Title: A case study in enhancing analytical preparedness through education technology

Authors: Scott Victor Valentine; Ronaye Kooperberg; Tim Bateman

Addresses: Department of Public Policy, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong ' Southern Alberta Institute of Technology Polytechnic, 1301 16 Avenue Northwest, Calgary, AB T2M 0L4, Canada ' MedIT, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada

Abstract: This paper critically analyses an actual case involving the design of an online discussion board intended to foster analytical learning preparedness. The goal of the study was to consider how instructional design theory could be applied to foster a more effective design. The conclusion highlights how user training, enhanced instructor engagement, strategic design of discussion questions, devolving responsibility to learners and adopting clear evaluation strategies can significantly improve the efficacy of the technology.

Keywords: online discussion boards; educational technology; instructional design; case study; analytical learning; student preparedness; higher education; institutional barriers; online assessment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2015.071270

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2015 Vol.6 No.2, pp.157 - 169

Received: 28 Apr 2015
Accepted: 10 May 2015
Published online: 18 Aug 2015 *

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