In this post, the focus is on the technological tools to support online learning. For online learning to be successful, foremost the resources available at institutional level should be considered. Institution needs to consider several factors before deciding which elements to use and it is advisable to adopt a strategic approach, linking technology choices to operational and technical considerations, curriculum design and identified student needs. Since online learning takes the approach of student centered learning, it is important to keep track of students' learning direction which can be achieved mostly through formative assessment where feedback from teachers/instructors would allow for continuous improvements.
In the context of Pacific Island Countries (PICs), the University of the South Pacific (USP) has elevated online learning through providing electronic tablets to first year students. The effectiveness of this tablet learning is described in Sharma & Reddy (2015). Mobile devices like tablet computers have proven to be effective in accelerating student engagement, enhancing focus and supporting teacher interaction. Personally speaking, I have had first hand experience teaching first year engineering students since joining USP in 2015 and the integration of technology in the classroom (tutorials in particular) has been quite rapid. Students can quickly access teaching materials and resources without the need for printouts however at times it can be challenging to gauge if indeed students are 'browsing' L&T related materials.
In engineering education at USP, there is a steady increase in working students registering in the newly accredited Bachelor of Engineering programme. Consequently, the push for face to face course to be delivered in online or blended mode seems more likely with the rapid advancement in technology, ICT infrastructure and resources within USP and its campuses.
As part of Team Aristotle's Learning task 3, I made a video on e-Portfolio as a technological tool that enhances online learning. The Youtube video below explores the background, implementation and success of the Mahara e Portfolio system at U.S.P.
References
Sharma, B., & Reddy, P. (2015, December). Effectiveness of tablet learning in online courses at University of the South Pacific. In 2015 2nd Asia-Pacific World Congress on Computer Science and Engineering (APWC on CSE) (pp. 1-9). IEEE
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