scholarly journals A flexible, open, and interactive digital platform to support online and blended experiential learning environments: Thinglink and thin sections

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-110
Author(s):  
Adam J. Jeffery ◽  
Steven L. Rogers ◽  
Kelly L. A. Jeffery ◽  
Luke Hobson
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Visual Analysis ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Interactive Imagery ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Key Skills ◽  
Thin Section Petrography ◽  
Online Learning Resources

Abstract. This study investigates the potential value of, and provides a method for, the creation of flexible, digital, and asynchronous platforms to create student-centred materials for use in an online and/or blended learning environment. We made use of Thinglink to create a “virtual microscope” resource for geology and associated courses in higher education. This is achieved through the dissemination of a simple learning resource comprising interactive imagery and audio. The visual analysis of rocks under the microscope, termed thin-section petrography, is a fundamental component in geology programmes in higher education, with key skills which are transferable with other fields such as material science, biology, and forensic science. However, learning environments and activities in this field are often dictated by the requirement for access to microscope facilities and supplementary resources which are highly variable in their academic level, availability, design, and scale, ranging from traditional textbooks to online resources. A resource was created which allows individuals to experience some of the aspects of petrographic microscopy in a digital manner. In particular, specific features of the materials observed and how microscopes work were included. The resource was disseminated to a population of learners and educators, who provided responses to a questionnaire. Responses were overwhelmingly positive and indicate considerable interest from learner and teacher alike. Critical areas for improvement include the need for clarity in the user interface and the inclusion of a recorded human voice rather than automated text narration. This study highlights the need for, and benefits of, interactive online learning resources in petrology and associated fields. This type of resource has positive implications for the flexibility, inclusivity, and accessibility of teaching materials. Such resources may prove particularly valuable when distance learning is unavoidable (e.g. the COVID-19 crisis) and/or hybrid, blended learning environments are being deployed. The method and platform used in this study are highly transferable to other subject areas (or other areas of the geosciences).

scholarly journals A Flexible, Open and Interactive Digital Platform to Support Online and Blended Experiential Learning Environments: Thinglink and thin sections

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam J. Jeffery ◽  
Steven L. Rogers ◽  
Kelly L. A. Jeffery ◽  
Luke Hobson
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Visual Analysis ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Key Skills ◽  
Thin Section Petrography ◽  
Online Learning Resources

Abstract. This study investigates the potential value of, and provides a method for the creation of, flexible, digital and asynchronous platforms to create student-centered materials for use in an online and/or blended learning environment. We made use of Thinglink to create a virtual microscope resource for geology and associated courses in higher education. This is achieved through the dissemination of a simple learning resource comprising interactive imagery and audio. The visual analysis of rocks under the microscope, termed thin section petrography, is a fundamental component in geology programmes in higher education, with key skills which are transferable with other fields such as material science, biology and forensic science. However, learning environments and activities in this field are often dictated by the requirement for access to microscope facilities, and supplementary resources which are highly variable in their academic level, availability, design, and scale, ranging from traditional textbooks to online resources. A resource was created which allows individuals to experience some of the aspects of petrographic microscopy in a digital manner. In particular, specific features of the materials observed, and how microscopes work were included. The resource was disseminated to a population of learners and educators who provided responses to a questionnaire. Responses were overwhelmingly positive and indicate considerable interest from learner and teacher alike. Critical areas for improvement include the need for clarity in the user interface, and the inclusion of recorded human voice rather than automated text narration. This study highlights the need for, and benefits of, interactive online learning resources in petrology and associated fields. This type of resource has positive implications for the flexibility, inclusivity and accessibility of teaching materials. Such resources may prove particularly valuable when distance-learning is unavoidable (e.g. the COVID-19 crisis) and/or hybrid, blended learning environments are being deployed. The method and platform used in this study are highly transferable to other subject areas (or other areas of the geosciences).

