Online learning initiatives in e-ducating TESL student teachers

Abstract

Incorporating online learning in campus-based courses is nothing new in a lot of educational institutions. In fact, an increasing number of educational institutions are recognizing the benefits of e-learning. E-learning is being utilized in a lot of educational programs worldwide (Harasim et al., 1995; Hiltz, 1986, 1990) either exclusively or as a supplementary educational aid. This paper reports on a study of e-learning application of a few TESL courses via a Learning Management System called Blackboard. It is focused on the students' perceptions of online learning. A total of 108 TESL student teachers across all levels of study were involved in this study. A questionnaire was developed to collect data on the perceptions of effectiveness on e-learning relative to that of the conventional classroom-based learning. The study also investigates the relationships between perception of online learning, respondents' demographic data, and experience with computers. The study yielded results consistent with previous research related to learning outcomes along several measures, particularly with regard to students' positive attitudes toward learning in an online environment. It was found that online learning helped to supplement the quality of teaching and learning. The students found that online learning was not only helpful, but also enjoyable and exciting. The writer concludes that the amalgamation of both online and face-to-face learning help to improve the quality of teaching and learning.