Asynchronous Learning Networks and Student Outcomes: The Utility of Online Learning Components in Hybrid Courses

Abstract

The current research focuses on the impact that learning management systems (LMS), specifically the Blackboard interface, are having on courses in psychology. Black-board provides instructors with access to a powerful web-based instructional platform. One of the main benefits to students is the unfettered access to virtually anything an instructor presents in the classroom. For example, access to syllabi, course notes, interactive demonstrations, handouts, audio or videotaped lectures are all possible via this interface. Currently, few empirical studies have examined the impact of LMS on objective measures of student learning. The current project examines the relationship between the frequency of usage of these various utilities and student performance in a hybrid class. Results revealed a significant positive partial correlation between overall usage and their exam scores. The implications of these findings are discussed with respect to the current course; however, a discussion of the broader pedagogical implications is included as well. By now it is obvious to most in higher education that technology is transform-ing education delivery in profound ways. Duderstadt (1999) correctly asserts that the most significant technological development is the way that the former constraint of time and space has been removed by networking capabilities. Though some faculty remain skeptical about these changes, few can deny tbat these technologies are transforming the way learners leam and the way teachers teach. Recent statistics clearly indicate that access to various online educational opportunities is increasing. A study by the National Center for Education Statistics surveyed 4,130 two and four-year degree-granting institutions and found that 56 % (2,320 institutions) offered distance education courses of some type during the 2000-2001 academic year. An additional 12 % (490 institutions) indicated

Cite this work

No public copy is stored for this record, so only the metadata is cited.

Stored only when both papers are in the corpus — 134 citations exist upstream.

Papers that cite the same references — the relational fallback while embeddings are still backfilling.