Annotated Bibliography: Designing E-Learning Environments to Enhance Student Learning Experiences

Nganji, J. T. (2018). Towards learner-constructed e-learning environments for effective personal learning experiences. Behaviour & Information Technology, 37(7), 647-657. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1080/0144929X.2018.1470673

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The article focuses on designing the learning environment to fit the student's needs. The author reviews the traditional learning method used and its limitations compared to the advanced learning techniques. In traditional learning theories, the teacher was the center of the system. According to the article, the development of new technology has drastically transformed learning and teaching. With vast usage of internet, a lot of information can be accessed and shared easily giving rise to integration of classroom learning with online learning. The author outline some of the modern learning theories that include behaviorism, cognitivism and constructivism, which are majorly centered to the student's needs. The models enable the learner to construct a learning environment that suits his/her needs what is referred to as flexible learning. The models increase the chances of the learner engaging with the content a way that boosts knowledge. However, in some circumstances, it can impact learning negatively as some of the students can make bad choices.

Overstreet, M. (2017). The culture at the Core: Moving from Professional Development to Professional Learning. Journal of Ethnographic & Qualitative Research, 11(3), 199-214.

This paper's main argument is how to improve the teaching to fit the learning process of the students. The main focus was laid on the actual change in teachers' practices. The author argues that the teachers should be actively involved in criticizing and reshaping and planning of the learning experience. This allows them to collaborate with one another in an effort to give feedback that will meet the individual need of learning and teaching. The approach will facilitate a true partnership between the learner and the facilitators that will call for joint responsibility for the learning process to grow. According to the article the approach, the learners are empowered to take ownership of their learning hence reshaping the curriculum. The efforts will enact the learning that liberates rather than domesticate. This paper suggests a teaching model that incorporates teacher learning and also offer practical solutions for the design.

Tarun, I. M. (2019). The Effectiveness of a Customized Online Collaboration Tool for Teaching and Learning. Journal of Information Technology Education, 18, 275-292. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.28945/4367

The article argues that technological tools have changed both the way teachers teach and learning of the students. Information technology has become an integral part of education. According to the author, most learning institutions have provided the students with access to the internet, equipped classroom with the technology tools and use of technology in classroom teaching. It is argued that learning teaching process should not be confined with the use of textbooks or any other paper-based resources; ICT resources should be applied whenever possible to keep up with day to day advancing technology. The article mainly focusses on the customized online collaborative tools (COCT) which are designed and developed to create a platform of sharing and storing files, discussion forums and creating calendars which can be used for the member of a class. However, the author states that having these tools is not enough; there is a need to assess their quality and make them effective.

WARREN, L. L. (2016). Viewing Teachers as Leaders without Being Administrators. Education, 136(4), 508-514. Available at: https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=116218137&site=ehost-live&scope=site (Accessed: 28 March 2020).

The author of the article outlines the reasons why the teacher should be viewed as a leader without being an administrator for effectiveness in teaching and learning. The article notes that teacher effectiveness is improved by his/her knowledge on pedagogy, learning theories, experience, as well as the classroom management skills and leadership. A teacher should lead the students and influence them to believe in their visions and abilities. Also, the author believes that the teacher should be viewed as a leader to improve on job requirements hence promotes job specialization. Effective teaching demand leadership skills which any teacher should pose to enhance the learning process. The changes in the education system should render the teacher to assume full responsibility in teaching to exercise the full capability in the profession. The author finally presents the argument that administrative roles should be delegated to other, more specialized personnel.

NUSRATH, A., DHANANJAYA, S. Y., DYAVEGOWDA, N., ARASEGOWDA, R., NINGAPPA, A., & BEGUM, R. (2019). Jigsaw Classroom: Is it an Effective Method of Teaching and Learning? Student's Opinions and Experience. Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research, 13(2), 1-4. https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.7860/JCDR/2019/39613.12540

This paper uses a study conducted on the psychology of a student to validate the jigsaw method of teaching. A jigsaw is an active learning technique that involves cooperative learning in groups with a particular goal. The study showed that jigsaw improves the performance of the student with a notable margin. According to the author, the current education system demands the change in the teaching method from teacher-centred methods to the student-centered methods. A jigsaw is one of the ways which will teach cooperation among students rather than competition. The author reports that the method will enable the students to learn, search, and teach themselves. The method will improve the comprehension, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, self-confidence, among other necessary skills of the learner. The current digital era with advanced information technology, it is appropriate to train the students in a systematic approach that makes use of the available information for effective learning.

Assan TEB. Pedagogy of Learning and Teaching: A Phenomenographic Perspective from Selected Classrooms in Rural South Africa. Africa Education Review. 2019;16(6):4-21. doi:10.1080/18146627.2018.1464694.

The article is based on the phenomenography prospective case study on rural school. The article highlights the principles of phenomenography and the variation theory of learning. From the phenomenography perspective, learning takes place when the student is able to identify the key aspect of the objects and situation and concentrate on them simultaneously. On the other hand, variation theory of learning which is a theoretical approach that describes the requirements for the learning to occur. According to the author, variation theory directs the learners to try other alternative methods of understanding. This call for phenomenon and object learning for a better understanding of the students. Phenomenography focusses more on the experience learning rather than theoretical learning which aid understanding. Also, the paper outlines the role of the teacher's experience in the effectiveness of the learning process. The experience of the teacher plays a vital role in planning the strategies of learning, making the process more effective and friendly.