Investigating Student Perceptions and the Effectiveness of K-12 Blended Learning Communities

2019 ◽  
pp. 500-522
Author(s):  
Gina Tovine ◽  
April Fleetwood ◽  
Andrew Shepherd ◽  
Colton J. Tapoler ◽  
Richard Hartshorne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Learning Communities ◽  
Student Perceptions ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Virtual School ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Florida Virtual School ◽  
K 12

While the growth of blended learning environments in higher education and non-educational settings has continued to increase in recent years, this has not been the case in K-12 settings. Recently, in an effort to explore the viability and effectiveness of K-12 blended learning environments, Florida Virtual School (FLVS) has been piloting blended learning communities in a number of their schools, providing opportunities to explore factors that influence the effectiveness of K-12 blended learning communities. Thus, the purpose of this chapter is to report the results of a study designed to assess conditions that influence the effectiveness of K-12 blended learning communities, and to explore learner, instructor, course, and other factors important to successful blended learning communities. Findings will inform the design, development, and implementation of future K-12 blended teaching and learning environments in an effort to support and strengthen student achievement, the preparation of teachers to facilitate effective blended learning environments.

Application of Gamification to Blended Learning in Higher Education

2019 ◽  
pp. 50-61
Author(s):  
Kamini Jaipal-Jamani ◽  
Candace Figg
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Traditional Instruction ◽  
Teaching Strategy ◽  
Digital Game ◽  
Game Based Learning ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Gamified Learning

Digital game-based learning (DGBL) has been identified as an effective digital teaching strategy to foster 21st century learning. The inclusion of digital game-based learning in instruction is challenging for educators to structure in higher education learning environments, often because of the lack of coherence with curriculum. Gamification is a recent DGBL strategy that enables the instructor to incorporate the motivational and engagement elements of games in ways that can be adapted to curriculum requirements. Gamification, supported with digital technologies such as web-based tools and learning management systems, offers the instructor the benefits of both face-to-face traditional instruction and online learning. An example of how blended learning in higher education incorporates gamification is presented. Study findings indicate that the blended gamified learning environment motivated learners and promoted cognitive, skill, and attitude development.

Pedagogical Values in Online and Blended Learning Environments in Higher Education

2021 ◽  
pp. 1381-1403
Author(s):  
Sophia Palahicky ◽  
Donna DesBiens ◽  
Ken Jeffery ◽  
Keith Stuart Webster
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Success ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Secondary Educators ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Successful Teaching

Pedagogical values directly affect student performance and, therefore, are essential to successful teaching practice. It is absolutely critical that post-secondary educators examine and reflect on their pedagogical values because these principles pave the path for student success. This chapter describes four pedagogical values that are critical to student success within the context of online and blended learning environments in higher education: 1) value of care; 2) value of diversity; 3) value of community; and 4) value of justice.

Pedagogical Values in Online and Blended Learning Environments in Higher Education

2021 ◽  
pp. 1316-1338
Author(s):  
Sophia Palahicky ◽  
Donna DesBiens ◽  
Ken Jeffery ◽  
Keith Stuart Webster
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Student Success ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Student Performance ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Secondary Educators ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Successful Teaching

Pedagogical values directly affect student performance and, therefore, are essential to successful teaching practice. It is absolutely critical that post-secondary educators examine and reflect on their pedagogical values because these principles pave the path for student success. This chapter describes four pedagogical values that are critical to student success within the context of online and blended learning environments in higher education: 1) value of care; 2) value of diversity; 3) value of community; and 4) value of justice.

The Blended Learning Environment in Higher Education

2016 ◽  
pp. 180-197
Author(s):  
Ellen Boeren
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Self Determination

This chapter explores the author's experiences with blended learning, both as a tutor and as a student at a British Russell Group University. The chapter starts from the importance of encouraging an autonomy supporting learning environment, featured within self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000). In the first part of the chapter, definitions of blended learning will be briefly reviewed. Secondly, the role of the learning environment will be explained, drawing upon previous research on learning environments undertaken by Darkenwald and Valentine (1986), mentioning the importance of the learning environment within motivational theories. Thirdly, results of a critical analysis on the own teaching and learning practice will be conducted, comparing the perspective of being a tutor and being a student. Finally, recommendations for future teaching practice will be discussed, before concluding this chapter.

