Open Educational Resources Based Online Tutorial Model for Developing Critical Thinking of Higher Distance Education Students

Abstract

This paper aims to develop a prototype of learning for the achievement of critical thinking skills of Higher Distance Education students through the utilization of open educational resources (OER). It is based on a research and development project conducted from September 2013 until April 2014 at Universitas Terbuka (UT), the Indonesia Open University. The research consisted of three stages. The first stage developed the Tutorial Activity Plan (TAP) and the Tutorial Activity Unit (TAU). The second stage developed a prototype online tutorial model along with the initiation materials and tasks. The third stage was a trial implementation of online tutorials using OER. The Online tutorials were a course called Natural Resource Conservation and Environment (NRCE). Data on student learning outcomes on the completion of tasks and discussion activities were collected. Student learning outcomes were based on indicators of Enis's critical thinking skills. Student perceptions toward online tutorial activities were based on the students' assessment of the online tutorial implementation. Data were collected using a questionnaire, tests, document analysis forms, and interviews. The results indicated that critical thinking can be develop through the utilization online tutorial activities. The students utilized OER as reference source when they were engaging in online tutorial tasks and online discussions. Critical thinking skills of the students could be evaluated based on student learning outcomes, e.g. student discussions and answering questions while undertaking online tutorial tasks.