Volery and Lord noted that the rapid expansion of the Internet will play a pivotal role in the delivery mediums in which education is provided. My dissertation addresses the potential best methodology for developing more effective instruction through Internet based learning. Previous research has identified various aspects related to student learning in online settings, the Internet as a core delivery platform for information, student learning styles, and gender as a component of student success in online platforms. This study was motivated by three research goals: (1) Assess the essential components for an effective open campus model, (2) identify and analyze stakeholder perceptions of factors influencing the design, development, implementation of online coursework, and perceptions by instructional design themes (3) utilize data from literature, respondent questionnaires, agricultural learning modules, and agricultural stakeholder perceptions to propose a model for open online course design and faculty implementation of best teaching methodologies related to online instructional delivery. Using the Delphi Model for consensus, three expert panels (undergraduate agriculture students, secondary agriculture teachers, and post secondary agriculture education faculty) identified the vital components for online course frameworks addressing instructional design, application of course content, and collaborative education models within online learning platforms. To illustrate the objectives of this study, the findings support the proposal and development of the Unified Model for Online Learning and System Design.

This study reports on the development, implementation and evaluation of an online master’s module called Management Information Systems in Education, in the specialization phase in the master’s course in Administration and Management in Education. The pedagogical and practical issues that have to be addressed when teaching with a Learning Management System (LMS) were explored during the evaluation process of the online environment. It was conducted in the form of a design experiment. The online module was built using Moodle software and the study was undertaken at the Faculty of Education of the Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique. An evaluation questionnaire with open-ended questions was developed to evaluate the online component of the module. The questionnaires were completed by a sample of seven adult students who were registered for the optional module and their lecturer. Observations on the Moodle site were also conducted. An adaptation of Cronjé’s (2006) model of the four quadrants of teaching and learning was used to develop the conceptual framework. An interpretive analysis of the data plotted the answers to the research questions on the adapted Cronjé model. The findings indicate that the use of an online module designed and delivered through Moodle is recommended because it can be accessed at any time and at any place; it provides the opportunity to collaborate with others virtually; it provides an opportunity to learn more; it is an easy way to study; it is a useful educational package that can be adopted by teachers to supplement the teaching and learning process in schools; it assists in solving many problems related to information management at work; it helps in diversifying the learning activities; and it improves communication possibilities. / Dissertation (MEd (Computer-Integrated Education))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Curriculum Studies / MEd / unrestricted

Please read the abstract in the section, 00front, of this document / Dissertation (M Eng (Industrial Engineering))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Industrial and Systems Engineering / unrestricted

This thesis seeks to contribute to the field of learning management system (LMS) development in tertiary educational institutions, particularly to advance the adoption of learning management systems (LMSes) by exploring the incorporation of sociallymotivated discussion forum models. This study proposes a Web-based application, which includes four different discussion forum models for LMSes, in order to test usability and student preferences. The purpose of this study was to compare two non-social discussion forums and two social discussion forums, to determine their appropriateness in terms of attributes or features and general functionality for LMSes. The design processes led to the creation of a Web-based application called 4DFs, which includes four different discussion forum models. Two of these models are non-social discussion forums: the chat room unstructured model and the traditional general threaded discussion. The other two types are social discussion forums, where users can choose who they converse with: the Twitter-style short comment feed and the Facebook-style. The chat room and the traditional general threaded discussion forums' features are based on those of Sakai, since the research sample was comprised of students from the University of Cape Town (UCT). The Twitter-style and Facebook-style elements, such as retweets, hashtags, likes and reposts, are based on Twitter and Facebook. A pilot study was conducted to discover any errors or issues with the experimental procedure. A controlled experiment was then conducted with 31 students from the institution. Participants had to fill out a background information survey to gather some demographic information and to understand more about participants' previous experiences using chat rooms, discussion forums, and social media applications for university related purposes and for non-university related purposes. Following that, participants were given tasks to test all the features of the different discussion forum models. To avoid bias in the participants' choosing of discussion forum models, the research was conducted with a Counterbalanced Measures Design. Participants had to fill in the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire in conjunction with their use of the Web-based application. Then, after using all discussion forums, they had to fill out a preferences questionnaire that asked about their preferences of the discussion forums and the features. The Twitter-style short comment feed model was preferred in terms of the ease of use and since participants were familiar with this forum. This was followed by the chat room unstructured model and the traditional general threaded discussion in terms of these forums' ease of use and students' preference for the layout. The Facebook-style was less preferable. Also, participants indicated that the post button, reply button, edit, delete, and search button were more beneficial features. Participants mention that the layout of the chat room unstructured model was not optimal, since the massive amount of text made it confusing and unclear to decipher. Participants suggested that including the uploading of media, allowing private chat, adding extra features for important posts, and using a repost button in the discussion forums would be more useful. The study found that students preferred that the learning forum include certain characteristics; they prioritised ease of use, less complexity, less interaction and a user-friendly interface over their familiarity with the forum. For learning, there is a need to use the features for a specific purpose so users do not necessarily want extra fancy features (like emojis), instead they want systems that help them to learn efficiently.

