Asynchronous online discussions (AODs) are a critical component of online learning, enabling students to exchange ideas and interact with peers in a flexible manner. To explore the interrelationships between social presence and cognitive presence, and how these two presences are connected across various instructional strategies used in AODs, this…

Despite extensive research on feedback models, there is still sparse empirical evidence of their validity and application in higher education learning settings, whether online, hybrid, or face-to-face. Understanding how a feedback framework--integrated in the instructional cycle--is perceived by the learners can provide empirical support about its…

Although the role of psychological needs in supporting language learning is well established, less is known about how these needs operate in different online learning modes. This study investigates how basic psychological needs satisfaction (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) is associated with students' willingness to communicate (WTC),…

Online learning offers increased flexibility to students but also poses new complexities. For example, there are challenges in digitizing teaching approaches that rely on the coconstruction of knowledge through social interaction and collaboration between learners. This study explores a novel pseudo-synchronous approach using 360-degree video to…

This research project surveyed college students about their experiences with online learning in the aftermath of the move to Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT). Specifically, students reported on strategies they appreciate in an online instructor. While students shared varied advice for best practices, their responses confirmed what previous studies…

Fink's Taxonomy of Significant Learning (FTSL) is an instructional strategy that provides an effective framework for (re)designing course learning experiences to achieve student-centered learning goals. Originally developed for in-person courses, little research exists around its application to effectively design distance learning (DL) courses.…

The expanding scale and scope of online education options, both in terms of design and delivery, create significant questions that increasingly warrant research attention. Previous research has demonstrated that higher levels of teaching presence in online courses is positively related to student engagement, satisfaction and learning. Although…

The majority of U.S. college students have experienced a traumatic event that could impact their health, social life, and academic success. While faculty are encouraged to implement trauma-informed teaching practices, rigorously studied resources do not exist for online courses. We address this gap by presenting findings from an initial study of…

Asynchronous video-based discussions have affordances that can address some of the constraints of asynchronous text-based discussions. However, little research has been conducted on the use of asynchronous video-based discussions in online courses. As a result, the purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate students' perceptions of using…

Asynchronous discussions are typically considered an essential aspect of online case-based learning. While instructors implement discussions to support a variety of instructional purposes during case-based learning (e.g., facilitate students' sense making, prompt the consideration of diverse perspectives, debate complex topics), whether students…

This survey study examined student readiness for online learning in 2018 through the dimensions of importance placed by the student in online learning and the student's confidence in their ability as measures of readiness. An instrument with four subscales of competencies (online student attributes, time management, communication, and technical)…

Student attitudes towards distance learning can affect both the acquisition of knowledge and the motivation to learn. This study explores student attitudes towards the following four topics: (1) technological and environmental impediments towards distance learning, (2) asynchronous versus synchronous course preferences, (3) online versus in-person…

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning in March 2020, educators at all levels faced the challenge of responding to student needs and utilizing technology for instruction. While much of the emerging research highlights the experiences of students and instructors as they shifted from face-to-face to remote learning, this study explored the…

Since e-learning has become popular in recent years, research studies have been conducted about which instructional methods are the most effective in online learning environments. The purpose of this study is to investigate one promising method by applying the flipped classroom model to a Medical Terminology Course. This course was provided fully…

Online instructional design and how to engage students cognitively in online asynchronous courses have been an ongoing question. This case study presents an intentional design of an asynchronous online graduate course to foster cognitive presence. The research questions investigate students' cognitive presence (CP) captured by two measures:…