ERIC Number: EJ1270439
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0951-354X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Reusable Learning Objects: A Blended Learning Tool in Teaching Computer-Aided Design to Engineering Undergraduates
Onofrei, George; Ferry, Paul
International Journal of Educational Management, v34 n10 p1559-1575 2020
Purpose: Blended learning is an emerging trend across many educational settings, adopting the purposeful integration of traditional face-to-face and online teaching to establishing an engaging learning experience for the students. Blended learning provides an ideal platform for the implementation of reusable learning objects (RLOs) as a pedagogical tool to support classroom instruction. Design/methodology/approach: This study had conducted a quasi-experiment followed by semi-structured interviews to determine if a blended learning approach using RLOs can enhance students' learning in an undergraduate engineering computer-aided design (CAD) module. This study involved learners studying engineering in two different academic years. Findings: Students from the first year were taught using traditional face-to-face teaching approach. The cohort of students from the subsequent year adopted a blended learning approach: face to face and access to a series of RLOs. The analysis revealed statistical evidence that the use of blended learning had a significant impact on the students' end of term exam grades in the CAD module in comparison to the students who undertook traditional face-to-face teaching approach. The qualitative findings highlighted the positive impact of RLOs on students' learning behaviour, engagement and knowledge retention. Originality/value: This study provided empirical evidence of the benefits of using RLOs as a blended learning tool in engineering domain. From a theoretical perspective, the findings highlighted the importance of good instructional design and sound theoretical underpinning of the pedagogical strategy. From a practical point of view, this study informed academics on how to improve learner's academic achievement using RLOs.
Descriptors: Blended Learning, Synchronous Communication, Instructional Effectiveness, College Freshmen, Undergraduate Study, Student Attitudes, Computer Assisted Design, Engineering Education, Learner Engagement, Academic Achievement, Retention (Psychology), Learning Modules, Educational Technology
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A