Active Learning in Online Courses: An Examination of Students’ Learning Experience

• Main Authors: Kevin Floyd, Johnathan Yerby, Terry Smith, Alex Koohang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: International School for Social and Business Studies 2012-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Management, Knowledge and Learning
• Subjects: e-learning; learning; active learning; online education; learning experience
• Online Access: http://www.issbs.si/press/ISSN/2232-5697/1_205-216.pdf

This study examines students’ perception toward their learning experience inan e-learning environment where active learning through regular and routinegraded discussion activities/assignments is expected. Attention was given tothe variables of age; gender; increased experience with online courses; andincreased proficiency with the course management system. Gender was foundto be a significant factor with regard to students’ perception toward theirlearning experience in online courses. Discussion is carried out based on theresults of the study. The discussion then shifts to a focus upon strengtheningactive learning in online courses and common ways in which active learningcan be used effectively in online courses. Conclusions and recommendationsfor future research complete the paper.