The concept of usability refers to a user's capability to interact with a system to fulfill goals in terms of task completion (effectiveness), time measurement (efficiency), and positive attitude (satisfaction). The strategy for usability evaluation in software systems usually involves questionnaires, user testing, and heuristics. Although these methods have been widely used due to several benefits, there are challenges related to time consumption and embedded bias. In response to these challenges, this work proposes a hybrid approach based on usability questionnaire answers and machine learning algorithms to predict usability scores. We describe three different experiments with features extracted from a Learning Management System. These features were applied in the Machine Learning algorithms Linear Regression, Decision Trees, Random Forest, and Neural Networks in three experiments. Random Forest produces the best performance of average mean square error and root mean square error among machine learning algorithms. The results are promising, though there are alternatives for improvements for better performance of the System Usability Scale and UseLearn scores prediction. This approach has potential as a reliable predictive tool for usability scores, which would help create software systems that better satisfy users' needs. / Master of Science / Instructors and students have used online platforms known as Learning Management Systems (LMSs) to improve learning and satisfaction. Students need to achieve their learning goals by interacting with these systems. To achieve these goals, usability evaluation involves ensuring that LMSs attain effectiveness (task completion), efficiency (time measurement), and satisfaction (positive attitude). Usability evaluation usually follows questionnaires, user testing of the LMS, and expert reviews. Although these methods are widely used due to several benefits, they face challenges related to trying these software systems multiple times until the system satisfies student needs and human subjectivity perception. To face these challenges, promote student engagement with the system, and create a better design in the LMS courses, we propose a hybrid approach based on data, questionnaire answers, and machine learning algorithms to predict usability scores. We evaluated this approach through a case study with data collected from undergraduate students at Virginia Tech. The results showed different advantages and drawbacks of machine learning performance. The approach contributes to the engineering and computing education field by providing a reliable predictive tool for usability scores to improve the student learning experience and the features of the LMS.

Magíster en Tecnologías de la Información / El presente trabajo se enmarca dentro del XXV Congreso del Partido Comunista de Chile, para el cual se pretende solucionar un problema histórico de su proceso eleccionario. Dado que este proceso se ha realizado siempre en forma manual, toma demasiado tiempo, su conteo manual genera inseguridad en los resultados y su validación es lenta. Además, y como producto de la peculiar metodología y flujo en este proceso, existe poco tiempo disponible entre la generación de las listas de candidatos y la elección misma. Por lo tanto, este trabajo de tesis implementó una solución de software de cara a la modernización de este proceso, para ayudar a paliar los problemas planteados, y también a aumentar el nivel de participación de sus militantes en votaciones futuras. La solución implementada corresponde a un componente de software de apoyo al proceso de votación, el cual se inserta en una plataforma LMS (Learning Management System), configurada para sostener aulas/oficinas/cabildos virtuales. Esta plataforma, además de dar soporte a la reunión de los distintos actores para elegir, otorga la posibilidad de utilizar recursos y actividades inherentes a las instancias de discusión, debate y generación de documentos. Debido a la naturaleza del proyecto, a su complejidad y al poco tiempo disponible crear la solución, se optó por utilizar una metodología de desarrollo basada en prototipos, como una forma de mantener bajo control la complejidad y los riesgos del mismo. Esta solución permite resolver los problemas antes identificados, mejorando los niveles de seguridad y transparencia del proceso, y reduciendo su tiempo de ejecución. Dada la gran complejidad de los actuales sistemas de votación electrónica y la alta incertidumbre que existe a la hora de intervenirlos o adaptarlos, este trabajo de tesis no pretende inventar uno nuevo, sino adaptar un modelo de votaciones de complejidad baja, con trazabilidad en papel y niveles de seguridad acotados, que entregue una solución al problema planteado. La solución implementada es un sistema ad-hoc que, además de apoyar el proceso eleccionario, busca aumentar la participación de los militantes del Partido Comunista, así como las instancias de debate, reflexión y discusión. El sistema implementado fue probado en paralelo en varias votaciones informales del partido, y a partir de sus buenos resultados, éste pasó a utilizarse en las instancias de votaciones formales de esta comunidad. Entre las cosas que más rescataron los encargados del proceso de votación fue el ahorro de tiempo, así como la mejora de la seguridad y la transparencia a los procedimientos que hacían parte de la votación.

