Students' perceptions of learning on-line in an undergraduate education subject

摘要

On-line learning for undergraduate students is being embraced by higher education institutions as they adapt and react to the changing circumstances of student expectations, societal demands and available funding. Students' perceptions of learning on-line must be considered if their learning needs are to be met and best practice is to be achieved. Over the 1998-1999 period, an undergraduate teacher education subject, convened by the first author has included an on-line component in the delivery and assessment. Rather than replacing existing practices with on-line teaching and learning, lecturers working in this subject used mixed mode delivery to develop students' understandings and skills. They encouraged students' independent learning through online modules, computer based assessment tasks and presentation of subject content via the Internet, lectures and tutorials. From the students' evaluations of the subject, the mixed mode of delivery including independent learning, the use of technology, and on-line tasks were favorably received and had positive affects on the students' learning in the subject.