ERIC Number: EJ1017529
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Oct
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1492-3831
EISSN: N/A
Assessment of the Effectiveness of Internet-Based Distance Learning through the VClass e-Education Platform
Pukkaew, Chadchadaporn
International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, v14 n4 p255-276 Oct 2013
This study assesses the effectiveness of internet-based distance learning (IBDL) through the VClass live e-education platform. The research examines (1) the effectiveness of IBDL for regular and distance students and (2) the distance students' experience of VClass in the IBDL course entitled Computer Programming 1. The study employed the common definitions of evaluation to attain useful statistical results. The measurement instruments used were test scores and questionnaires. The sample consisted of 59 first-year undergraduate students, most of whom were studying computer information systems at Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Chiang Mai in Thailand. The results revealed that distance students engaged in learning behavior only occasionally but that the effectiveness of learning was the same for distance and regular students. Moreover, the provided computer-mediated communications (CMC) (e.g., live chat, email, and discussion board) were sparingly used, primarily by male distance students. Distance students, regular students, the instructor, and the tutor agreed to use a social networking site, Facebook, rather than the provided CMC during the course. The evaluation results produce useful information that is applicable for developing and improving IBDL practices.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Distance Education, Electronic Learning, Instructional Effectiveness, Student Experience, Computer Science Education, Computer Mediated Communication, Web Based Instruction, College Freshmen, Comparative Analysis, Internet, Scores, Questionnaires, Conventional Instruction, Student Behavior, Gender Differences, Social Networks, Hypothesis Testing
Athabasca University. 1200, 10011 - 109 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8, Canada. Tel: 780-421-2536; Fax: 780-497-3416; e-mail: irrodl@athabascau.ca; Web site: http://www.irrodl.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Thailand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A