Fostering a sense of belonging and personal connection is seen as fundamental by many educational researchers, regardless the learning environment. Online certainly provides flexible opportunities but comes with notable issues. For online learners, nurturing may present way improving their experiences attainment, well reducing attrition rates. Research specifically exploring limited. This article addresses that gap reports on small-scale exploratory study using qualitative data-collection...

A sense of belonging (SoB) is a valued concept in campus-based learning, being firmly linked with improved student attainment, increased learners’ satisfaction and reduced attrition rates. Some researchers even assert that learners are unable to fulfil the goals higher education without acquiring SoB. This article recognises SoB can help promote consolidate learning seeks specify how tutors may nurture online An adapted version Community Inquiry Framework (CoIF) used frame specific...

The Internet is increasingly used as a tool in qualitative research. In particular, asynchronous online focus groups are when factors such cost, time, or access to participants can make conducting face-to-face research difficult. this article we consider key methodological issues involved using explore experiences of health and illness. written nature communication, the lack physical presence, asynchronous, longitudinal aspects enable who might not normally contribute studies reflect on...

Abstract Emergent research indicates that electronic portfolios (ePortfolios) can have a positive impact on the learning experience, but there are significant challenges—pedagogical and technological—which may limit their effectiveness. This paper contributes to by providing further evidence about such challenges from tutor perspective offers suggestions how institutions address these issues. The draws upon 23 semi‐structured interviews conducted with tutors in range of subject areas,...

<p class="1">Much research has identified and confirmed the core elements of well-known Community Inquiry Framework (CoIF): Social, Cognitive Teaching Presence (Garrison, 2011). The overlap these Presences, their definitions roles, subsequent impact on educational experience, received less attention. This article is prompted by acceptance that omission Anderson, & Archer, 2010). It proposes enrichment to Framework, entitling overlapping spaces uniting pairs Presences as...

Aim/Purpose: The purpose of this work is to develop more nuanced understandings the PhD by publication, particularly raising awareness retrospective publication. article aims contribute contemporary debates about differing pathways attainment doctoral study completion and artifacts submitted for that purpose. It also seeks support prospective graduate students supervisors who are embarking upon alternative routes accreditation. Background: considered pinnacle academic – highly cherished,...

Computer mediated communication has enabled researchers to transfer the focus group method online environment. This important practical, ethical and theoretical implications including challenge of maximizing analysing interaction in a faceless medium, devoid visual vocal cues. In setting where written is only means understanding data, offers researcher critical window interpret meaning understand better what happening social context group. A schema questions been used this study draw...

This article explores how the role of learning technologists, a professional group that has emerged during last 15 to 20 years, may be diversifying include supporting e-research. It contributes current debate about emerging profession and roles it should play in contemporary higher education. Previous studies have shown that, typically, profession's focussed almost exclusively on curriculum development; traditionally, technologists work with students tutors enhance environment technology....

High levels of student dissatisfaction and attrition persist in blended online distance learning programmes. As students tutors become more geographically dispersed with fewer opportunities for face-to-face contact emergent technologies like Online Synchronous Learning Environments (OSLEs) may provide an interactive, connected environment. OSLEs, such as Blackboard Collaborate Adobe Connect, are web-based, computer-mediated communication programs typically using video audio. This article...

This paper opens by summarising the case for student-directed learning in online higher education as a means of bringing about development and use higher-level cognitive interpersonal abilities such critical creative thinking. The writers refine their conceptualisations student-direction, different to, but flowing from student-centred learning, scrutinising progressive series face-to-face examples offering some autonomy learning. Nine features are identified essential programme. They review...

This article presents the case for self-managing and self-regulating learners to link their various forms of reflection explicitly, do so within an ePortfolio, in order support development higher-level abilities such as problem-solving, critiquing, decision-making, empathising resolving conflicts. It explores reflective options self-managed experiential learning, concentrates upon what three (reflection-for, -on- in-action) entail, could contribute learning development. also addresses how...

Much online learning nowadays depends upon the creation of a generic, quality educational experience, with particular emphasis on collaborative conversations. In this discursive piece, drawing published scholarship and our facilitation evaluation in technology-mediated environments, we propose an enrichment to pedagogy such approaches, referred as learner retreats. Such metaphorical spaces recognise need for 'quiet, safe place' private (internal) reflective thinking each learner, foil shared...

A key barrier to providing learners with engaging learning experiences is the deployment of new, innovative technology. This requires collaborative effort between teachers, system administrators and application developers. The shared goal make it as easy possible for applications be used by learners; challenge achieving this in a cost effective manner. IMS Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) specification provides new opportunities addressing issue significant benefits all three parties....

This article explores how the role of learning technologists, a professional group that has emerged during last 15 to 20 years, may be diversifying include supporting e-research. It contributes current debate about emerging profession and roles it should play in contemporary higher education. Previous studies have shown that, typically, profession’s focussed almost exclusively on curriculum development; traditionally, technologists work with students tutors enhance environment technology....