Title: Moodle my style: e-learning improves attributional style for cancer-diagnosed children

Authors: Giovanna Berizzi; Giulio Andrea Zanazzo; Michele Capurso; John Lawrence Dennis

Addresses: Doctoral Programme in Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy ' Department of Paediatric Heamatology-Oncology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo Trieste, Italy ' Department of Philosophy, Social & Human Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy ' Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Canada; Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan; Department of Philosophy, Human and Social Sciences and Education, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Italy

Abstract: Metacognitive skills and a positive attributional style are extremely important for young cancer patients. The present research shows how attributional styles and metacognitive training via information and communication technologies (ICTs) can enhance a positive self-attributional style in young cancer patients. A quasi-experimental prospective study measured participant attribution style before and after metacognitive and attributional online training programs that last about six months. Results demonstrated a significant positive impact of training on metacognitive skills and attributional style. The program presented expands knowledge on the prevention of negative cognitive long-term side effects associated with the treatment of children with cancer.

Keywords: attribution styles; metacognitive skills; Moodle; VLE; virtual learning environments; e-learning; electronic learning; online learning; cancer-diagnosed children; young cancer patients; ICT; cancer treatment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2016.082318

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2016 Vol.8 No.3/4, pp.253 - 263

Received: 22 Mar 2016
Accepted: 27 Jul 2016
Published online: 18 Feb 2017 *

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