Táto diplomová práca ponúka čitateľovi ucelený pohľad do sveta vzdávania s využívaním najmodernejších technológií a moderných komunikačných zariadení. Vysvetľuje využiteľnosť dištančného vzdelávania v modernej dobe a poukazuje na jeho výhody a nevýhody. Popisuje jednotlivé systémy pre riadenie výuky (takzvané LMS) a jednotlivo ich rozoberá v analýze. Nezabúda ani na preskúmanie situácie v oblasti LMS v Českej Republike. Nakoniec predkladá kompletnú analýzu stávajúceho LMS systému spoločnosti Telefónica O2 Czech Repubic.

With the emerging use of technological interventions in education, e-learning systems contribute immensely in educational delivery. However, with substantial efforts from the Rwandan Government, there were still claims about the lack of online support systems for thesis process in Rwandan higher education, which significantly affect the quality of research. Furthermore, previously implementations of e-learning systems at University of Rwanda have failed because of a low adoption rate. This study follows the introduction of the learning management system “SciPro” used for supporting supervisors and students in thesis writing. The purpose of the study was to understand the adoption of the SciPro System in support of thesis process for bachelor and master’s programs from a supervisor’s perspective at University of Rwanda (UR). An embedded case study was used as a research strategy. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was used as the theoretical frame of reference for the study. Data was collected from 42 workshop participants using a questionnaire. Moreover, convenient interviews and participant observations were conducted at 5 of the 6 colleges during and after system testing. A researcher realized that the current thesis process is still manual-based and there is no holistic computer-supported system for thesis related activities. Results from correlation analysis and regression analysis for the questionnaire showed that the facilitating conditions provided by UR were the key factor that would influence the adoption of SciPro positively. Effort expectancy perceived by supervisors proved to have a significant correlation to their Behavioral Intention to use the system. The study also revealed that there were other factors outside SciPro System, such as management support, Internet access, lack of a clear ICT policy and E-learning policy; and to motivate innovators and early adopters that should be considered throughout the implementation process to enhance adoption.

