Presentation for FIE 2010 Work in Progress: Identifying adequate level of instruction without hindering deeper learning in distance learning

1. Work in Progress: Identifying adequate level of instruction without hindering deeper learning in distance learning Anastasia Trekles Shoji Nakayama Purdue University Calumet Hammond, IN USA http://www.purduecal.edu

2. Outline Purpose and Hypotheses Significance of Study Methods Preliminary Findings Continuation of Research

3. Purpose and Hypotheses To measure and determine the amount of instruction needed in distance learning Null hypotheses: There will be no significant relationship between the amount of instruction given to students and their perceived comprehension of course content. There will be no significant relationship between amount of instructional given to a student in the course and the student’s course grade

4. Significance of Study Learners are most successful in distance learning when motivated through intrinsic measures Learner-centered design is needed – provides guidance, instruction, and feedback Learning deeply involves not just knowing how, but being able to apply knowledge and skills A gap exists between learner-centered design and deep learning This study attempts to minimize that gap and provide best practices

5. Qualitative Findings Findings indicate that course navigation is somewhat difficult Learning how to be successful in course is slightly difficult Students ask few questions, but spend 4-6 hours per week in course Correlation seems to exist between students’ perceived comprehension and grades

6. Methods OLS undergraduates in two courses will be part of sample All students given case study response assignment Control group: Receives instructions to consult textbook for analysis Experimental group: Receives a series of resources to formulate their analyses All students scored on the same assignment rubric ANOVA will be used to determine relationship between variables

7. Pilot Study Currently, we are in the process of gathering data This semester, 43 undergraduates in Organizational Leadership and Supervision (OLS) were surveyed utilizing BlackBoard Vista for course system One assignment – two different questions/presentations for students in either section Both sections graded on one rubric

8. The Rubric

9. Sec01 – With Detail Sec 02 – Without Detail

10. Preliminary Results in Pilot Appears that more specifics in an assignment yield better results from students Further research will be done to confirm these findings using same methods Wish to confirm what needs to be done to establish best practices in distance learning materials and assignment presentation

11. Continuation of Research Study will be repeated in future semesters to determine if results are consistent Rubric may need to modified and refined Further studies will be discussed to provide best practices in better distance learning environment creation and management Graduate students vs. undergraduates – are there differences? Different disciplines – are there differences?

12. Thank you! Please contact us if you teach safety-related courses and wish to share and assist with assignment and rubric creation Shoji Nakayama, Asst. Professor, Organizational Leadership and Supervision, nakayama@purduecal.edu Staci Trekles, Clinical Asst. Professor, Instructional technology, trekles@purduecal.edu Slides available: http://www.slideshare.net/andella