Annotated Bibliography on

“The Impact of an Online Learning Program on Teaching and Learning Strategies”

Question: Do online courses promote a high level of learning?

Livingston, K., & Condie, R. (2006). The Impact of an Online Learning Program on Teaching  and Learning Strategies. 

Theory Into Practice, 45(2), 150-158.
    

             This article explores the impact of technology on learning and teaching in the classroom. It draws on the findings of several recent studies conducted in Scotland concerning the impact of technology. In particular, it considers the findings of an evaluation of an online learning program (Scottish Common Higher Open Learning and Access Resources [SCHOLAR] Program). The article discusses the impact of active, self-regulating learners on the role of teachers and highlights some of the implications of blending traditional classroom teaching with online student learning. The implications that emerge for learning and teaching strategies and for the leadership and support function of teachers are relevant for any school systems using technology in classrooms.

  I choose this article because the results of the SCHOLAR Program evaluation showed that more than half the students (56%) said that they worked with the online materials at home for up to 2 hours per week, and get better result in tests. The findings also showed that, overall, the students preferred a blend of learning experiences using online materials and the more conventional printed text booklets. Nevertheless, the results showed that the students made greatest use of the online materials (87%), compared to use of online self-assessment activities (73%) and text booklets (56%). Students made frequent use of the self-assessment activities as part of the revision process prior to tests and said that they appreciated the immediate feedback the online assessments provided: “It gives immediate feedback;” “It tells you how well you have done and how you are progressing;” and “It is interactive because if you do it wrong, you can learn from your own mistakes.”