2.10
| Author | Huijser, H., Kimmins, L. & Evans, P. |
Title | Peer Assisted Learning in Fleximode: Developing an Online Learning Community. |
Language | English |
| Date | 2008 |
| Full references | Huijser, H., Kimmins, L. & Evans, P. (2008). Peer Assisted Learning in Fleximode: Developing an Online Learning Community, Australasian Journal of Peer Learning 1: 51-60. |
Abstract | Evidence suggests that peer-assisted learning schemes on campus help students establish social networks which can have a positive influence on their learning achievements. At the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), the majority of students are off campus, which raises the urgent question: how to harness the advantages of Meet-Up (formerly PALS: Peer Assisted Learning Strategy) in an online environment? Given that the potential problem of social isolation is even more acute in distance education, how do we develop a peer assisted learning program online which creates a sense of community for its participants? Since 2006, MSN Messenger has been used on a relatively small scale to facilitate this at USQ, with largely positive initial results. Based on evaluations of this initiative, this paper explores the potential of Wimba software, within an institution-wide Moodle learning management system, to extend peer assisted learning programs in a Web 2.0 context. |
Key words | PAL, learning environment, community |
Other interesting information | Same as above: The social aspect of PAL enhances learning. Students learn better when they belong to a community. |
Interest for the project | 3/5 |
| Contributor´s name + email | Stéphanie Barillé - stephanie@unak.is |