Asynchronous Learning Networks Research Articles

E-Learning Platform

Internet technologies enable us to rethink traditional teaching approaches, which opens the floodgates to educational innovation. The Asynchronous Learning Networks Participatory Examination (APE) approach utilizing Internet technologies to actively engage students online in the entire exam life cycle, which includes letting them create, answer, grade, and dispute exam questions. Our framework allows instructors to become mentors or facilitators instead of the dominant center of attention, as in a traditional class. This process, in turn, could empower students with deep or higher-order thinking and learning processes.

Developing an Instrument to Assess Organizational Readiness for a Sustainable E-Learning in the New Normal

E-learning is aptly a practical response to continuous learning given the surge in the use of information technology, and economic disruptions impinging on the schools. The need to shift to e-learning has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, we sought to develop an organizational assessment instrument to internally ascertain the level of readiness of the school for sustainable e- learning in the new normal. This assessment instrument was primarily developed for the use of the Mendiola Consortium member schools in their pursuit to conduct elearning. We intended that as an internal self-assessment it can diminish the threat of failure and provide some assurance of the successful implementation of e-learning. We noted that many survey instruments had been made to assess organizational readiness as a construct for e-learning. However, it revealed that these instruments have varying limitations in validity and reliability to establish the domains of organizational readiness for e-learning. We anchored our study on the organizational readiness model developed by Schreurs and Al-Huneidi (2012) and Mercado (2002). From our review of related literature, we were able to generate seven basic dimensions of our model, namely: teacher, student, curriculum, technology, administrative support, financial support, and learning environment. We used a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative approach to come up with a validated instrument. We conducted a three-phase approach in developing the instrument. The final instrument yielded 45 items to be rated on a five-point Likert scale. For its content validity, the Item-Content Validity Index ranged from 0.91 to 0.96, while the Scale-Content Validity Index was 0.94. It has a Cronbach alpha of .975 for its reliability. ReferencesAlok , Kumar (2011). 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HYLBUS (Hybrid Learning Based on Asynchoronous Learning Network): Inovation of Learning Model for Hight School to be up Againts Industrial Revolution 4.0

This study conducted focused on creating learning media based on Hybrid Learning Based on the Asynchronous Learning Network as an effort to improve effectiveness in Entrepreneurship learning. The research and development method carried out by researchers originated from Borg and Gall with the trial subjects, namely teachers who taught in 5 schools throughout Malang. The researcher used two types of validators, namely material expert validators and media expert validators. The researcher used two types of data namely qualitative data and quantitative data with data collection techniques in the form of documentation, questionnaires, interviews, and tests (pretest and posttest) to respond. The data analysis technique used is descriptive percentage technique that refers to Arikunto. This study uses two test cycles to determine the effectiveness of media created for teachers. HYLBUS is a learning media website that is intended for entrepreneurship subject teachers with the basic principle of the Asynchronous Learning Network that integrates several aspects needed by students in enhancing the capture of entrepreneurial learning delivered by the teacher. The advantages of this website are (1) user friendly, (2) responsive, (3) accountable, (4) transparent, (5) trusted. Based on the test results it was found that an increase in student learning outcomes reached 25.76%, besides that there was an increase in teacher activities reaching 19.45% from pre-action to action 1 and an increase of 3.72% from action 1 to action 2 with criteria “Very good” and an increase in student activity by 33.34% from pre-action to action 1, and an increase of 6.33% from action 1 to action 2 with the criteria of “very good”

Evaluating Learners’ Vocabulary Gain and Retention in an E-Learning Context Using Vocabulary Podcasting Tasks: A Case Study

The advent of new technologies and rapid growth of online distance education have fostered interaction as well as collaboration among learners and created a true learning community. Moreover, forming synchronous and asynchronous learning networks utilizing the Internet have been simplified by new technologies. Since the importance of technology is undeniable, teachers and instructors must use it to create new opportunities and experiences for educators. The present study investigates the use of audio podcast plus still pictures and audio podcasts plus animated pictures on learners’ vocabulary gain and retention in a process-oriented approach. The results indicate that the participants who received audio plus animated pictures had higher levels of vocabulary gain as well as retention. The present study showed that podcasting is an influential tool to course resources and increases the contact between students and teachers.

