Stories of learning spaces from distant places

Paper

Brown, Mark, Keppell, Mike, Hughes, Helen, Hard, Natasha and Smith, Liz. 2013. "Stories of learning spaces from distant places." 36th Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia Conference (HERDSA 2013). Auckland, New Zealand 01 - 04 Jul 2013 Sydney, Australia.
Paper/Presentation Title

Stories of learning spaces from distant places

Presentation TypePaper
AuthorsBrown, Mark (Author), Keppell, Mike (Author), Hughes, Helen (Author), Hard, Natasha (Author) and Smith, Liz (Author)
Journal or Proceedings TitleProceedings of the 36th Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia Annual Conference (HERDSA 2013)
Journal Citation36, pp. 58-68
Number of Pages11
Year2013
Place of PublicationSydney, Australia
ISBN0908557930
Web Address (URL) of Paperhttp://www.herdsa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/conference/2013/HERDSA_2013_BROWN.pdf
Conference/Event36th Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia Conference (HERDSA 2013)
Event Details
36th Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia Conference (HERDSA 2013)
Parent
Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia Annual Conference
Delivery
In person
Event Date
01 to end of 04 Jul 2013
Event Location
Auckland, New Zealand
Abstract

Digitally mediated distance education is the fastest growing sector of tertiary education. However, online and distance education providers frequently report lower completion rates than traditional face-to-face providers for reasons that are subject to considerable speculation. Against this backdrop, the objective of the current study was to seek a deep understanding from first-time distance students about their learning experiences. The overarching methodology was Design-Based Research, within which the study drew on phenomenological data gathering methods. The lived experiences of 20 first-time distance learners were captured in their own words in over 22 hours of video diary data. A grounded theory approach was applied to the process of thematic data analysis. The discussion reflects on deep insights into the complexities of life as a distance learner. The paper concludes that institutions should not take for granted that students who choose distant learning spaces are intuitively able to transform them into effective places for formal learning.

Keywordsteaching methods; distance education; online learning
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390405. Educational technology and computing
520102. Educational psychology
390303. Higher education
Public Notes

Copyright © 2013 HERDSA and the authors. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, criticism or review, this publication may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, with the prior permission in writing of the publishers.

Byline AffiliationsMassey University, New Zealand
Australian Digital Futures Institute
Charles Sturt University
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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