Improving Students' Educational Experience by Harnessing Digital Technology: elgg in the ODL Environment

Abstract

Given the rising popularity of both open and distance learning (ODL) and social networking tools, it seems logical to merge and harness these two popular technologies with the goal of improving student educational experience. The integration seems to hold tremendous promise for the open and distance learning mode. To reduce the gap in the literature, this study explores the educational benefits of social media tools on distance learners’ perspectives and experiences in an online course taught using elgg (open source social media tool) platforms. To achieve this, the study relied on collecting qualitative and quantitative data from students who were required to use elgg, in addition to LMS, for one semester as part of their coursework. The findings indicated that students enjoyed the social learning experience afforded by the elgg better when compared to LMS to support one another in their distance learning experiences. It was also noted that students, with little experience in social networking and the sharing features on elgg, in most cases, exhibited high involvement in course-related work and graded exercises. Additionally, it was observed that students shared information limited only at the level required by the instruction mode. The study concludes that most students perceived their learning experience was enhanced by their interaction with each other and with the instructors in the elgg. The article ends with a discussion of results and highlighting the areas for future research on the topic.

Keywords

• ODL, Social networking technology, Student interaction, LMS, elgg, Social learning experience

Kaynakça

1. Anderson, T. (2005). Distance learning—Social software’s killer ap? Retrieved on 25 September 2012 from http://auspace.athabascau.ca/handle/2149/2328.
2. Brady, K.P., Holcomb, L.B., & Smith, B.V. (2010). The use of alternative social networking sites in higher educational settings: a case study of the e-learning benefits of Ning in education. Journal of Interactive Online Learning. 9(2), 151 -170.
3. Doering, A. & Veletsianos, G. (2008). Hybrid online education: Identifying integration models using adventure learning. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 41(1), 101 -119.
4. Dron, J. & Anderson, T. (2009). Lost in social space: Information retrieval issues in Web 1.5. Journal of Digital Information, 10(2), 1 -12
5. Effandi, Z. & Zanaton, I. (2007). Promoting cooperative learning in science and mathematics education: A Malaysia Perspective. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 3(1), 35-39.
6. Garrison, R., Anderson, T., & Archer, W. (2000). Critical inquiry in a text-based environment: Computer conferencing in higher education. The Internet and Higher Education, 2(2), 87-105.
7. Hoffman, E. (2010). Social media and learning environments: Shifting perspectives on the locus of control. Retrieved on 25 September 2012 from http://www.ineducation.ca/article/Social- media-and-learning-environments-shifting-perspectives-on-the-locus-of-control.
8. Kan, O. (2011). Cooperative learning environment with the web 2.0 Tool e-Portfolios. Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, 12(3), 201-213

9. Lim, S., Cheung, W., & Hew, K. (2011). Critical thinking in asynchronous online discussion: A investigation of student facilitation techniques. New Horizons in Education. 59(1) 52-65
10. Olofsson, A. D. (2007). Participation in an educational online learning community. Educational Technology & Society, 10(4), 28-38.
11. Oradini, F. & Saunders, G. (2008). The use of social networking by students and staff in higher education. Paper presented at the iLearning Forum, 2008 in Paris. Retrieved on 25 September 2012 from http://www.eifeI.org/publications/proceedings/ilf08/contributions/ improving-quality-of-learning-with-technologies/Oradini.pdf
12. Siemens, G. (2010). Connectivism. Retrieved on 25 September 2012 from http://connectivism. ca/?p=220
13. Siemens, G. & Conole, G. (2011). Special Issue – Connectivism: Design and delivery of social networked learning. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning. 12(3), i-iv
14. Thomas, M. & Thomas, H. (2012). Using new social media and Web 2.0 technologies in business school teaching and learning. Journal of Management Development, 31(4), 358-367.
15. Veletsianos, G (2010). A definition of emerging technologies for education. In G. Veletsianos (Ed.), Emerging technologies in distance education (pp.3-22). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.
16. Veletsianos, G. & Navarrete, C. (2012). Online social networks as formal learning environments: Learner experiences and activities. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 13(1), 144-166.
17. Wankel, C. (2009). Management education using social media. Organisation Management Journal, 6(6), 251-262.
18. Correspondence: Lai Cheng Tung, Course Coordinator, School of Business and Administration,
19. Wawasan Open University, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.