GETTING BETTER: ALN AND STUDENT SUCCESS

In the U.S., only 38 of every 100 ninth graders enroll in college; of these 38, only 18 complete bachelors’ degrees within six years. Asynchronous learning networks (ALN)—asynchronous, highly interactive, instructor-led, resource-rich, cohort-based learning—can yield high success rates. Growing demand for online education and the expectation among higher education leaders that ALN learning outcomes will exceed face to face outcomes reflect belief in ALN’s power to engage learners. Sloan-C’s body of research confirms that ALN is especially suited for the anytime, anywhere, affordable access that is responsive to learners in a knowledge society. In fact, the original principles of ALN are the same principles that characterize ALN programs that have high student success rates. This paper includes vignettes from two- and four-year ALN programs that have used these principles to achieve high success rates.

LECTURES ON DEMAND IN ALN: ENHANCING THE ONLINE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

It is now well known that asynchronous learning networks (ALNs) provide effective mechanisms for facilitating interaction within learning communities in which the learners are separated by distance or time constraints. However, despite the infrastructure and tools which make ALNs so successful, questions have been raised about the time and effort required on the part of instructors to generate effective ALN course materials. In this paper we address these and otherconcerns in the use of ALN and propose the use of a “Lectures-on-Demand” methodology to allow ALN students access to the actual classroom experience. The Lectures-on-Demand method incorporates the spoken word, spontaneously written material and other facets of natural human communication into the ALN infrastructure. This approach allows students to ‘attend’ regular classes in real time via the Internet, as well as to have asynchronous access to digitally storedvideo material with hyperlinks to online training resources at any time. The paper discusses the technical requirements from the user and provider perspectives and describes ongoing efforts at the University of Florida where an online MS degree in Electrical Engineering is now being offered using the Lectures on Demand approach and online courses toward a BS in Electrical Engineering are presently being developed with the same tools.

RECIPROCITY ANALYSIS OF ONLINE LEARNING NETWORKS

Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALNs) make the process of collaboration more transparent, because a transcript of conference messages can be used to assess individual roles and contributions and the collaborative process itself. This study considers three aspects of ALNs: the design; the quality of the resulting knowledge construction process; and cohesion, role and power network structures. The design is evaluated according to the Social Interdependence Theory of Cooperative Learning. The quality of the knowledge construction process is evaluated through Content Analysis; and the network structures are analyzed using Social Network Analysis of the response relations among participants during online discussions. In this research we analyze data from two three-month-long ALN academic university courses: a formal, structured, closed forum and an informal, non-structured, open forum. We found that in the structured ALN, the knowledge construction process reached a very high phase of critical thinkingand developed cohesive cliques. The students took on bridging and triggering roles, while the tutor had relatively little power. In the non-structured ALN, the knowledge construction process reached a low phase of cognitive activity; few cliques were constructed; most of the students took on the passive role of teacher-followers; and the tutor was at the center of activity. These differences are statistically significant. We conclude that a well-designed ALN develops significant, distinct cohesion, and role and power structures lead the knowledge construction process to high phases of critical thinking.

NETWORK ANALYSIS OF KNOWLEDGE CONSTRUCTION IN ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING NETWORKS

Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALNs) make the process of collaboration more transparent, because a transcript of conference messages can be used to assess individual roles and contributions and the collaborative process itself. This study considers three aspects of ALNs: the design; the quality of the resulting knowledge construction process; and cohesion, role and power network structures. The design is evaluated according to the Social Interdependence Theory of CooperativeLearning. The quality of the knowledge construction process is evaluated through Content Analysis; and the network structures are analyzed using Social Network Analysis of the response relations among participants during online discussions. In this research we analyze data from two three-monthlong ALN academic university courses: a formal, structured, closed forum and an informal, nonstructured, open forum. We found that in the structured ALN, the knowledge construction processreached a very high phase of critical thinking and developed cohesive cliques. The students took on bridging and triggering roles, while the tutor had relatively little power. In the non-structured ALN, the knowledge construction process reached a low phase of cognitive activity; few cliques were constructed; most of the students took on the passive role of teacher-followers; and the tutor was at the center of activity. These differences are statistically significant. We conclude that a well-designed ALN develops significant, distinct cohesion, and role and power structures lead the knowledge construction process to high phases of critical thinking.

