This web site has been created to support my educational research projects. My research explores how online learning could be improved to provide more interactive and engaging student centered learning experiences for higher education students.
My master of education research, specifically focuses on how to create open learning environments based on authentic learning pedagogies and the use of new technologies as cognitive tools.
Lack of time, online pedagogical competency and technical skills has caused many teachers to simply dump large tracts of information into online courses. This information delivery model has led to student boredom and isolation, resulting in high dropout rates and pleas for richer and more engaging learning experiences (Kim & Bonk, 2006, p. 22; Reeves, Herrington, & Oliver, 2002).
The study will endeavour to answer the research question; "how can authentic learning pedagogical strategies supported by new technologies and open access to the vast array of educational materials available on the Internet be implemented within a learning management system (LMS) to provide effective and sustainable online learning experiences for higher education students?"
The findings from this research project will endeavour to inform theory and offer a new perspective to the field of education for developing sustainable online learning environments across the university sector.
Kim, K.-J., & Bonk, C. J. (2006). The future of online teaching and learning in higher education: The survey says... EDUCAUSE Quarterly Magazine, 29(4), 22-30.
Reeves, T. C., Herrington, J., & Oliver, R. (2002). Authentic activities and online learning. Paper presented at the Research and Development in Higher Education: Quality Conversations: 25th HERDSA Annual Conference, Perth, Western Australia. http://www.herdsa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/conference/2002/papers/Reeves.pdf
Authentic eDesign
2 April to 29 April 2012
(approx. 4 hours per week)
About the Facilitator
A FREE online professional development course for
higher education lecturers
& tutors involved in
designing online courses.