions with the mobile device. Data from a survey was also used to identify the level of engagement of students involved in these projects.

Bringing Remote Labs and Mobile Learning together   

Dominik May, Claudius Terkowsky, Tobias Haertel and Christian Pleul

Abstract
Within laboratories in Engineering Education students have the chance to do own experiments and by that gain own experiences in their learning processes – means that they are an adequate opportunity to implement experiential and research based learning. Recently finished research projects - e.g. like the PeTEX project done by universities in Dortmund (Germany), Palermo (Italy) and Stockholm (Sweden) – implemented an opportunity to do experiential learning by using real laboratory equipment without being physically in the laboratory but having access via the internet. A question in this context is, how students can document their learning process and show to others (teachers and/or other students), what they have been doing. Making the whole environment available for mobile devices so that students have access from virtually everywhere and every time is the consequent further development. With this work in progress paper we show what kind of role e-portfolios can play in the learning process and which kind of scenarios are possible using the software on mobile devices. Furthermore, we show that the combination of experiential learning and the use of e-portfolios offer a great potential to promote the learners’ creativity. This unique combination of topics is realized within one subtask of the project “ELLI – Excellent Teaching and Learning in Engineering Education” at TU Dortmund University.

Enjoy your reading!   

Source: International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies 

New Issue: International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies Vol 7, No 3 (2013)

International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM) has just published its latest issue at  http://www.i-jim.org. 
Have a look at the Table of Contents.

Review the Table of Contents below and then visit the website to review articles and items of interest.

Table of Contents

Papers 

MIMO-OFDM Systems Performance Enhancement Based Peaks Detection Algorithm

By Omar Daoud, Qadri Hamarsheh and Wael Al-Sawalmeh

Abstract This work proposes a new algorithm to enhance the performance of the speaker verification over the communication systems based Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) - Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) techniques. The algorithm mainly tackles and overcomes the effect of the high Peak-to-Average Power Ratio problem that is found in OFDM systems, MIMO-OFDM combination has been developed to meet the rapidly increment in the users demand such as the ubiquitous transmission, imposing new multimedia applications and wireless services. In this algorithm, wavelets techniques have been used to denoise the affected OFDM symbol by high PAPR values. After that and based on adaptive threshold method the local maxima and minima will be determined and replaced by the average of them and their surrounding neighbors; Denoise OFDM and Replace PAPR (DORP). A system performance investigation process will be accomplished based on both of numerical method and MATLAB simulation. Moreover, a comparison has been made to check the validity of our proposition either with our previously published work or with the literature. Although, the achieved results show that the proposed work has lower PAPR values; an additional complexity has been added to transceiver’s structure. Moreover, and as a result to the comparison with the conventional systems, the bit error rate (BER) performance has been improved for the same bandwidth occupancy. As a validity process a comparison has been made with the current values found in the literature and we have achieved around 30% PAPR extra reduction. That is in addition to around 90% verification rate and noise immunity.

A Mobile Shared Workspace Supporting Healthcare Task Cooperative Planning
By Fouzi Lezzar

Abstract In a health care environment, in which task planning process is fundamentally a collaborative task that requires the participation of many health care professionals with different skills working simultaneously on same cases. However, most recent healthcare research has focused on methods mainly based on communication, rather than collaboration supports. We followed then a CSCW-based planning approach which constitutes an evolution of planning environments toward new shared workspaces supporting collaboration. Our work led us first, to analyse the related tasks in an Algerian maternity ward in order to highlight the vital collaborative medical tasks that need to be modelled. The following sections outline basic design concepts of our mobile collaborative planning system, which is designed to provide a flexible group interaction support for care coordination and continuity.  A Holistic Virtual Laboratory on Wireless Communications and Sensor Networks

By Christos K Liaskos, George C Koutitas and Ioannis P Vlahavas  Abstract Virtual laboratories have evolved into an adequately mature educational tool for multiple fields of study. Their use is especially beneficial to modern topics such as modern wireless communications. Related solutions in this field explored various approaches and architectures in designing such a virtual environment. The presented software package combines these fragmentary conclusions to a holistic and extensible laboratory architecture. Classic and modern topics, such as propagation, green networking, indoor communications and sensor networks are discussed through interactive 2D/3D environments. The student is also introduced to field measurement procedures and ray tracing principles. Statistical assessment in the context of a postgraduate course in wireless communications demonstrates the educational benefits of the approach.

