{"title":"Community of practice online, the importance of technology for learning: an application of Social Network Analysis","authors":"Stefania Fantinelli, V. Russo","doi":"10.20368/1971-8829/1545","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20368/1971-8829/1545","url":null,"abstract":"The pervasiveness of technology is affecting also the education field, so it is possible to evaluate whether technology can foster collaboration among students or improve the learning outcomes. A community of practice online is the subject of the present study, it represents a kind of blended learning which is defined as the integration of classroom face-to-face learning with online learning experiences with the objective to increase students’ engagement and motivation. A recent experience of blended learning education has been carried out by four Italian Universities and in the present research study we have implemented social network analysis technique in order to observe online interactions of students, thus describing the nodes that exert the most influence in the group and to evaluate if the online interactions can positively affect the learning process. As result we can state that the outcomes of social network analysis are","PeriodicalId":44748,"journal":{"name":"Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society","volume":"79 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72853673","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"From Practical to Theoretical Thinking: The Impact of the Role-Play Activity","authors":"A. Pierri","doi":"10.20368/1971-8829/1375","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20368/1971-8829/1375","url":null,"abstract":"This paper concerns the analysis of the outcomes of a role-play activity aimed at fostering conceptual understanding of linear algebra for the firstyear engineering students. The role of the teacher is considered in order to investigate about whether the designed role–play activity is able to affect the passage from practical to theoretical thinking. The analysis shows that, in spite of some difficulties related to the use of language, the students have improved their mastery of theoretical thinking.","PeriodicalId":44748,"journal":{"name":"Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society","volume":"102 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"81080993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Fostering teachers’ adoption of Moodle: An action-research framed on Evolutionary Game Theory","authors":"Luciana Pereira de Brito, M. Martinho","doi":"10.20368/1971-8829/1443","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20368/1971-8829/1443","url":null,"abstract":"This work is funded by the CIEd - Centre for Research in Education, projects UID/CED/1661/2013 and UID/CED/1661/2016, Institute of Education, University of Minho, through national funds from FCT / MCTES-PT.","PeriodicalId":44748,"journal":{"name":"Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society","volume":"40 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"80364368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
D. Keržič, Aleksander Aristovnik, Nina Tomaževič, Lan Umek
{"title":"Evaluating the impact of e-learning on students` perception of acquired competencies in a university blended learning environment","authors":"D. Keržič, Aleksander Aristovnik, Nina Tomaževič, Lan Umek","doi":"10.20368/1971-8829/1440","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20368/1971-8829/1440","url":null,"abstract":"In the present study, the correlations between selected aspects of e-learning in the blended learning environment and the competencies students should acquire during their study are explored. The research was based on two different questionnaire-based surveys conducted among Faculty of Administration students. In the research 41 2nd year students of the university study programme were involved. We found that the problem-solving competency is highly correlated with the adequacy of e-learning. Our findings also suggest a high correlation between the computer skills competency and the usefulness of e-learning. The results could serve as a guide for the faculty management when further investigating how to enhance the students’ competencies while employing modern solutions in the teaching process.","PeriodicalId":44748,"journal":{"name":"Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society","volume":"42 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"91097242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Gentle Introduction to Computational Complexity Through an Examination of Noodle Making","authors":"Luisa Mich, D. Berry","doi":"10.20368/1971-8829/1399","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20368/1971-8829/1399","url":null,"abstract":"Computational complexity is regarded by many Computer Science students as extremely difficult and as a topic to be avoided. However, the concepts of an algorithm and of computational complexity as a means of characterising the resource consumption of algorithms are fundamental in Computer Science and are included in all curricula for it. To better motivate students and to increase their interest in computational complexity, this paper suggests introducing it by examining algorithms, a.k.a. recipes, for making noodles. This paper describes several traditional algorithms for making Chinese and Italian noodles and classifies each according to its computational complexity. It compares the power of the algorithms. It considers the nature of variations of the traditional algorithms. It examines machines that implement some of the algorithms. It cites a world speed record for making a large number of noodles using the algorithm with the maximal complexity. It shows how computational thinking and other topics can be introduced in the same manner. It concludes by mentioning avenues for further studies.","PeriodicalId":44748,"journal":{"name":"Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88742533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"E-Teaching in Mathematics Education: The Teacher’s Role in Online Discussion","authors":"R. Capone, Flora Del Regno, F. S. Tortoriello","doi":"10.20368/1971-8829/1538","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20368/1971-8829/1538","url":null,"abstract":"This article describes the cross-referenced results of two educational experiments on the use of social platforms in the teaching and learning of mathematics. These were conducted over the course of two years in two mathematics courses at secondary schools in the Campania region of Southern Italy and in two courses of Calculus at University of Salerno, in the south of Italy. It aimed to highlight the role that the teacher assumes in online discussion, revisiting their role as a transmitter of knowledge and taking on the role of facilitator in the acquisition of skills. The qualitative results seem to point to significant benefits in the processes of evolution in the use and coordination of semiotic representation systems. Thanks partly to the help offered by the teacher, the peer comparison between enhanced the transition both from common to evolved language and from interpsychic to intrapsychic functions, i.e. the transition from forms of social activity to forms of entirely individual activity","PeriodicalId":44748,"journal":{"name":"Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society","volume":"7 1","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2018-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"84656334","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. O. Colon, Inés María Muñoz Galiano, M. Colmenero-Ruiz
