Title: Meta-Tutor: an online environment for knowledge construction and self-regulated learning in clinical psychology teaching

Authors: Eduardo Penalosa, Sandra Castaneda

Addresses: Graduate Department of the Psychology Faculty, Cognitive Development and Technological Innovation Laboratory, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Av. Universidad 3004, dificio 'D', cubiculo 6, Mexico, D.F. 04510, Mexico. ' Graduate Department of the Psychology Faculty, Cognitive Development and Technological Innovation Laboratory, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Av. Universidad 3004, dificio 'D', cubiculo 6, Mexico, D.F. 04510, Mexico

Abstract: Many online courses of psychology reported in literature are web-based versions of traditional courses, based on a flawed model of how people learn, equating education to transmission of information. This model underlies the lecture-based classroom approach used in many university courses, as well as the online translations of these courses. In this study, an alternative is proposed and evaluated empirically: a learning environment based on a sound instructional design, including knowledge constructing and self-regulated learning features. Results show that learners using this environment perform better than controls in several tests. Implications for online learning environments construction are discussed.

Keywords: instructional design; learning environments; online learning; psychology teaching; web-based instruction; e-learning; knowledge construction; self-regulated learning; clinical psychology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.2008.018832

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 2008 Vol.18 No.3, pp.283 - 297

Published online: 19 Jun 2008 *

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