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Expected and Actual
Student Use of an Online Learning Environment: A Critical Analysis
Nicola Beasley and Keith Smyth, Napier University, Edinburgh,
Scotland, UK.
n.beasley@napier.ac.uk,
k.smyth@napier.ac.uk |
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ABSTRACT
While Online
Learning Environments (OLEs) can potentially support learning that is more
autonomous and authentic in nature than traditional instructional
environments often allow, students do not always use OLEs in the ways
expected or desired by their tutors. This paper examines the findings of a
recent evaluation of an OLE designed for Masters-level engineering
students and, drawing on relevant research, offers possible explanations
for the particular ways in which the students used the environment. The
paper concludes with a short set of general recommendations for
practitioners.
Keywords:
Online learning environments,
constructivism, student usage, learning facilitation |
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