ERIC Number: EJ974914
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1449-9789
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Online Resources in Developing Student Critical Thinking: Review of Literature and Case Study of a Critical Thinking Online Site
Carmichael, Erst; Farrell, Helen
Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, v9 n1 Article 4 2012
A graduate's ability to be a critical thinker is expected by many employers; therefore development of students' critical-thinking skills in higher education is important. There is also a perception that today's students are technologically "savvy", and appreciate the inclusion of a technological approach to learning. However, the complexity of the concept of critical thinking and the assumptions about students' technological skills are debatable issues that require clarification and evidence-based research in terms of teaching and learning. This paper reports on a case study of an online Blackboard site at the University of Western Sydney, where analysis of patterns of usage of the online site and qualitative analysis of student feedback provide evidence to support its effectiveness for encouraging students' critical thinking. There is potential to expand this into a more widely usable teaching and learning resource in the future, and for further research to explore the benefits for student learning. (Contains 3 figures and 4 tables.)
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Literature Reviews, Educational Resources, Instructional Effectiveness, College Students, Case Studies, Integrated Learning Systems, Web Based Instruction, Use Studies, Qualitative Research, Feedback (Response), Program Effectiveness, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills, Instructional Design, Assignments, Student Surveys, Student Attitudes
University of Wollongong. Available from: Centre for Educational Development and Interactive Resources. Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia. Tel: +61-2-4221-3140; Fax: +61-2-4225-8312; e-mail: jutlp@uow.edu.au; Web site: http://ro.uow.edu.au/jutlp
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

Peer reviewed
