Design Considerations for Today’s Online Learners: A Study of Personalized, Relationship-Based Social Awareness Information

New Search

Print Abstract

E-mail Abstract

Full Text

Save to My Collections

Export Citation

Heo, M. (2009). Design Considerations for Today’s Online Learners: A Study of Personalized, Relationship-Based Social Awareness Information. International Journal on E-Learning, 8(3), 293-311. Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/p/26964.

• Share:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Journal Information

International Journal on E-Learning
ISSN 1537-2456
Volume 8, Issue 3, July 2009
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)  Chesapeake, VA

More Information on IJEL

Author

Misook Heo, Duquesne University, USA

Abstract

This article examined online learners' preferences in personalized, relationship-based social awareness information sharing in course management systems. Three hundred seventy-seven online learners' willingness to share social awareness information was measured through a national survey. Results indicated that today's online learners are open minded in sharing social awareness information and their trust of course management systems is high. They prefer sharing information with more authoritative figures such as teachers. Differences among age groups existed, but none of the generations were consistently more open in sharing social awareness information. Overall, a strong preference in personalized, relationship-based social awareness information sharing was found. Instructors of online courses and designers of course management systems need to consider these characteristics of today's online learners in their design. This would help online learners to acknowledge themselves as feeling, intentional, thinking, and social human beings. This will cause improved learner interaction and engagement and eventually a successful online learning experience.

Keywords

• Collaboration
• Socialization
• Distance Education
• Educational Technology
• eLearning

Also Read

• Mentoring Professors: A Model for Developing Quality Online Instructors and Courses in Higher Education
• A Context Awareness System for Online Learning: Design Based Research
• Research Highlights in Technology and Teacher Education 2009
• Assessment in Online Programs: Use in Strategic Planning for Faculty/Adjunct Development and Course Instruction to Improve Faculty and Student Engagement
• Teaching Aspects of E-Learning
• The Connected Learning Space
• Student Participation Patterns in Online Discussion: Incorporating Constructivist Discussion into Online Courses
• Belonging Online: Students' Perceptions of the Value and Efficacy of an Online Learning Community
• Audio Use in E-Learning: What, Why, When, and How?
• Methods for Evaluating Learner Activities with New Technologies: Guidelines for the Lab@Future Project

Tags