The progress of blended learning has given rise to the need to prepare quality electronic materials, especially those which use the greatest advantage of an electronic document – its interactivity. This paper presents several types of PDF materials – interactive exercises, tests and games created by LaTeX packages (AcroTeX eDucation Bundle) with a contribution of other supporting instruments (3D graphics, fancytooltips, AcroFLeX). Differential equations, as an important tool of continuous mathematical modeling, have been chosen to demonstrate the still increasing power of PDF documents. This strategy allowed me to introduce innovative approaches in explaining and exercising this part of mathematics at the same time. To create such materials some LaTeX knowledge is needed; nevertheless this article is for all math teachers who are looking for quality interactive materials.

This study investigated the effect of a blended-learning approach in the learning of problem-solving skills in a first-level distance education physics module. A problem-solving type of instruction with explicit teaching of a problem-solving strategy was implemented in the module, which was presented through correspondence, online using an in-house learning management system as well as two face-to- face discussion classes. The study used the ex post facto research design with stratified sampling to investigate the possible cause-effect relationship between the blended-learning approach and the problem-solving performance. The number of problems attempted, the mean frequency of using strategy in problem solving and the achievement marks of the three strata were compared using inferential statistics. The finding of the study indicated that the blended-learning approach had no statistically significant effect in the learning of problem-solving skills in a distance education module. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Open and Distance Learning)

The progress of blended learning has given rise to the need to prepare quality electronic materials, especially those which use the greatest advantage of an electronic document – its interactivity. This paper presents several types of PDF materials – interactive exercises, tests and games created by LaTeX packages (AcroTeX eDucation Bundle) with a contribution of other supporting instruments (3D graphics, fancytooltips, AcroFLeX). Differential equations, as an important tool of continuous mathematical modeling, have been chosen to demonstrate the still increasing power of PDF documents. This strategy allowed me to introduce innovative approaches in explaining and exercising this part of mathematics at the same time. To create such materials some LaTeX knowledge is needed; nevertheless this article is for all math teachers who are looking for quality interactive materials.

The paper analyzes the potential and possibilities of mixed learning as a didactic means of implementing the transition to an integrated learning model involving information and educational environments and resources. The existing models of mixed learning are described, the aspects of effective use and integration of information and educational environments in the educational process of the College are identified. The structure of the information and educational environment of the SPO teacher and the content of methodological support for the implementation of mixed learning in the SPO system are presented. / В работе анализируется потенциал и возможности смешанного обучения как дидактического средства реализации перехода к интегрированной модели обучения с привлечением информационно-образовательных сред и ресурсов. Описаны существующие модели смешанного обучения, выявляются аспекты эффективного использования и интеграции информационно- образовательных сред в образовательном процессе колледжа. Представлена структура информационно-образовательной среды преподавателя СПО и содержание методического сопровождения реализации смешанного обучения в системе СПО.

No description available.

Doctor of Philosophy / Curriculum and Instruction / Rosemary Talab / The purpose of this study was to examine student motivation in a blended learning digital literacy course and its relation to student characteristics. The study consisted of 136 student participants enrolled in a blended learning digital literacy course at a Midwestern university. The Keller ARCS Motivation Model was the theoretical framework. The Course Interest Survey was used in the study, which was designed to measure motivation using Keller ARCS categories. Data was collected through the Course Interest Survey to voluntary student participants and through data obtained from the research setting. The study examined the following research questions: Research Question 1: Do statistically significant relationships exist between non-performance student characteristics and the Keller ARCS Course Interest Survey student motivation scores in a blended digital literacy course? Research Question 2: Do statistically significant relationships exist between pre-course performance student characteristics and the Keller ARCS Course Interest Survey scores in a blended digital literacy course? Research Question 3: Do statistically significant relationships exist between post-course performance student characteristics and the Keller ARCS Course Interest Survey student motivation scores in a blended digital literacy course? To examine these relationships, the study utilized MANOVAs to analyze the student characteristics on the four categories of the Keller ARCS Motivation Model. One significant relationship was found for Confidence within Academic Rank (p < .05), between Seniors and Freshmen. Seniors reported a .4799 higher Confidence score, on average, than Freshmen. Other characteristics did not have significant relationships. The mean change in pretest and posttest scores in digital literacy on the ALTSA assessment was 6.64. Recommendations for the research setting included the use of student focus groups to better understand and increase Freshmen confidence and the Freshmen experience, a review of course design and delivery methods, an exploration of variations of blended learning models, an examination of current test-out procedures, and adjustment of the scale used in this study to provide a wider range of motivation responses. Recommendations for future studies included a qualitative study of student performance characteristics, a mixed methods study of different learning models for course delivery, and an exploratory study aimed at expanding student characteristics.

Thesis (MPhil (Modern Foreign Languages))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / It is widely recognized that learning to read is one of the most crucial learning processes in which children are involved at primary school. However, becoming a proficient reader is not equally easy for all learners. When it comes to the development of reading comprehension many children appear to have persistent problems. In order to meet the reading needs of students in the 21st century, educators are pressed to develop effective instructional means for teaching strategies to improve reading comprehension. The ability to read academic texts is considered one of the most crucial skills that students of English as a Second Language need to acquire. Reading comprehension has become the “essence of reading” (Dreyer & Nel, 2003:349). Literacy, and more specifically reading, is one of many areas where research has provided evidence of the potential impact of technology such as multimedia and hypermedia. If one looks broadly at the issue of technology and literacy, one of the more rewarding issues for educators is the role of technology in literacy acquisition and instruction, especially for primary grade learners (Pearson et al, 2005:3). This study aims to support the growing trend of an increasingly “paired” literacy, namely that of general literacy and computer (or technological) literacy. The study proposes that through implementing an overall blended-learning methodology for teaching learners how to use reading strategies, it will be possible to improve learners’ general reading comprehension levels.