{"title":"Impact of the Flipped Classroom Model and Collaborative Learning in Childhood Teaching University Degree","authors":"A. O. Colon, Inés María Muñoz Galiano, M. Colmenero-Ruiz","doi":"10.20368/1971-8829/1358","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20368/1971-8829/1358","url":null,"abstract":"This study presents the applications of the flipped classroom model (JITT) as an emergent didactic strategy with two groups of students in Childhood Teaching Degree, using the methodology of collaborative learning, where the professor implemented the flipped classroom model in one of the groups. From a quasi-experimental design, a total of 152 students participated on it. After applying the model to one of the groups, the student presented positive scores in the flipped classroom group. The students from the experimental group completed an open survey –online- before the implementation of the flipped classroom model and another one at the end of it to organise and follow the on-site sessions. The conclusions of the study based on the designed instruments showed progress regarding the use of collaborative learning in both groups, appearing particularly more valued in the flipped classroom group. In reference to the implementation of the model teachers´amount of work and students´ effort are highlighted, underlining the increase of students’ competence in the obtained average score.","PeriodicalId":44748,"journal":{"name":"Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society","volume":"22 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2017-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75088979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Learning Analytics Tool for Usability Assessment in Moodle Environments","authors":"G. Fenu, M. Marras, Massimiliano Meles","doi":"10.20368/1971-8829/1388","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20368/1971-8829/1388","url":null,"abstract":"The use of analytics technologies is increasingly successful in the e-learning domain. In this paper, we propose a novel model aiming at evaluating usability of interfaces adopted by Learning Management Systems and Massive Open Online Courses platforms based on the comparison between desktop and mobile versions, using specific native indicators. The indicators obtained from log files typically tracked by the e-learning platforms are defined as comparable scores. Then, to put the model into practice, we implemented it into Moodle LMS as a preliminary case study. This contribution promises to reduce both time and cost for quality assessment of user interfaces in the e-learning domain, while ensuring adaptability to different platforms.","PeriodicalId":44748,"journal":{"name":"Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society","volume":"13 1","pages":"23-34"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2017-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74515651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Barana, Alessandro Bogino, Michele Fioravera, M. Marchisio, S. Rabellino
{"title":"Open platform of self-paced MOOCs for the continual improvement of academic guidance and knowledge strengthening in tertiary education","authors":"A. Barana, Alessandro Bogino, Michele Fioravera, M. Marchisio, S. Rabellino","doi":"10.20368/1971-8829/1383","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20368/1971-8829/1383","url":null,"abstract":"In the academic year 2014/2015, University of XXX started the Project Orient@mente , aimed to support students in the transition from high school to university. Several Massive Open Online Courses have been developed to support three main actions: guidance to the University offer, automated self-testing of basic knowledge, self-paced review of fundamental disciplinary concepts learned in high school; all of them are useful to help students successfully attend scientific courses of the first year of University. A key feature of the Project is the continuous open-access to the platform. Contents are built according to educational models grown thanks to the experience and the research in e-learning carried out by the University, especially in the use of an accessible learning management system integrated with an advanced computing environment, an automated assessment system and a web conference system to enhance teaching and learning. In this paper, the adopted methodologies are discussed, the obtained results are presented and future developments are proposed in light of relevant data collected from the platform usage and feedback received by users.","PeriodicalId":44748,"journal":{"name":"Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society","volume":"8 1","pages":"109-119"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2017-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90701043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"MOOC Design and Heritage Education. Developing Soft and Work-based Skills in Higher Education Students.","authors":"F. Agrusti, A. Poce, Maria Rosaria Re","doi":"10.20368/1971-8829/1385","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.20368/1971-8829/1385","url":null,"abstract":"The present paper describes one of the pilot activities foreseen by the Erasmus+ project DICHE (Digital Innovation in Cultural and Heritage Education in the light of 21st century learning). The above mentioned pilot activity was carried out at the undergraduate course in Educational sciences – University AUTHOR, as an internal training module for the conception, implementation and evaluation of MOOC courses in museum education. \u0000Main objective of the module was to develop design and realisation skills in Educational science students. Those engaged in the module were asked to create cultural and heritage education courses for primary school in training and in service teachers. The two main pillars of the DICHE pilot, “MOOCs conception and delivery” and “heritage education”, are in line with the most recent national and international field literature research and with the Italian education system directions, aiming at integrating museum education in primary school curricula and a more aware use of technology, in order to develop pivotal skills in active citizenship building. The present paper presents the methodology adopted and the results collected during the training module carried out.","PeriodicalId":44748,"journal":{"name":"Journal of E-Learning and Knowledge Society","volume":"7 1","pages":"97-107"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2017-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79540516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}