Undergraduate Students’ Adoption of Website-service Quality by Applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in Jordan
By Mohammed-Issa Riad Jaradat and Marie Banikhaled

Abstract Websites design and quality becomes a critical success factor especially for Electronic University (E-University) and/or Mobile University (M-University) as a part of E-Government and/or M-Government; because websites are the main interface between the universities and its students and stakeholders. This study presents factors that affect undergraduate students’ adoption of website-service quality by applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in Jordan. The proposed model was empirically tested using data collected from a survey containing 24 questions. Out of the 450 questionnaires that were randomly distributed, 422 were returned (93.8%). The structural equation modeling technique (SEM), by using the WarpPLS 3.0 software, was used to evaluate the causal model. Results show that student adoption and use of university website services can be predicted from the students’ behavioral intentions, which are affected significantly by performance expectancy and effort expectancy. The results show that social influence, website quality, and facilitating conditions have no direct significant effect on behavioral intention to use university website services even they have a medium grand mean for the scores of responses statements. Finally, as an ultimate aspiration, it was found that there is a direct effect between behavioral intention and actual behavioral to use university website services. Furthermore, the authors hope that understanding the underlying assumptions and theoretical constructs through the use of the UTAUT will assist developers in building, developing and maintaining a university website. Reliability in Situated Simulations

By Una Johanne Engmark

Abstract This paper demonstrates how the mediation of situated simulations (sitsims) might disseminate an enhanced sense of reality for the user – regardless of the actual amount of authenticity in the reconstruction. Therefore, it will be argued, for sitsims to serve their potential as tools for learning, documentation, source criticism and visualisation of uncertainty is key. In order to increase the reliability of sitsims, this paper suggest an extended use of the accompanying website; a continuation of encouraging user-generated links; and more visualisations of alternative interpretations. Additionally, it provides suggestion for further research on ways to improve reliability by 1) allowing users to alter structures without being constrained by fixed values, and 2) employing colour-coding based on level of documentation.  Information and Mobile Technologies for Promoting Maternal-Child Health Care Status in Rural Areas of Jordan

By Edward Jaser

Abstract Rural communities in developing countries, due to its geographical and demographic conditions, are faced with many challenges. One of the most pressing challenges which affect the life and welfare of citizens in these communities are health awareness and health services. It is essential to research efficient and cost effective methods to tackle these challenges and be appropriate for developing countries with limited resources. In this paper, we report our findings from implementing a number of ICT interventions to promote maternal-child health care status in rural areas of Jordan. Collected feedback demonstrates the benefits of such system in supporting government activities. Using Mobile Technology for Fostering Intellectual Engagement

By Armando Paulino Preciado Babb, Candace Saar, Chenoa Marcotte, Jim Brandon and Sharon Friesen

Abstract
Student engagement, and in particular intellectual engagement, has been identified as a key factor in learning at the high school level. While this type of engagement has an impact on student learning in fields related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), it also has a positive impact on the learning of other disciplines such as English, Fine Arts, and Social Sciences. This report describes a set of projects co-designed by teachers and education specialists aimed at engaging students intellectually in each major high school subject area. Student use of mobile technologies, in this case the iPad2, features prominently in each of these projects. Interviews with teachers and students were conducted in order to identify evidence of intellectual engagement, as well as students’ interactions with the mobile device. Data from a survey was also used to identify the level of engagement of students involved in these projects.

Bringing Remote Labs and Mobile Learning together   

Dominik May, Claudius Terkowsky, Tobias Haertel and Christian Pleul

Abstract
Within laboratories in Engineering Education students have the chance to do own experiments and by that gain own experiences in their learning processes – means that they are an adequate opportunity to implement experiential and research based learning. Recently finished research projects - e.g. like the PeTEX project done by universities in Dortmund (Germany), Palermo (Italy) and Stockholm (Sweden) – implemented an opportunity to do experiential learning by using real laboratory equipment without being physically in the laboratory but having access via the internet. A question in this context is, how students can document their learning process and show to others (teachers and/or other students), what they have been doing. Making the whole environment available for mobile devices so that students have access from virtually everywhere and every time is the consequent further development. With this work in progress paper we show what kind of role e-portfolios can play in the learning process and which kind of scenarios are possible using the software on mobile devices. Furthermore, we show that the combination of experiential learning and the use of e-portfolios offer a great potential to promote the learners’ creativity. This unique combination of topics is realized within one subtask of the project “ELLI – Excellent Teaching and Learning in Engineering Education” at TU Dortmund University.

Enjoy your reading!   

Source: International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies 

Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education-TOJDE, Volume 14, Number 3, July 2013

Welcome to the Volume 14 Number: 3 of TOJDE!

In this issue, 17 articles of 28 authors from 9 different countries around the world have been published. These published articles are arrived to the TOJDE from, Greece, India, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey and USA.

ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE USE OF LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A Case Study

Fuad A. A.TRAYEK

Institute of Education

International Islamic University Malaysia

Jalan Gombak, Selangor, MALAYSIA

Sharifah SARIAH SYED HASSAN

Institute of Education

International Islamic University Malaysia, MALAYSIA

ABSTRACT

Learning management system (LMS) is a learning platform for both full time and distant learning students at the International Islamic University in Malaysia (IIUM). LMS becomes a tool for IIUM to disseminate information and learning resources to the students. The objectives of this study were to

•  investigate students' attitudes toward the use of LMS, 
• to verify the impact of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on attitude towards use of learning management system, 
• to examine the differences in attitudes toward the use of LMS between distance learning and full time students.

There were 120 (70 full time and 50 distance learning) students at the Institute of Education responded for the study. The collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test and Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA). The results of the study showed that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness determine students' attitudes toward the use of LMS. However, this study did not find any significant differences between distance learning and full time students. According to the findings the study recommended that the University should continue using LMS because it is useful for both distance learning and full time students. Further suggestions are made to customize and upgrade the LMS suitable for innovative teaching and learning.
Read more...

ASSESSING CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING IN MATHEMATICS: Using Derivative Function to Solve Connected Problems 
By Nevin ORHUN, Anadolu University, TURKEY

ABSTRACT

Open and distance education plays an important role in the actualization of cultural goals as well as in societal developments. This is an independent teaching and learning method for mathematics which forms the dynamic of scientific thinking. Distance education is an important alternative to traditional teaching applications. These contributions brought by technology enable students to participate actively in having access to information and questioning it. Such an application increases students’ motivation and teaches how mathematics can be used in daily life. Derivative is a mathematical concept which can be used in many areas of daily life.

The aim of this study is to enable the concept of derivatives to be understood well by using the derivative function in the solution of various problems. It also aims at interpreting difficulties theoretically in the solution of problems and determining mistakes in terms of teaching methods. In this study, how various aspects of derivatives are understood is emphasized. These aspects concern the explanation of concepts and process, and also their application to certain concepts in physics. Students’ depth of understanding of derivatives was analyzed based on two aspects of understanding; theoretical analysis and contextual application. Follow-up interviews were conducted with five students.

The results show that the students preferred to apply an algebraic symbolic aspect instead of using logical meanings of function and its derivative. In addition, in relation to how the graph of the derivative function affects the aspect of function, it was determined that the students displayed low performance.

Read more...

USING MOBILE PHONES TO PROMOTE LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION AMONG OPEN SCHOOLING STUDENTS:

Promises, Possibilities, and Potential Strategies 
By Pradeep Kumar MISRA, M. J. P. Rohilkhand University, INDIA

ABSTRACT  
Across the globe, life skills education has been usually developed as part of a school initiative designed to support the healthy psychosocial development of children and adolescents. In other side, formal education system not always provides young people with good opportunities to become confident and realize their potentials. 

In this back drop, the biggest challenge is to identify the best strategies for providing effective life skills education to those many children who never attend secondary school or reach an age of high vulnerability and risk taking behaviour in the years immediately before reaching secondary school. Considering the situation that in different parts of the world, majority of the youths is having a mobile or will have a mobile soon, the researcher is of the view that mobile phones can be a viable option to offer life skills education to open schooling students coming from different cultural and social settings and backgrounds. 

Following this approach, present paper mainly discusses about: promises offered by mobile phones for life skills education; possibilities for using mobile phones as an effective, efficient and economical option for offering life skills education; and potential strategies to offer mobile phones supported life skills education to open schooling students.
Read more... 

PEER FEEDBACK THROUGH BLOGS: An Effective Tool
For Improving Students’ Writing Abilities  
By Orachorn KITCHAKARN Bangkok University, THAILAND 

ABSTRACT 

The advancement of computer technology and expansion of the Internet has an increasing impact on writing instruction. The modes of peer feedback have shifted from traditional peer feedback to online peer feedback. 

This study investigated the effects of peer feedback activity through blogs on students’ writing ability and examined their attitudes towards peer feedback activity. The research was conducted using a single group pretest-posttest design. Blog, the website, was used as a medium for peer feedback activity. Participants were 34 second-year students who studied EN 013 course (English for Expressing Ideas) in the first semester of the academic year 2012 at Bangkok University. Two writings tests and a questionnaire were used as instruments for data collection to acquire information. 

The results revealed that students’ writing scores on the pretest and posttest were significantly different. It can be concluded that peer feedback activity through blogs had a significant role to play in improving students’ writing skill. The students also expressed positive attitudes towards the value of peer feedback activity. 
Read more... 

Source: Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education 

Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education-TOJDE, Volume 14, Number 3, July 2013

Welcome to the Volume 14 Number: 3 of TOJDE!

In this issue, 17 articles of 28 authors from 9 different countries around the world have been published. These published articles are arrived to the TOJDE from, Greece, India, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, Thailand, Turkey and USA.

ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE USE OF LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A Case Study

Fuad A. A.TRAYEK

Institute of Education

International Islamic University Malaysia

Jalan Gombak, Selangor, MALAYSIA

Sharifah SARIAH SYED HASSAN

Institute of Education

International Islamic University Malaysia, MALAYSIA

ABSTRACT

Learning management system (LMS) is a learning platform for both full time and distant learning students at the International Islamic University in Malaysia (IIUM). LMS becomes a tool for IIUM to disseminate information and learning resources to the students. The objectives of this study were to

•  investigate students' attitudes toward the use of LMS, 
• to verify the impact of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on attitude towards use of learning management system, 
• to examine the differences in attitudes toward the use of LMS between distance learning and full time students.

There were 120 (70 full time and 50 distance learning) students at the Institute of Education responded for the study. The collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics, t-test and Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA). The results of the study showed that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness determine students' attitudes toward the use of LMS. However, this study did not find any significant differences between distance learning and full time students. According to the findings the study recommended that the University should continue using LMS because it is useful for both distance learning and full time students. Further suggestions are made to customize and upgrade the LMS suitable for innovative teaching and learning.
Read more...

ASSESSING CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING IN MATHEMATICS: Using Derivative Function to Solve Connected Problems 
By Nevin ORHUN, Anadolu University, TURKEY

ABSTRACT

Open and distance education plays an important role in the actualization of cultural goals as well as in societal developments. This is an independent teaching and learning method for mathematics which forms the dynamic of scientific thinking. Distance education is an important alternative to traditional teaching applications. These contributions brought by technology enable students to participate actively in having access to information and questioning it. Such an application increases students’ motivation and teaches how mathematics can be used in daily life. Derivative is a mathematical concept which can be used in many areas of daily life.

The aim of this study is to enable the concept of derivatives to be understood well by using the derivative function in the solution of various problems. It also aims at interpreting difficulties theoretically in the solution of problems and determining mistakes in terms of teaching methods. In this study, how various aspects of derivatives are understood is emphasized. These aspects concern the explanation of concepts and process, and also their application to certain concepts in physics. Students’ depth of understanding of derivatives was analyzed based on two aspects of understanding; theoretical analysis and contextual application. Follow-up interviews were conducted with five students.

The results show that the students preferred to apply an algebraic symbolic aspect instead of using logical meanings of function and its derivative. In addition, in relation to how the graph of the derivative function affects the aspect of function, it was determined that the students displayed low performance.

Read more...

USING MOBILE PHONES TO PROMOTE LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION AMONG OPEN SCHOOLING STUDENTS:

Promises, Possibilities, and Potential Strategies 
By Pradeep Kumar MISRA, M. J. P. Rohilkhand University, INDIA

ABSTRACT  
Across the globe, life skills education has been usually developed as part of a school initiative designed to support the healthy psychosocial development of children and adolescents. In other side, formal education system not always provides young people with good opportunities to become confident and realize their potentials. 

In this back drop, the biggest challenge is to identify the best strategies for providing effective life skills education to those many children who never attend secondary school or reach an age of high vulnerability and risk taking behaviour in the years immediately before reaching secondary school. Considering the situation that in different parts of the world, majority of the youths is having a mobile or will have a mobile soon, the researcher is of the view that mobile phones can be a viable option to offer life skills education to open schooling students coming from different cultural and social settings and backgrounds. 

Following this approach, present paper mainly discusses about: promises offered by mobile phones for life skills education; possibilities for using mobile phones as an effective, efficient and economical option for offering life skills education; and potential strategies to offer mobile phones supported life skills education to open schooling students.
Read more... 

PEER FEEDBACK THROUGH BLOGS: An Effective Tool
For Improving Students’ Writing Abilities  
By Orachorn KITCHAKARN Bangkok University, THAILAND 

ABSTRACT 

The advancement of computer technology and expansion of the Internet has an increasing impact on writing instruction. The modes of peer feedback have shifted from traditional peer feedback to online peer feedback. 

This study investigated the effects of peer feedback activity through blogs on students’ writing ability and examined their attitudes towards peer feedback activity. The research was conducted using a single group pretest-posttest design. Blog, the website, was used as a medium for peer feedback activity. Participants were 34 second-year students who studied EN 013 course (English for Expressing Ideas) in the first semester of the academic year 2012 at Bangkok University. Two writings tests and a questionnaire were used as instruments for data collection to acquire information. 

The results revealed that students’ writing scores on the pretest and posttest were significantly different. It can be concluded that peer feedback activity through blogs had a significant role to play in improving students’ writing skill. The students also expressed positive attitudes towards the value of peer feedback activity. 
Read more... 

Source: Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education