Lessons Learned from a Web Based Distributed Learning Case Study: Evaluation of Course Design, Modules, Effectiveness, and Students' Performance and Reactions

摘要

This thesis evaluated the first iteration of Navy Postgraduate School (NPS) on-line course Space Systems - Technology and Applications'. The thesis goal was to evaluate: course design; course effectiveness; student expectations and motivation before and affective reactions after the course; and typical patterns of on-line learning behavior according to Long's theory. Ultimately, the thesis intended to derive lessons learned and recommendations for future distributed learning (DL) courses and future research in this area There were thirty regular, resident NPS students in the sample. Data was collected from nine sources: four on-line questionnaires, Student Opinion Forms, on-line tracking:, final grades, interviews with students, and interviews with the instructor. Even though the course first course taught by this instructor, it was successful. Student expectations, motivation, affective and utility reactions were predominantly positive. For students, the most important advantage of the course was time flexibility and convenience. Students and the instructor agreed about central role of interactivity/feedback in a DL, which should be included into models of training effectiveness evaluation. Long- Dziuban's protocol results were surprising, but solid conclusions cannot be made without focused research. Results provided several recommendations about the course design, pedagogical improvements, instructional counseling ,and future research.