Paradigms for On-Line Learning: A Case Study in the Design and Implementation of an Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALN) Course

This paper examines paradigms used in on-line learning, with a specific emphasis on how to effectively employ asynchronous learning networks for delivery of on-line courses. Recent progress in ALNs is presented, methodologies for getting started in creating an ALN course given, and relationships between traditional teaching and learning methods and ALN-based coursesdiscussed. To illustrate a specific ALN model, the paper presents a case study about the creation of an on-line course. The prospects for on-line education and the challenges that face the ALN field are considered.

STRETCHING THE BOUNDARIES: USING ALN TO REACH ON-CAMPUS STUDENTS DURING AN OFF-CAMPUS SUMMER SESSION

In this article we study an innovative use of asynchronous learning networks (ALN) to stretch the boundaries of the traditional university campus.An ALN was used to allow traditional on-campus students to take a required course, ECON 300: Intermediate Microeconomic Theory, during summer session while they were off campus, working summer jobs at home. Pre- and post surveys consisting of open-ended and rating scale questions were administered to 29 students. The surveys were used to assess the degree of student satisfaction with various aspects of the online learning experience and their learning environments at home as well as to assess additional important characteristics for successful online learning such as motivation, self-discipline and time management.The results indicate that the transfer from the traditional face-to-face classroom during the academic year to the online summer session requires strong motivation, self-discipline, good time management skills, and a comfortable learning environment including a stable Internet connection. The students' learning outcomes were closely related to their satisfaction with online communication, technical support, and the course design. Furthermore, prior online class experience affected learning outcomes. Additionally, prior experience with the technologies and a positive attitude toward technology were found to be important for successful online learning.The importance of online course design and student preparation, particularly when traditional on-campus students attend a summer school course through ALN, is discussed.

Enabling Curriculum Re-design Through Asynchronous Learning Networks

This paper considers existing processes in Higher Education and the opportunity for using Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALNs) to re-design the curriculum. A curriculum model based upon experiential learning, that explicitly links theory and practice, is promoted as the basis for considering the application of technology. The Computer Supported Experiential Learning project at the University of Central England is explained, and appropriate technologies considered at each stage of the learning cycle. Fundamental to this paper is the view that technology should be used to add value to the learning process, and not to simply automate existing processes. The opportunities for experiential learning to take place are considered a priority in the curriculum design process, and the starting point in deciding upon the use of technology.

Faculty Participation in Asynchronous Learning Networks: A Case Study of Motivating and Inhibiting Factors

This case presents and compares the top five motivating and inhibiting factors for faculty participation in Asynchronous Learning Networks (ANL) or distance education (DE) as reported by faculty participators and non-participators, and administrators. While faculty and administrators agreed strongly on what inhibits faculty from participating in ALN/DE programs, there were significantly different perceptions on what motivates faculty to participate across the three groups. For ALN/DE programs to succeed, faculty participation is imperative; therefore, program administrators need to understand why faculty participate.

Impacts of college-level courses via Asynchronous Learning Networks: Some Preliminary Results

New Jersey Institute of Technology has been delivering college courses via an Asynchronous Learning Network (ALN) system called the Virtual ClassroomTM for a decade, using various media mixes. Currently, two complete undergraduate degree programs are available via a mix of video plus Virtual Classroom, the B.A. in Information Systems and the B.S. in Computer Science. This paper presents preliminary findings about impacts on students, and touches on some issues and potential impacts for faculty, individual universities, and the structure of higher education. Overall ratings of courses by students who complete ALN based courses are equal or superior to those for traditional courses. Dropout or Incomplete outcomes are somewhat more prevalent, while grade distributions for those who complete tend to be similar to those for traditional courses. For both students and faculty, more startup time devoted to solving the "logistics" of ALN delivery seems to be required at the beginning of courses. ALN delivery is not just a "different" way of doing the same thing, however; it is likely to change the nature and structure of higher education.

