This study investigated an international, inter-university and multidisciplinary online course with the aim of helping higher education students develop competencies for solving complex problems in collaboration with their peers and stakeholders. The course design was informed by the knowledge creation framework and ideas about cross-boundary…

With digitisation and the rise of e-learning have come a range of computational tools and approaches that have allowed educators to better support the learners' experience in schools, colleges and universities. The move away from traditional paper-based course materials, registration, admissions and support services to the mobile, always-on and…

The Irish inter-institutional virtual learning environments (VLEs) open dataset stems from ongoing work with a rolling longitudinal survey of students' usage of VLEs which has been ongoing in 12 higher education institutions since 2008. The project has collected over 21,000 student responses to date through the growth of an extended network of…

This paper explores the methodological approaches most commonly adopted in the scholarly literature on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), published during the period January 2008-May 2014. In order to identify trends, gaps and criticalities related to the methodological approaches of this emerging field of research, we analysed 60 papers…

Emergent research indicates that electronic portfolios (ePortfolios) can have a positive impact on the learning experience, but there are significant challenges--pedagogical and technological--which may limit their effectiveness. This paper contributes to research by providing further evidence about such challenges from the tutor perspective and…

Discusses the use of role-play for the development of interpersonal skills and evaluates a computer-based learning environment for initial training in dealing with social-communicative problems. Discusses high cognitive load, explains the use of a conversational model, describes the results of two experiments with university students, and suggests…

The main purpose of this study was to identify the effects of two major components (ie, video and group discussion) of problem-based video instruction (PBVI) on college students' learning. To achieve this purpose, this study examined whether or not PBVI can improve learner satisfaction, comprehension and retention by comparing the results from…

This discussion of reasons for resistance to the use of instructional media in higher education examines three levels--resistance to innovation in general, resistance to need and different teaching techniques, and resistance based on genuine concerns, misunderstandings, or unpleasant experiences. Some ways to counter this resistance are suggested.…

If self-paced self-study is used for developing higher abilities such as problem-solving, an increased amount of teacher-student discussion will be required. Some combination of self- and teacher-pacing seems preferable, and a new hybrid scheme for achieving this is considered. (Author)

Describes research with college students that investigated commercial game types and game elements to determine what would be suitable for education. Students rated logic, memory, visualization, and problem solving as important game elements that are used to develop a model that links pedagogical issues with game elements. (Author/LRW)

Describes a project that integrated use of a computerized nursing care database into the second-year undergraduate nursing curriculum to enable students to produce sound care plans; promote student understanding of the medical and health conditions which these plans addressed; and enable students to explore the premises and reasoning behind the…

Online web tools are becoming an important and accessible means of supporting learning in higher education. Student writing is central to teaching and learning (Lillis, 2001). This paper describes an online tool designed to support dissertation writing. By combining three types of online space instructional material, a writing space and planning…

Describes a method of teaching problem-solving to engineering undergraduates at Coventry (Lancaster) Polytechnic. The teaching model, which consists of a series of component activities, employs a methodological approach to problem-solving in the area of engineering design. Applications of the model to other forms of problem-solving are briefly…

This study examines the effectiveness of interactive multimedia on college student achievement and problem solving, including higher-level thinking skills. Describes the use of the Group Assessment of Logical Thinking (GALT) and discusses findings in terms of the impact on self-study in a distance-learning environment. (Author/LRW)

Addresses the difficulties of integrating information technology in higher education that the authors maintain are rooted in psychological, sociological, and cultural factors that influence the structure of higher education, as well as the conception of teaching by the faculty. Discusses interaction between faculty and students and long-range…