ERIC Number: EJ1100564
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2187-0594
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Online Learning for Students from Diverse Backgrounds: Learning Disability Students, Excellent Students and Average Students
Shonfeld, Miri; Ronen, Ilana
IAFOR Journal of Education, v3 n2 p13-29 Sum 2015
The perceived contribution of science education online course to pre-service students (N=121) from diverse backgrounds--students with learning disabilities (25 LD students), 28 excellent students and 68 average students is presented in this five-years research. During the online course students were asked to choose a scientific subject; to map it and to plan teaching activities; to carry out the proposed activities with students in a classroom experience; and to reflect the process. The assumption was that adapting the online course by using information and communication technology following formative assessment will improve students' self-learning ability as well as broaden their science knowledge, their lab performance and teaching skills. Data were collected using quantitative and qualitative tools including: pre and post questionnaires, and nine (three students from each group) depth interviews upon completion of the course. Findings, based on students' perceived evaluation, pinpointed on the advantages of the online course for students of the three groups. LD students' achievements were not inferior to those of their peers, excellent students, and average students. Yet, it carefully reports on a slight but explicitly marginal perceived evaluation of the LD students in comparison to excellent students and average students regarding: forum participation, authentic task, and water lab performance. The article discusses the affordance of the online course via additional features that can be grouped into two categories: knowledge construction and flexibility in time, interaction, and knowledge. Further research is suggested to extend the current study by examining the effect of other courses and different contents, and by considering various evaluation methods of online courses, such as: observation, the think aloud, text and tasks analysis, and reflection.
Descriptors: Student Diversity, Learning Disabilities, High Achievement, Online Courses, Preservice Teachers, Questionnaires, Interviews, Statistical Analysis, Qualitative Research, Preservice Teacher Education, Primary Education, Science Education, Independent Study, Student Participation, Student Satisfaction, Student Attitudes, Interaction, Affordances, Academic Achievement
International Academic Forum. Sakae 1-16-26 - 201 Naka Ward, Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0008. Tel: +81-50-5806-3184; Web site: http://iafor.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Primary Education; Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A