Reflections on Designing and Delivering an Online Distance Learning Programme in the Mathematical Sciences

Eilidh Jack, Craig Alexander, David McArthur, Colette Mair

Abstract


In 2013, the University of Glasgow set out a Blended and Online Learning Development scheme focussing on fully online distance learning programmes and blended programmes. In 2017 the School of Mathematics and Statistics within the University of Glasgow developed part-time, online distance learning programmes (PG Diploma/PG Certificate/MSc) in Data Analytics. The programmes have used considerable innovation in terms of course content, assessment, course management and delivery, and in student support. In this case study, we will reflect our experiences of developing and delivering online distance learning programmes and provide future recommendations considering the recent expansion of remote learning across higher educational institutes globally.


Keywords


Blended and Online Learning; Data Analytics; Learning Technology

Full Text:

PDF

References


Allaire, J.J., Xie, Y., McPherson, J., Luraschi, J., Ushey, K., Atkins, A., Wickham, H., Cheng, J., Chang, W., and Iannone, R., 2022. rmarkdown: Dynamic Documents for R. Available at: https://rmarkdown.rstudio.com

Bates, T., 2022. Has online learning gone backwards because of the pandemic? Available at: https://www.tonybates.ca/2022/02/05/has-online-learning-gone-backwards-because-of-the-pandemic/ [Accessed: 29 October 2022].

Berry, S., 2019. ‘Faculty Perspectives on Online Learning: The Instructor's Role in Creating Community’, Online Learning Journal, 23(4), pp. 181-191, https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v15i3.1654

Bolliger, D. U., Shepard, C. E., and Bryant, V. H., 2019. ‘Faculty members' perceptions of online program community and their efforts to sustain it’, British Journal of Educational Technology, 50(6), pp. 3283–3299, https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12734

Conole, G., 2014. ‘The use of technology in distance education’, in Zawacki-Richter, O. and Anderson, T. (eds.) Online distance education: Towards a research agenda. Edmonton: Athabasca University Press, pp. 217-236.

Coursera, 2021. 2021 Impact Report. Serving the World Through Learning, Available at: https://about.coursera.org/press/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2021-Coursera-Impact-Report.pdf [Accessed: 14 November 202].

Englund, T., Olofsson, A. D., and Price, L., 2017. ‘Teaching with technology in higher education: Understanding conceptual change and development in practice’, Higher Education Research and Development, 36(1), 73–87, https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2016.1171300

Global Online Academy, 2020. What Do Students Expect From Online Learning? We Asked Them. Available at: https://globalonlineacademy.org/insights/articles/what-do-students-expect-from-online-learning-we-asked-them [Accessed 9 November 2022].

Hilliam, R., and Williams, G., 2019. ‘Academic and pastoral teams working in partnership to support distance learning students according to curriculum area’, Higher Education Pedagogies, 4(1), pp. 32-40, https://doi.org/10.1080/23752696.2019.1606674

Hung, M., C., C., Chen, C., and Own, Z., 2010. ‘Learner readiness for online learning: Scale development and student perceptions’, Computers and Education, 55(3), pp. 1080–1090, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2010.05.004

Jisc., 2020. Learning and teaching reimagined: Change and challenge for students, staff and leaders. Available at: https://www.jisc.ac.uk/reports/learning-and-teaching-reimagined-change-and- challenge [Accessed 12 November 2022].

Kolowich, S., 2013. The Professors Behind the MOOC Hype. Available at: https://www.chronicle.com/article/the-professors-behind-the-mooc-hype/ [Accessed 27 October 2022].

McArthur, D., Alexander, C., Mair, C., and Jack, E., 2022. ‘Digital accessibility for online distance learning course materials.’ 2022 Continuing Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Mathematics, Statistics and Operational Research (CETL-MSOR) conference, Dundee, UK.

McCorkle, S. and Whitener, P., 2020. ‘The lightboard: Expectations and experiences. International Journal of Designs for Learning’, International Journal of Designs for Learning, 11(1), pp. 75–84. https://doi.org/10.14434/ijdl.v11i1.24642

Muilenbury, L., and Berge, Z., 2005. ‘Student barriers to online learning; a factor analysis study’ Distance Education, 26(1), pp. 29-48. https://doi.org/10.1080/01587910500081269

Meyer, A., Rose, D.H., and Gordon, D., 2014. Universal design for learning: Theory and Practice. Wakefield, MA: CAST Professional Publishing.

Office for National Statistics, 2022. Master’s (MSc) in Data Analytics for Government,. Available at: https://datasciencecampus.ons.gov.uk/capability/msc-in-data-analytics-for-government/ [Accessed 14 November 2022].

Oliver, M., 2002. ‘What do Learning Technologists do?’ Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 39:4, 245-252. https://doi.org/10.1080/13558000210161089

Roddy, C., Amiet, D. L., Chung, J., Holt, C., Shaw, L., McKenzie, S., and Mundy, M. E., 2017. ‘Applying Best Practice Online Learning, Teaching, and Support to Intensive Online Environments: An Integrative Review’, Frontiers in Education, 2, https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2017.00059

Saldana, J., 2021. The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers, 4th edn. Sage Publishing.

Southard, S.M., and Young, K., 2018. ‘An Exploration of Online Students’ Impressions of Contextualization, Segmentation, and Incorporation of Light Board Lectures in Multimedia Instructional Content’, The Journal of Public and Professional Sociology, 10(1), Article 7, https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/jpps/vol10/iss1/7.

University Business, 2017. Number of international students studying online soars. Available at: https://universitybusiness.co.uk/Article/international-students-studying-online-courses-on-the-rise/ (Accessed 14 November 2022)

Wilcox, P., Winn, S. and Fyvie‐Gauld, M., 2005. ‘‘It was nothing to do with the university, it was just the people’: the role of social support in the first‐year experience of higher education’, Studies in Higher Education, 30(6), pp. 707-722, https://doi.org/10.1080/03075070500340036

White, D.S., and A. Le Cornu., 2011. Visitors and Residents: A new typology for online engagement.’ First Monday 16:9.

Zhang, D. and Nunamaker, J. F., 2003. ‘Powering e-learning in the new millennium: An overview of e-learning and enabling technology’, Information Systems Frontiers, 5(2), pp. 207-218, https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022609809036




DOI: https://doi.org/10.21100/msor.v21i2.1397

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.