Designing Learning Environments in a Digital Time – Experiences in Two Different Subjects at NTNU, Norway Autumn 2020

Abstract

AbstractThis paper focuses on digital learning environments. More specifically, the paper studies two research questions, namely “comparing with in-class lectures; what are the difficulties with lecturing digitally, and how can these be best mended?” and “when designing digital lecture materials: how can lecturers facilitate so that students are able to achieve the subjects’ learning aims?”. To answer these questions, different approaches were tested in two different subjects, namely in physics and communication and language. Moreover, previous literature and especially Salmon’s e-tivities theory are relevant, and the results are obtained through a questionnaire as well as interviews with the student representatives. The results entail that students participate less from home than on campus, and that the students’ perceived learning outcome is higher when it comes to activities done on campus. Furthermore, although the learning designs were created for collaboration and social interaction, many students avoid engaging in groups. The authors suggest that lecturers need to be aware of students’ insecurities when designing digital learning environments as well as consider providing solution guides. Nevertheless, more research is needed to conclude.KeywordsBlended learningActive learningDigital collaboration