20100928 - Chang, Faculty Perception & Utilization of LMS...

Faculty perceptions and utilization of a Learning Management System in higher education by Chang, Chinhong Lim, Ph.D., Ohio University, 2008 , 302 pages; AAT 3319031 My Interest: 1) Blackboard LMS (learning management system). 2) Web survey. 3) Multiple regression analysis. 4) E-Learning. 5) Factor analysis. Action: To read specific parts of Dissertation in future. Motivation Past research has indicated that e-learning technology is not utilized to its full potential in education despite greater degree of access within higher education institutions. The issues of pedagogy in current elearning technologies and the importance of interface design in future e-learning systems have also been raised in past research studies. Research Goal The purpose of this study was to do close examinations of these issues and then investigate them through faculty's perceptions and utilization of Blackboard a commonly used Learning Management System, at a large Midwestern university. Methodology Two specific research questions guided the investigation. The first research question investigated the relationship between faculty members' perception of Blackboard and their perception of Blackboard's design. The second research question was designed to find the relationship between faculty members' capacity of use and their pedagogical perspective of e-learning, as well as the perceptions of Blackboard's design. Open-ended questions were also designed to allow faculty to provide more in-depth description of their concerns with Blackboard. Twenty-six common features of Blackboard were selected and subdivided into three groups--instructional features, interactive features, and visual features. Five Likert-type scales and one check-all-that-apply scale were designed by the researcher to collect empirical data. A web survey was administered to 1208 faculty members. A total of 154 responses were received, which met the desired sample size of 117. Multiple regression analysis was used to answer the two research questions. Results Discussion The result of analysis demonstrated a significant relationship between the perception of Blackboard and the perceptions of the designs of the respective aspects of Blackboard features. A significant relationship was also found in the capacity of Blackboard use with pedagogical perspective of e-learning, as well as the perception of the design of visual features of Blackboard. However, no significant relationship was found in the capacity of use with the perceptions of the design of instructional and interactive features of Blackboard. Analysis of open-ended responses revealed a consistency with past research studies such that most faculty members used Blackboard primarily for administration of courses and very few faculty members considered pedagogical issues when using Blackboard in their teaching. Recommendation Recommendations for future studies are provided. Learning Management System (LMS) Instructional Features Interactive Features Visual Features CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW Introduction What is E-learning? Distance Learning, Computer-Assisted Learning, and E-learning Advantages and Disadvantages of E-Learning The Current E-Learning Environment Limitations and Drawbacks of Current E-learning Environment A Projection of Future E-Learning Environment Some Current Problems with E-Learning Environments Learners versus Users Rediscovering Design Problems with Literature of Past Instructional Design Problems with Terminology The Term Instructional Development in Educational History Instructional Design, Pedagogy and Learning Theories Pedagogical Considerations Role of Context in Instructional Design Learning Theories and Instructional Design Media Design in an E-Learning Environment Visual Aesthetics and Instructional Design The Marriage of Instructional Design and Creativity Learner and User Processing of Information and Learning Instructional Design and Emotional Intelligence CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS Data Collection Procedure Data Screening Descriptive Analysis Overall Scores on the Perception of Blackboard Scale Overall Scores on the Perception of Blackboard's Design Scale Overall Scores on the Pedagogical Perspectives on E-Learning Scale Results on the Capacity of Use Section Reliabilities and Factor Analyses of the Scales Internal Consistency of the Perceptions of Blackboard Scale Factor Analysis of the Perceptions of Blackboard Scale Internal Consistency of the Perception of Blackboard's Design Scale Factor Analysis of the Perception of Blackboard's Design Scale Internal Consistency of the Pedagogical Perspective on E-Learning Scale Factor Analysis of the Pedagogical Perspective on E-Learning Scale Internal Consistency of the Degree of Usefulness Scale Factor Analysis of the Degree of Usefulness Scale Multiple Regression Analysis: Research Question 1 Assessment of Regression Model Method of Regression Model Statistics Multiple Regression Analysis: Research Question 2 Assessment of Regression Model Method of Regression Model Statistics Supplemental Analysis 1: Open-Ended Questions Responses Coding, Sorting and Categorization Categorization for Responses on Open-Ended Question One Categorization for Responses on Open-Ended Question Two Categorization for Responses on Open-Ended Question Three Supplemental Analysis 2: Faculty Group with No Blackboard Experience Supplemental Analysis 3: Experience with Other LMS

