Article Review Sample on Creating an Effective Online Learning Environment

Introduction

The study, Downing et al. (2007) discuss how to create an effective online learning environment by a week-on-week analysis of tutor and student bulletin board activity. Using this data the article attempts to improve on the current online learning environment. Using a case study sample of a degree course taken at the City University of Hong Kong, the process of student and tutor usage of an asynchronous discussion board is analyzed. The note identifies what works well and how the students may form an online community stemming from a similar course if the course structure prompts them in a particular way. Furthermore, the article demonstrates different phases of online learning and how they might be mediated by the assessment of tasks. The article is enlightening and presents concrete arguments; however, the authors do not present a counter-argument for the drawbacks of their suggestions.

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Student-Tutor Online Interaction

The authors pit together and thoroughly discuss the different aspects of student-tutor online interaction. By looking at online learning and comparing it to classroom learning the paper argues that the online platform presents a chance for classroom introverts to fully participate in the learning experience. Furthermore, there is also a discussion between asynchronous and synchronous learning time. The online asynchronous learning time is argued out as better as it provides a more relaxed and less pressured study schedule compared to the fixed synchronous schedule (Dawning et al., 2007).

Looking at this research paper critically, it is an appreciable venture to explore how to enhance the online learning experience. Having a flexible learning schedule is better for students who are laden with different courses and allows them to manage their time better. A fixed schedule creates pressure and confines the aptitude of students in self-management. The authors also hit the nail on the head as they argued that having an online learning session allows the students who are more introverted to be able and express themselves and actively participate in the learning process. Online learning has undoubtedly presented opportunities that would have never been possible in classroom settings; students can easily access learning resources as well as consult each other by creating a social learning community that is further enhanced by its asynchronous schedule.

Flaws

However, the paper does fall short in some areas. The research period takes on over 17-weeks, which translates to about four months or a semester. For more accurate research and reliable results, the research time should match an entire course study period from enrollment to graduation. In this way, it is easier to compare the online learning experience to the classroom setting. The study also focuses on introvert learners who do better when participating in al online class, some students also perform better in a class setting and are more active when under physical learning experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the article presents poignant and acute reasoning on why online learning communities are better than the old-school classroom setting. The method of data collection and representation reinforces the paper's thesis and sheds more light on how to enhance the student-tutor relationship on online bulletin boards. However, the article falls short in providing a control experiment to enhance their arguments. As with any research, it is prudent to consider both sides of the coin before outlining one's preference.

References

Downing, K., Tsz-fung Lam, Kwong, T., Woo-kyung Downing, & Chan, S. (2007). Creating interaction in online learning: a case study. Undefined.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Creating-interaction-in-online-learning%3A-a-case-Downing-Lam/fdf2f44ab2913b9f9a033e403b47880935ffa525