Blended Learning Environments

2011 ◽  
pp. 172-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles R. Graham ◽  
Stephanie Allen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
State University ◽  
Blended Courses ◽  
Academic Publications ◽  
Education Today ◽  
Trade Magazines ◽  
American Society

The term “blended learning” is being used with increased frequency in academic publications and conferences as well as in industry trade magazines around the world. In 2003, the American Society for Training and Development identified blended learning as one of the top ten emergent trends in the knowledge delivery industry (Rooney, 2003). In higher education, some predict a dramatic increase in the number of hybrid (i.e., blended) courses that will include as many as 80-90% of the range of higher education courses (Young, 2002). Additionally, in a recent Chronicle of Higher Education article, the president of Pennsylvania State University, Graham Spanier, was quoted as saying that the convergence between online and residential instruction was “the single-greatest unrecognized trend in higher education today” (Young, 2002). This article provides an overview of blended learning environments (BLEs) with examples from both corporate training and higher education contexts. It also identifies the most common benefits and challenges related to the use of blended learning environments from the research literature.

Designing Blended Learning Environments

2011 ◽  
pp. 562-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles G. Graham ◽  
Stephanie Allen
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
State University ◽  
Blended Courses ◽  
Academic Publications ◽  
Education Today ◽  
Trade Magazines ◽  
American Society

The term “blended learning” is being used with increased frequency in academic publications and conferences, as well as in industry trade magazines around the world. In 2003 the American Society for Training and Development identified blended learning as one of the top 10 emergent trends in the knowledge-delivery industry (Rooney, 2003). In higher education, some predict a dramatic increase in the number of hybrid (i.e., blended) courses will include as many as 80%- 90% of the range of higher-education courses (Young, 2002). Additionally, in a recent Chronicle of Higher Education article, the president of Pennsylvania State University, Graham Spanier, was quoted as saying that the convergence between online and residential instruction was “the single-greatest unrecognized trend in higher education today” (Young, 2002). This article provides an overview of blended learning environments (BLEs) with examples from both corporate training and higher-education contexts. It also identifies the most common benefits and challenges related to the use of blended learning environments from the research literature.

On Using Wiki as a Tool for Collaborative Online Blended Learning

2010 ◽  
pp. 511-521
Author(s):  
Steve Wheeler
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Teacher Education ◽  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Social Software ◽  
Cognitive Tool ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
The University

This chapter explores the use of the wiki and its role as a cognitive tool to promote interaction and collaborative learning in higher education. The importance of the software to enable student created content, storage, and sharing of knowledge is reviewed. This chapter provides an evaluation of some of the affordances and constraints of wikis to promote critical thinking within a blended learning context. It assesses their potential to facilitate collaborative learning through community focused enquiry for geographically separated students and nomadic learners. One particular focus of the chapter is the development of new digital literacies and how students present their written work in wikis. The chapter also examines group dynamics within collaborative learning environments drawing on the data from a study conducted at the University of Plymouth in 2007, using wikis in teacher education. Finally, the chapter highlights some recent key contributions to the developing discourse on social software in what has been termed ‘the architecture of participation.’

scholarly journals Blended Learning Environments in Inclusive Education at the University

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (21) ◽  
pp. 145
Author(s):  
Yaqun Zhang ◽  
Fayruza Rebrina ◽  
Fairuza Sabirova ◽  
Julia Afanaseva
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Blended Learning ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Educational Process ◽  
Digital Learning ◽  
Education Development ◽  
Current State ◽  
The University ◽  
Digital Learning Environments

The modern education system in most countries is built on providing equitable education opportunities to all people, regardless of the limitations they have. There are no significant problems in primary and secondary inclusive education, while most traditional higher education models are not sufficiently adapted to the needs of people with learning disabilities. Thus, it has been replaced by a blended learning model built on new digital learning environments in recent years. The aim of the article is to study the blended learning environment of inclusive educa-tion systems in China and Russia. The article presents the findings of a “The Global Learner Survey”, conducted on behalf of Pearson in May 2019 by The Harris Poll. The survey involved over 11,000 learners aged 16-70 across nine-teen countries. Additionally, statistics on the higher education development in Russia and China were used. The analysis of the current state of higher education in Russia and China, as well as the development of a blended learning environ-ment, shows the positive effect as that it allows students with limited educational opportunities to integrate into the educational and public life of the university and implement all types of rehabilitation along with the educational process.

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