20100921 - Chang, Usability Study of Mouseover

A theory-based usability study of the mouseover abstract interfaces by Chang, Yaowen, Ed.D., Columbia University Teachers College, 2005 , 125 pages; AAT 3175671 My interest: (1) Relationships among Effectiveness, Efficiency, and User Satisfaction. (2) Eight outcome measures – what? (3) Comparison methodology of 2 websites. (4) Measures of Effectiveness, Efficiency, and User Satisfaction. How to analyse? Action: To read specific parts of this Dissertation in future. This study: Investigated the impact of the Mouse-Over-Abstract (MOA) interface on the usability of website interface design with the Cognitive Theory of Hypermedia Learning as the conceptual framework. With the MOA interface design, the researcher aimed to examine whether the provision of the preview/context information and the modality in which the preview/context information is presented have a significant impact on interface usability. explore the relationships among the different perspectives of usability: effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction. The MOA interfaces provided users with an abstract for the linked page in text and/or audio format when users mouse-overed the hyperlinks. Participants explored two websites, one containing astronomy material (pertaining to the phases of the moon) and the other, facts about the Institutional Review Board. After each browsing session, the participants performed assigned tasks. Eight outcome measures were derived from their responses and used to evaluate the efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction perspectives of the interface usability. Contradictory to findings in existing literature, results consistently failed to find supporting evidence for the beneficial effects of context information or modality effects in design usability. Comments: Research findings could also be contrary to popular findings. Phrase "consistently failed to find supporting evidence" is very appropriate; better than saying NO. The correlations among the perspectives of usability indicated that efficiency, effectiveness, and user satisfaction are not interchangeable. Comments: We always know that. So what? What is the impact to usability? Thus, it is essential for researcher to adopt a multi-trait/multi-method approach when conducting usability evaluation. Comments: May need to use this statement in future…to quote in my Dissertation.

Oct 23 - "E-Learning" related Dissertations

Searched and downloaded dissertations for keyword of "E-Learning."

Chang, Chinhong Lim. Faculty Perceptions and Utilization of a Learning Management System in Higher Education. [Dissertation, PhD] Ohio University. June 2008.

Craig, Janet C. E2: Efficient and Effective E-Learning. [Dissertation, PhD] Capella University. Oct 2007.

Devey, Patrick L. The e-Volving Practitioner: A Heuristic Formative Evaluation of an Online course Based on an Action Research Methodology. [Thesis, M.A.] Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Aug 2002.

Dhaliwal, Baljeet Singh. Assemble To Order Learning Management System. [Thesis, M.Sc.] Simon Fraser University. Summer 2006.

Filimban, Ghadeer Zainuddin. Factors that Contribute to the Effectiveness of Online Learning Technology at Oregon State University. [Dissertation, PhD in Education] Oregon State University. June 2008.

Gallaher, James William Jr. The Adoption of E-Learning Across Professional Groups in a Fortune 500 Company. [Thesis, PhD in Education] University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 2002.

Jessup, Stephanie A. PROCESSES USED BY INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNERS TO CREATE ELEARNING AND LEARNING OBJECTS. [Dissertation, PhD] Capella University. June 2007.

Jobert-Egou, Cecile. Learning Management Systems: A Case Study of the Implementation of a Web-based Competency and Training Management Program at Bell Canada. [Thesis, M.A.] Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Nov 2002.

Kramer, Heidi. Measuring the Effect of E-Learning on Job Performance. [Dissertation, PhD in Computing Technology in Education] Nova Southeastern University. 2007.

Malcolm, Marci. The Relationship between Learning Styles and Success in Online Learning. [Dissertation, PhD in Education] Northcentral University, Prescott Valley, Arizona. Feb 2009.

Parsons, Ann M. A Delphi Study of Best Practices of Online Instructional Design Practices in Malaysia. [Dissertation, PhD] Capella University. Sep 2008.