A FOLLOW-UP INVESTIGATION OF “TEACHING PRESENCE” IN THE SUNY LEARNING NETWORK

This paper is a follow-up study to a preliminary investigation of teaching presence in the State University of New York Learning Network (SLN). In the present studywe review ongoing issues of pedagogy and faculty development, and their relationship to student satisfaction, and reported learning in SLN. We provide an overview of the SLN program,and summarize a conceptual framework for our current research on higher education, online learning environments. This framework integrates research on how people learn, with principles of good practice in higher education and recent research on learning in asynchronous learning networks (ALNs) in higher education. We also present resultsof a follow-up study on one aspect of the model, “Teaching Presence”.The SUNY Learning Network is a proud recipient of two Sloan-C Awards, the 2001 Award for Excellence in ALN Faculty Development and the 2002 Award for Excellence in ALN Programming. We believe that it is no coincidence that SLN was recognized in this order; that is to say, we feel our efforts to create a systematic faculty development program has allowed us to create an outstanding program of online courses and degrees. A clear vision regarding the prerequisites for a high quality online learning environment, especially prerequisites related to faculty development, is essential to building effective ALN programs. As this special edition of JALN is dedicated to such efforts we would like to focus on our model for learning environments design and share results of research on specific aspects of the model. In past studies we have argued that student-faculty and student-student interaction are among the variables most strongly correlated with student satisfaction and reported learning. In the present study, we focus on one aspect of our model for online learning environments and examine interaction more deeply. Building upon the work of Anderson and colleagues we examine the kinds of activities that comprise and sustain productive interaction. These researchers have categorized interactions that occur in asynchronous learning environments that encourage knowledge creation and identify online behaviors and processes that approximate (and may improve upon) those that occur in face-to-face settings. We look at a key element of their work, “teaching presence,” and present results of a follow-upstudy examining students’ perceptions of this constellation of online faculty behaviors. We also identify the components of teaching presence that correlate most highly with student satisfaction and reported learning.

The Use of Asynchronous Learning Networks in Nutrition Education: Student Attitude, Experiences and Performance

In this study a change in teaching strategy to involve a greater emphasis on asynchronous learning networks (ALNs) was implemented and the views of students (n=51) to this change were evaluated through responses to an online questionnaire. In response to Likert-type questions the majority of students demonstrated a positive view of this new model. Sixty-one percent of students felt that other types of online material would benefit the learning process and 80 % would recommend this module to a friend. Students acknowledged that the use of ALN-supported learning made the material easierto understand (52%), the lecturer more accessible (66%) and enabled them to take a more active role in the learning process (55%). Though only 10% of students utilized the asynchronous newsgroup more than 5 times, 77% found reading the contributions of others useful. Contrary to this 76% preferred the more familiar lecturebased environment for subject delivery. In response to open-ended questions students’ views were more reserved and highlighted a range of problems such as inadequate infrastructure, unreliable computers, and poor access to the online material as well as resistance to a new teaching paradigm. Student performance was influenced by age and contribution to the newsgroup. Those who were younger had a lower grade (47.8 ? 15.8) than those who were older (52.0 ? 11.4). Students with higher grades (56.2 ? 10.3) contributed to the newsgroup while students with lower grades (45.7 ?12.5) did not. Based on these observations, it is apparent that students do appreciate the advantages of ALNsupported learning though for a shift toward this model to be effective problems of access and system failure must be resolved. Implications for future ALN-based modules are discussed.

The University of Wisconsin-Stout Asynchronous Learning Network Case Study Options: Using Technology to Remove Learning Barriers

The University of Wisconsin-Stout Asynchronous Learning Network (ALN) project, funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, represents an effort to expand the boundaries of the traditional campus. The purpose of this project was to offer learning opportunities to both traditional students and industry professionals either on campus or away from the campus. The asynchronous method of delivery will allow learners to participate from any place at any time. This paper will review how the University of Wisconsin-Stout is using technology to remove learning barriers and provide students with learning options. The focus of this paper is to provide a detailed explanation of the process the University of Wisconsin-Stout used to implement an Asynchronous Learning Network. It will describe the history and background of the project, design and development issues, results and proposed next steps for this campus.