Submitted by TONI AMORIM DE OLIVEIRA null (toniamorim@gmail.com) on 2016-05-14T13:29:17Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Oliveira, Toni Amorim de..pdf: 5488766 bytes, checksum: 2d0ba820d07bf146bee1acd441bf6786 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Juliano Benedito Ferreira (julianoferreira@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-05-16T16:46:52Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 toni_ao_dr_ilha.pdf: 5488766 bytes, checksum: 2d0ba820d07bf146bee1acd441bf6786 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-16T16:46:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 toni_ao_dr_ilha.pdf: 5488766 bytes, checksum: 2d0ba820d07bf146bee1acd441bf6786 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-04-25 / Os laboratórios virtuais são ambientes de desenvolvimento interativos para criar e conduzir experimentos simulados e controlados cujos resultados dependem dos dados de entrada definidos pelo usuário. Neste trabalho descreve-se o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia de aprendizagem, baseada na teoria das inteligências múltiplas, aplicada em um laboratório virtual em ambiente 3D utilizando o software OpenSim, integrado ao MOODLE. Neste trabalho descreve-se também o desenvolvimento de objetos de aprendizagem denominados Virtualab e Karnavit que integram o laboratório virtual. O objeto de aprendizagem Virtualab tem por objetivo proporcionar apoio pedagógico, por meio de textos, vídeos e imagens on line, a professores e alunos que utilizam o laboratório virtual desenvolvido neste trabalho. O objeto de aprendiza- gem Karnavit é voltado ao ensino de mapa de Karnaught. As atividades propostas para testes no ambiente 3D foram desenvolvidas com base na teoria das inteligências múltiplas combinadas com tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TIC). A possibilidade de associar a aplicação da Teoria das Inteligências Múltiplas as TICs tem por objetivo possibilitar uma maior abrangência à Teoria das Inteligências Múltiplas, especificamente no campo da educação, a partir da disponibilização de ferramentas que auxiliam no estímulo de uma ou mais inteligências múltiplas. Neste trabalho também são apresentados e discutidos, no capítulo 7, os resultados obtidos na utilização e testes do laboratório, por alunos da Unesp, Unemat, Fatec, Unorp e Unirp. Também são apresentadas no capitulo 8 as conclusões desta pesquisa. / Virtual laboratory are interactive development environments to create and conduct simulation experiments and controlled the results depend on the user-defined input data. This work describes the development of a methodology of learning, based on the theory of multiple in telligences, applied in a virtual laboratory in 3D environment using the software OpenSim, integrated with Moodle. This work also describes the developmentcalled learning objects and Virtualab Karnavit comprising the virtual laboratory. The learning object Virtualab aims to provide educational support through text, video and images on line, teachers and students using the virtual laboratory developed in this work. The Karnavit learning object is returned to the Karnaught map teaching. The activities proposed for testing in the 3D environment have been developed based on the theory of multiple intelligences combined with information and com- munication technologies (ICT). The possibility of involving the application of the Theory of Multiple Intelligences ICT aims to allow greater scope to the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, specifically in the field of education, from the availability of tools that help to stimulate one or more multiple intelligences. This paper also presented and discussed in Chapter 7, the results obtained in use and lab tests for students of Unesp, Unemat, Fatec, UNORP and Unirp. They are also presented in chapter 8 the findings of this research.

Orientador: Alexandre Cesar Rodrigues da Silva / Resumo: Os laboratórios virtuais são ambientes de desenvolvimento interativos para criar e conduzir experimentos simulados e controlados cujos resultados dependem dos dados de entrada definidos pelo usuário. Neste trabalho descreve-se o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia de aprendizagem, baseada na teoria das inteligências múltiplas, aplicada em um laboratório virtual em ambiente 3D utilizando o software OpenSim, integrado ao MOODLE. Neste trabalho descreve-se também o desenvolvimento de objetos de aprendizagem denominados Virtualab e Karnavit que integram o laboratório virtual. O objeto de aprendizagem Virtualab tem por objetivo proporcionar apoio pedagógico, por meio de textos, vídeos e imagens on line, a professores e alunos que utilizam o laboratório virtual desenvolvido neste trabalho. O objeto de aprendiza- gem Karnavit é voltado ao ensino de mapa de Karnaught. As atividades propostas para testes no ambiente 3D foram desenvolvidas com base na teoria das inteligências múltiplas combinadas com tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TIC). A possibilidade de associar a aplicação da Teoria das Inteligências Múltiplas as TICs tem por objetivo possibilitar uma maior abrangência à Teoria das Inteligências Múltiplas, especificamente no campo da educação, a partir da disponibilização de ferramentas que auxiliam no estímulo de uma ou mais inteligências múltiplas. Neste trabalho também são apresentados e discutidos, no capítulo 7, os resultados obtidos na utilização e testes do laboratór... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Virtual laboratory are interactive development environments to create and conduct simulation experiments and controlled the results depend on the user-defined input data. This work describes the development of a methodology of learning, based on the theory of multiple in telligences, applied in a virtual laboratory in 3D environment using the software OpenSim, integrated with Moodle. This work also describes the developmentcalled learning objects and Virtualab Karnavit comprising the virtual laboratory. The learning object Virtualab aims to provide educational support through text, video and images on line, teachers and students using the virtual laboratory developed in this work. The Karnavit learning object is returned to the Karnaught map teaching. The activities proposed for testing in the 3D environment have been developed based on the theory of multiple intelligences combined with information and com- munication technologies (ICT). The possibility of involving the application of the Theory of Multiple Intelligences ICT aims to allow greater scope to the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, specifically in the field of education, from the availability of tools that help to stimulate one or more multiple intelligences. This paper also presented and discussed in Chapter 7, the results obtained in use and lab tests for students of Unesp, Unemat, Fatec, UNORP and Unirp. They are also presented in chapter 8 the findings of this research. / Doutor