Title: Introducing e-learning activities in traditional education: what do students think about them?

Authors: Konstantinos Liotsios, Stavros Demetriadis, Andreas Pombortsis

Addresses: Semi Floor Biology Building, Computer Science Department, Aristotle University, P.O. Box 888, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece. ' Semi Floor Biology Building, Computer Science Department, Aristotle University, P.O. Box 888, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece. ' Semi Floor Biology Building, Computer Science Department, Aristotle University, P.O. Box 888, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract: There is the necessity for universities to develop new educational models in order to efficiently address the learning demands emerging in the context of information society. We present a case study concerning the transformation of a traditional undergraduate course into a blended learning format. We applied a simple model of Backward Design and in our study we followed the guidelines of Action Research in order to better understand the impact that our design would have on the students| learning and redesign accordingly. There is an initial satisfaction from the students regarding the applied model that emerges both from the sense of innovation and the new online learning activities that the course offers. On the other hand, the students do not easily accept the suggestion that they should be evaluated through technological environments. The conclusions of this study can be useful for improving the blended learning model|s design.

Keywords: information technology; communication; ICT; higher education; action research; web-based learning; blended learning; web based communities; e-learning; online learning; universities; undergraduate courses; innovation; course design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWBC.2007.013775

International Journal of Web Based Communities, 2007 Vol.3 No.1, pp.69 - 86

Published online: 27 May 2007 *

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