Overview of paper
The paper describes a study conducted between 1986 and 1988
at two colleges in New Jersey. Comparisons were made between the performance
and perceptions of students studying a variety of sociology courses
traditionally as against those studying in a virtual classroom or in ‘mixed
mode’. The results were derived from a
statistical analysis of questionnaire surveys completed by students on the
courses.
Comment
As an aside, one of the first things that struck me about
this study was that the research took place between 1986 and 1988. During this
period I was actually studying on a part time (day release) basis for my first
degree. I am quite surprised that the technology which was the subject of this
paper was even available. When I think back to my own studies at that time,
electronic communications of any type were not even on the horizon!
Questions: What research questions
are being addressed?
In summary the research sought to establish whether course
delivery via a virtual classroom could achieve comparable outcomes to those of
traditional face-to-face delivery. Additionally, the research identify the
factors which contributed to positive or negative outcomes.
Setting: What is the sector and setting?
The research was based in a higher education setting, and
specifically within two New Jersey colleges. I’m not completely sure of the
distinction between colleges and universities in America, so the UK equivalent
setting might be more FE than HE. Nevertheless, the setting is clearly one of
formal education, and the students in the research were studying sociology courses.
Concepts: What theories, concepts
and key terms are being used?
I would say that the fundamental concept under consideration is
that of education. Early in the paper (p432) a definition of education is
provided, and in very simple terms the researchers were simply trying to
determine whether the objectives of education can be achieved using computer-mediated
communication. Key educational terms used include collaborative learning;
mastery of subject; access to educational activities; interest, involvement and
motivation; interaction.
Educational technology is also a key concept, and the widely
used terms are virtual classroom and computer-mediated communication.
Methods: What methods of data collection and analysis are used?
The main data collection technique used was the questionnaire
survey. Surveys were administered to students both before and after they took
courses. The questionnaires were analysed statistically which is obviously a
quantitative approach. In addition a qualitative approach was adopted through
participant observation of the online conferences.
Findings: What did this research
find out?
The key finding was that the use of the virtual classroom can “increase
access to and effectiveness of college education”. There were some variations
in the outcomes between courses, and particularly between courses at different
levels, the significant finding was that the virtual classroom represented a “viable
option” for post-secondary educational delivery.
Limitations: What are the
limitations of the methods used?
Since the primary data collection technique was a questionnaire
survey, I would say that the main limitation was that respondents are simply selecting
their responses limited range of possible options and there is no opportunity
to investigate the underlying significance of the results at a deeper level
(such as would be possible using interviews).
Ethics: Are there any ethical issues associated with the
research?
One possible ethical issue that springs to mind is that the
researchers may have been enthusiastic about the technology, and therefore perhaps
approached the research with a tacit expectation or hope that the technology
would be shown to produce positive outcomes.
Implications: What are the
implications (if any) for practice, policy or further research?
It is important to recognise that this research was conducted over
25 years ago. Clearly at the time, the use of the virtual classroom would have
been highly innovative, and the results of this study would have been
sufficient to warrant further studies and more widespread implementation.
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