Enhancing the Learner Experience : Assessing Learners Utilization of Communicative Tools in Online Health Courses

Hamidi , Samer

Article Details

Enhancing the Learner Experience : Assessing Learners Utilization of Communicative Tools in Online Health Courses

Authors:

Hamidi , Samer

Publisher:

Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University

Main Topics:

Education

Journal:

International Journal of Excellence in Healthcare Management 2011 Vol.4 Issue 1, pp.1-15

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2011

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

8414

Frequency:

Bi-Annual

eISSN:

19938659

Descriptors:

Keywords:

Abstract:

 PurposeThe overall aim of this study is to draw-up recommendations on how the virtual learning environment (VLE) could be integrated and embedded more effectively in the studies of postgraduate health related courses at Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University. The objective of this study is to measure the interactivity of learners within the VLE and to emphasize the importance of utilizing and maximizing Moodle features in the classroom as a necessity of the success of the e-learning process.
MethodologyA cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of online graduate courses offered in the academic year 2009-2010 over two semesters at the e-School of Health and Environmental Studies (e-SHES). The sample included all ten courses offered in fall 2009 and spring 2010 semesters in the e-School of Health and Environmental Studies. Secondary data was collected from "Reports" section of Moodle. Data collected included information about activity types, user profiles, courses information, and dates. Ten online activity types were identified and grouped into three categories: course academic activities, online supportive academic activities, and the utilization of digitized material. The evaluation criteria for Moodle utilization included frequency of learner visits and use of resources.
FindingsKey findings of this study were that Moodle usability issues need to be addressed. The level of utilizing Moodle resources and communicative tools is very low and there is a great need to increase the utilization of features in the Moodle by encouraging faculty and learners to use activities such as Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORMs), forums, wikis, chat, and blogs. Furthermore, as existing Moodle features need to support interactive learning by displaying a score to indicate the level of interactivity with the SCROMS or other activities. It is also highly recommended to include length of time per visit, total number of posts per classroom, number of learners with low or very low posting numbers, and the average length of student posts in the reports generated by Moodle. Additionally, staff and faculty training regarding Moodle features, e-learning facilitation and search skills need to be addressed.

Article Details

Enhancing the Learner Experience : Assessing Learners Utilization of Communicative Tools in Online Health Courses

Authors:

Hamidi , Samer

Publisher:

Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University

Main Topics:

Education

Journal:

International Journal of Excellence in Healthcare Management 2011 Vol.4 Issue 1, pp.1-15

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2011

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

8414

Frequency:

Bi-Annual

eISSN:

19938659

Descriptors:

REMOTE EDUCATION

HIGHER EDUCATION

MEDICAL EDUCATION

INTERNET

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

e-learning

Moodle

digitization

virtual learning environment

discussion forums

wikis

blogs

Issues

Article Details

Authors: Hamidi , Samer

Publisher: Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University

Main Topics: Education

Journal: International Journal of Excellence in Healthcare Management 2011 Vol.4 Issue 1, pp.1-15

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 1/2011

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 8414

Frequency: Bi-Annual

eISSN: 19938659

Descriptors:

Issues

Authors:

Hamidi , Samer

Publisher:

Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University

Main Topics:

Education

Journal:

International Journal of Excellence in Healthcare Management 2011 Vol.4 Issue 1, pp.1-15

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

1/2011

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

8414

Frequency:

Bi-Annual

eISSN:

19938659