Intelligent Agents for Online Learning

This research investigated the effects of applying intelligent agent techniques to an online learning environment. The knowbots (or Knowledge Robots) created for the research were intelligent software agents that automated the repetitive tasks of human facilitators in a series of online workshops. The study specifically captured experimental results of using knowbots in multiple sessions of an ALN (Asynchronous Learning Network) online workshop, Getting Started Creating Online Courses. The study used experimental groups and comparison groups to examine the association between the use of knowbots and workshop completion rates. Also examined were the effects of knowbots on other factors such as facilitation time and learner satisfaction. The findings indicated that the use of knowbots was positively associated with higher learner completion rates in the workshops. In addition, knowbots implemented a learning-support tool that reminded learners about deadlines. The support knowbots were found to be effective autonomous motivators. In sum, the results of this research suggest that the application of agent technology to online learning holds promise for improving completion rates, learner satisfaction, and motivation.

Asynchronous Learning Networks: A Sloan Foundation Perspective

This paper is based on a chapter in THE LEARNING REVOLUTION, the challenge of Information Technology in Academia (Diana G.Oblinger and Sean C. Rush, eds.), to be published this year by Anker Publishing Co., Boston, Mass.Over the years small numbers of motivated individuals have studied by themselves, away from university centers, to acquire knowledge in post-secondary subjects. Correspondence study began over a century ago and since then, other forms of "distance education" have become established. In spite of all this progress, off-campus learners have worked mainly in isolation, with only occasional contact with instructors and peers.Today’s low-cost communications and computer technologies, however, enable learning in Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALNs), in the process simultaneously overcoming barriers of isolation, distance and those imposed by rigid time constraints. The paper describes some projects at institutions of higher education funded by the Sloan Foundation, identifies some early results and possible evolution of ALN’s to large scale implementations.

Libraries Address The Challenges Of Asynchronous Learning

As asynchronous learning becomes the norm throughout academia, changes are taking place in campus information systems. Academic libraries, as the entity responsible for serving the information needs of the university, have little choice but to change dramatically. In fact, academic libraries have a history of being aggressive in adapting state-of-the-art technologies. One can point to decades-long involvement with the development of online catalogs and the use of shared cataloging utilities. Libraries continue to serve academic teaching and learning by taking on new roles, revising traditional services, and time and space constraints.Libraries have, however, been slower to adjust organizational structures and processes to leverage the potential of technology. Replies to a recent survey of Association of Research Libraries (ARL) indicate that change in the responding libraries at this time is incremental rather than dramatic. Patterns are emerging, however, relative to resource reallocation and the formation of partnerships with other university units that reflect new priorities.This article describes two examples of innovative information delivery initiatives. VIVA, the Virtual Library of Virginia, was proposed by the state’s Library Advisory Council in 1993 to encourage collaboration among the Commonwealth’s institutions of higher education and to support the electronic dissemination of information. Academic libraries are also leading the way by providing new and unique sources of online information such as Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs), by developing electronic submissions, online archiving, and Web access, as well as bringing to the forefront discussions about issues such as copyright and publishers’ control of academic publications. Network-based access to information resources such as these is changing higher education, and the opportunities offered by asynchronous learning networks are challenging libraries to adjust their policies, processes, and services.

DOES ONE SIZE FIT ALL? EXPLORING ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING IN A MULTICULTURAL ENVIRONMENT

Computer-mediated classrooms coupled with heightened emphasis on removing geographic limitations have led to growing dependence on asynchronous learning networks as a delivery medium. An increasingly robust body of literature suggests both positive and negative implications of knowledge delivery using this medium. However, much less is known about the implications of this delivery method relative to the cultural differences which exist in a geographically limitless environment. Exploratory research from a graduate level course was used to ascertain some of the basic cross cultural issues which may be relevant in this environment. Using cultural context as a separator, twenty four participants evenly split between low context participants and high context participants were polled regarding their experience in the course. The poll addressed a number of key issues finding increasing frequency in the asynchronous learning network literature. Results confirm some of the published benefits as touted in the literature, but identify an additional set of issues for further research and evaluation.