Case Studies That Report Positive Effects From Online Learning in University Courses

1) Computer-mediated Communication in Foreign Language Learning: A Case of the Students of Japanese (.pdf file) (ESL)
Yuko Ramzan, Yuko Saito, Ritsuko. Modern Languages Program, Faculty of Arts, University of Wollongong
" The introduction of y-talk (a multi-user chat program) between a Japanese university and a Japanese language class at the University of Wollongong has demonstrated some possible solutions to...(the fear of speaking and being too shy to talk in Adult learners). This research suggests that y-talk is highly capable of incorporations with traditional language learning and teaching classes as a new tool to be employed in foreign language classes."

2) Can computer-based testing achieve quality and efficiency in assessment? (Business, Mathematics & Computing)
Paul Bocij, Advanced Multimedia Ltd.; Andrew Greasley, University of Derby
"This paper reports findings of a two year study concerning the development and implementation of a general-purpose computer-based assessment (CBA) system at a UK University. Data gathering took place over a period of nineteen months, involving a number of formative and summative assessments. Approximately 1,000 students, drawn from undergraduate courses, were involved in the exercise...The data collected suggest that computer-based assessment methods result in students achieving higher scores than might be obtained via conventional examinations."

3) The collaborative aspects of online learning: A pilot study (Social Science)
Donald Wilson McMurray and Marinka Ellen Dunlop, Southern Cross University
"Results: Student Learning Outcomes posttest responses reflected almost unanimous support for pursuing the online delivery: Moreover, the quality of learning attainable through the online mode was judged to be superior overall to conventional distance education formats with 71% of respondents believing they had achieved more than they would have through the traditional off-campus mode.

Collaboration: While distance learning students uniformly valued the interaction with the tutor and each other, they were divided regarding the value of collaboration in relation to group assignments. 59% of students indicated negative reactions to the concept of online collaboration which led to a shared grade. Jones (1999) also found significant disquiet amongst students submitting group assignments.

Computer competency:...online learning afforded students the opportunity to develop unique online research skills (Hayden, Saenger and Parry, 1999). ... by the end of the course 91% reported enhanced skills in cyber-navigation techniques. "

4) Using computer technology to integrate instruction in discipline-specific literacy skills into the curriculum: A case study (.pdf file) (Biology)
Neil Trivett and Jan Skillen, University of Wollongong
"This paper reports on the use of technology to supply instruction in skills, and to supply feedback to students about their development of skills, in one of the subjects ...(in)...a first year core Biology subject."

5) Paperless lectures on the Web: An evaluation of the educational outcomes of teaching Geology using the Web (Geology)
Jason Hellwege Academic Development Unit, Andrew Gleadow School of Earth Sciences, Carmel McNaught Academic Development Unit, La Trobe University Melbourne
"The Web is being hailed by some as a transforming power for education in the lead up to the 21st century. Clearly we can now diversify and improve the ways in which course material is made available to our students. We can design and implement systems of education to deliver this knowledge to large numbers of students. However, is this an advance in educational terms? What are students attitudes to course material available via the Web? More importantly, are they learning the material more effectively? This paper will report on the evaluation of a first year Geology subject at La Trobe University."

6) Computer Based Learning Environments in Teacher Education: Helping Students to think Accurately, Boldly and Critically (Science and Technology Education)
Lynette Schaverien and Mark Cosgrove. University of Technology, Sydney
"Interactive multimedia-based learning environments have been designed to help tertiary students achieve deep understanding as they learn to teach science. These environments enable individualised, flexible learning and have proved to be successful, one in its prototype stage and the other as a completed version. "

7) What have I learned? (.pdf file) (Education)
Gluck, Russell Vialle, Wilma Lysaght, Pauline Larkin, John University of Wollongong
"This paper documents the evolution of teaching and learning processes...of a large, compulsory, first-year subject in the Faculty of Education at the University of Wollongon - Education 1: Child Growth and Development...(the results) demonstrate the importance of reflecting on our teaching practices and listening to our clients, the students. It highlights the differing learning styles of students and honours that diversity through the application of multiple forms of presenting information. It ...(allows the students)... to construct their own meanings rather than rote memorising and regurgitating...It places all participants as collaborative learners..."

8) Effectiveness of distance learning courses--Student's perceptions (High School Spanish, Calculus, and College Algebra)
Dr. Michael K. Swan
"Students were satisfied with the quality of IVN (interactive video network), believed these courses lived up to their expectations, as well as the expectations of their parents, and that the experience will benefit them in the future. Students believe they do as well in IVN classes as in a traditional classroom."

9) Connecting with Students: Improving discussion and communication with first year students (Agricultural Production)
B.P. Wilson Co-operative Research Centre for Soil and Land Management University of Adelaide
"Student evaluations of a first year subject at the University of Adelaide in 1995 indicated a major problem was the inability to communicate with the teacher across two remote campuses. In addition, there was a total lack of discussion in tutorial sessions. In 1996 an attempt was made to improve communication and discussion using computers. Initially this took the form of email, and then the students were introduced to the Windows-based discussion forum software...Email created more opportunity for student/teacher interaction and thus a better relationship developed between the teacher and most students. The computer discussion forum produced a greater diversity of discussion compared to the traditional face to face method used in 1995. Overall, these methods greatly enhanced the learning process for both student and teacher. "

10) A Partnership for International Exchange: The Tokyo Accounting Center-Athabasca University Program (Accounting)
Peter S. Cookson
"The revolution in global communications and the globalization of national economies have created unprecedented opportunities for international networking, exchange, and collaboration. One such opportunity is the Tokyo Accounting Centre-Athabasca University Program. Begun in July 1997, the program prepares Japanese accountants for the United States CPA exam. It is a concrete example of the promise of joint international educational programs using distance learning technologies."

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Other papers
Australian society in computers in terary education.

TeleLearning Network of Centres of Excellence (TL•NCE)
-- examples of research findings
-- Ongoing areas of research