Exploring Student's Interactions while Learning via an Online Learning Environment

Abstract

This study aims to explore students' interaction while being engaged in learning activities via their preferred online learning environment. It incorporates three objectives, 1) to identify students' needs, 2) to design online learning environments and 3) to evaluate students' interactions. It is also an exploratory study which utilizes the case study method where an actual study is carried out over six weeks, involving 18 students enrolled in the Visual Technology Production course. Quantitative and qualitative data will be gathered from various sources such as interviews, online discussions and log data. The overall study utilizes the Activity-Oriented Design Method as its framework. Meanwhile, data for students' needs will be collected via focus group interviews based on an Eight-Step Model tool. Then, the data will be analyzed based on the elements stated in the Activity Theory triangular model that include rules, community, tools and division of labour. The relationships between data will then be integrated in online learning environments supported by the Community Knowledge Building Principles. The students' interactions in an online learning environment will be evaluated based on elements in the Activity Theory. Patterns of interactions will be gathered from the observation of students' log data, online discussions and interview transcripts. These interaction patterns hence, will facilitate each student in learning via the online learning environment and how a particular pattern may affect their learning objectives. The overall findings may further describe the characteristics and traits of the students and provide useful information to developers, instructors or designers during the design phase of an online learning application based on individual characteristics and contexts.