Richter, Gina A. BEYOND ENGAGEMENT: INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES THAT FACILITATE LEARNERS’ COGNITIVE PROCESSES AND PRODUCE EFFECTIVE AND INSTRUCTIONALLY EFFICIENT E-LEARNING. [Dissertation, PhD] Capella University. April 2008.

Tai, Luther. Corporate E-Learning: How E-Learning is created in three large corporations. [Dissertation, Doctor of Education] University of Pennsylvania. 2005.

Yaw, Dorothy Carole. An Evaluation of E-Learning in Industry at Level Three Based Upon the Kirkpatrick Model. [Dissertation, PhD] Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana. Dec 2005.

Yin, Zheng. Study of Metadata for Learning Objects. [Thesis, M.Sc. (System Science)] University of Ottawa, Canada. 2004.

Zhu, Mingwei. An Open Source Based Learning Management System. [Thesis, Master of Computer Science] The University of New Brunswick. Nov 2005.

Oct 20 - ProQuest dissertation search "Usability Evaluation"

Oct 20 - Keywords were "Usability Evaluation." Continued to search and download, as continuation from Oct 15.

Al-Nuaim, Hana Abdullah. Development and Validation of a Multimedia User Interface Usability Evaluation Tool in the context of Educational Web Sites. [Dissertation, Doctor of Science] George Washington University. Jan 31, 2000.

Andre, Terence S. Determining the Effectiveness of the Usability Problem Inspector: A Theory-Based Model and Tool for Finding Usability Problems. [Dissertation, PhD in Industrial & Systems Engineering] Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia. April 3, 2000.

Baker, Kevin F. Heuristic Evaluation of Shared Workspace Groupware based on the Mechanics of Collaboration. [Thesis, M.Sc.] University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. May 2002.

Capra, Miranda G. Usability Problem Description and the Evaluator Effect in Usability Testing. [Dissertation, PhD in Industrial & Systems Engineering] Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia. March 13, 2006.

Chang, Yaowen. A Theory-based Usability Study of the Mouseover Abstract Interface. [Dissertation, Doctor of Education] Columbia University. 2005.

Clapsaddle, Donna J. Measuring Usability: Categorically Modeling Successful Websites Using Established Metrics. [dissertation, Doctor of Professional Studies in Computing] Pace University. May 2004.

Dykstra, Dean Julian. A Comparison of Heuristic Evaluation and Usability Testing: The Efficacy of a Domain-specific Heuristic Checklist. [dissertation, PhD] Texas A&M University. Dec 1993.

Elgin, Peter D. VALIDATING THE USER-CENTERED HYBRID ASSESSMENT TOOL (USER-CHAT): A COMPARATIVE USABILITY EVALUATION. [Dissertation, PhD] Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas. 2007.

Faulkner, Laura Lynn. Structured Software Usability Evaluation: An Experiment in Evaluation Design. [Dissertation, PhD] University of Texas at Austin. May 2006.

Govindaraju, Majorkumar. Development of Generic Design Guidelines to Manufacture Usable Consumer Products. [Dissertation, PhD] University of Cincinnati. 1999.

Hebb, Christopher Louis. Website Usability Evaluation using Sequential Analysis. [dissertation, PhD] Indiana University, Bloomington. May 2005.

Ho, Janet Chingyun. Evaluation of A Virtual Campus: Bell University Labs. [Thesis, Master of Applied Science] University of Toronto. 2000.

Hu, Xiangqun. Development and Evaluation of a Web-based Architectural Design Tool. [Thesis, Master of Computer Science] Technical University of Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia. 1997.

Ivory, Melody Yvette. An Empirical Foundation for Automated Web Interface Evaluation. [Dissertation, PhD in Computer Science] University of California at Berkeley. Fall 2001.

Jenkins, Lillie Ruth. DESIGNING SYSTEMS THAT MAKE SENSE: WHAT DESIGNERS SAY ABOUT THEIR COMMUNICATION WITH USERS DURING THE USABILITY TESTING CYCLE. [Dissertation, PhD] the Ohio State University. 2004.

Jobrack-McDaniel, Naomi Ruth. Remote versus Laboratory Usability Evaluations with Static versus Interactive Graphical User Interfaces. [Thesis, M.A.] San Jose State University. May 1999.