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2015 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT : The use of technology in teaching is often seen as a deus ex machina. Teachers and parents are quick to identify that the best way to improve teaching is the implementation of technology, by means of a Blended Learning approach. However, little thought is given to the practical considerations of this statement. Reflection on whether the Blended Learning approach can be implemented in the already established teaching practice or whether this necessitates a complete change in teaching methods rarely happens. This study aims to determine whether the incorporation of certain aspects of Blended Learning into an already existing teaching methodology results in a significant change in learners’ German performance. Grade 8 beginner German learners took part in this study during the third term of 2014. Two groups were identified: an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group did all homework assignments on the available online learning platform, Moodle, while the control group did homework assignments in the conventional way – on paper. At the end of the third term, learners’ examination results were compared to the results of the examination of the second term. The changes in the results of the two groups were compared to determine whether one group manifested a significantly greater change in results than the other. The outcome of the study is that incorporating only elements of a Blended Learning approach into an already existing teaching system, while keeping the methods of instruction constant and only changing the medium of homework delivery, does not have a significant influence on learners’ performance in German. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Geen Afrikaanse opsomming beskikbaar nie. / rs201508

La recherche que nous avons menée concerne l'articulation entre les dispositifs de formation en autonomie accompagnée et les conditions nécessaires aux étudiants LANSAD d'un niveau A2/B1 en anglais en première année à l'université pour rendre une expérience d'apprentissage potentiellement favorable à l'acquisition. Elle vise à les aider à retrouver "le bonheur" d'une formation en anglais et à opérer une rationalisation professionnelle qui tienne compte à la fois des besoins spécifiques des étudiants, des difficultés organisationnelles et des exigences de l'institution. Nous avons émis l'hypothèse selon laquelles un dispositif hybride de formation en autonomie accompagnée pouvait être accessible à des étudiants de niveau A2/B1 en anglais au même titre qu'à des étudiants de niveaux supérieurs, et pouvait mener à une formation "de qualité" si l'accompagnement proposé permettait l'aménagement de situations et de contextes entrant "en résonance" avec les dispositions des apprenants. Dans le cadre d'une recherche-Action en trois phases et à partir d'analyses qualitatives puis quantitatives, nous nous proposons, dans une première phase, d'identifier un certain nombre de variables qui favorisent ou bloquent le processus d'autonomisation pour ces étudiants. Ensuite, lors d'une deuxième phase, nous développons un dispositif qui tient compte de ces facteurs. Après une évaluation, nous proposons dans la phase trois une adaptation de la formation pour un plus grand nombre d'étudiants, et conformément au rôle de la recherche-Action nous mesurons la portée et les limites du dispositif et de son transfert vis-À-Vis de l'objectif fixé. Cela nous conduit à de nouvelles propositions. / The research that we have carried out concerns the link between a language learning self-Study environment and the conditions under which ESP first year university French students with an A2/B1 level of English are liable to improve acquisition. Its aim is to help them to "enjoy" learning English and operate a professional rationalization which takes into account the students specific needs, organizational difficulties and the institutions requirements. Our hypothesis is that a "blended" self-Learning environment can provide good quality language training and be accessible to these students, just as it is to be higher level students, if the support coincides with their sate of minds. The research-Action in three parts, based on qualitative and then quantitative data, begins with the identification of a certain amount of variables which favour or block the autonomisation process for these students. Then in the second part, a system is developped which takes these factors into account. After evaluation, in the third part, the transformations are adapted to accomodate a much larger number of students. In keeping with the action-Research cycles, suggestions to improve the environment developed are finally made.

This research study focused on the coaching practices of five internal Regional Learning and Development Managers in a multimedia organisation from 2009 to 2011. Twelve written narratives were initially used to gather information from both coaches and clients about their perceptions and experiences during a coaching session. Survey questionnaires were sent to all 135 managers who had completed the Coaching Programme since its inception in 2009, to supplement the information established from the narrative stage. Three problems were identified: employed Learning and Development Managers were expected to deliver a coaching programme in the workplace for which they were ill-equipped, unqualified and inexperienced; there was a lack of tangible benchmarks to demonstrate the success of the clients’ development; and an inconsistent standard of coaching was delivered potentially compromising ethical coaching practices and behaviour. Coaching is a specialised field of people development, which can have a noticeable impact on both employee performance and on achieving business aims. ‘Internal coaching’ has evolved from a necessity to develop people within the workplace using internal resources and a limited budget. The study reflects on an example of internal coaching and discusses the successes and failures of such a practice. According to the narratives and survey it is the coach who is the key to the success of coaching and a successful coach must be trustworthy with confidential matters; objective and able to understand the culture and operations of the company; have business credibility; is independent of the person being coached and, therefore, is not their line manager. A customised blend of appropriate styles including mentoring, instruction and coaching is recommended to achieve the best results in coaching.