<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> This study aims at empirically examining the relation of self-esteem and loneliness with social presence, academic performance, satisfaction with the course and intention for academic drop out, in a blended distance learning environment in Greece. The study involved both undergraduate and postgraduate students of the Hellenic Open University (HOU). Data were collected via a four-section questionnaire. The correlational data analysis yielded a negative correlation between self-esteem and intention for academic drop out, while there is a positive correlation between self-esteem and satisfaction derived from the course. Results also suggested that there is no correlation between self-esteem and academic performance. Findings also revealed that there is no statistically significant correlation between loneliness and the other variables under examination. Furthermore, the results showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the examined variables in relation to the demographic features (gender, age, etc.). The findings of the present study are discussed in relation to the relevant literature, taking into consideration the blended learning educational format offered by the HOU which is based on methodologies used in other European institutions that offer distance learning courses. Finally, recommendations for further research are presented.</abstract>

Self-Esteem and Loneliness as Factors Affecting Distance Learning Students

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Communication is an indispensable part of international cooperation and it requires managing different cultures. Being prepared to see and understand different values, trying to understand contrasting views in a consortium, can decrease the potential of misperception which otherwise may act as a real barrier to cooperation. This is why international cooperation necessitates negotiation across cultures. In the case of collaboration, parties come together for a joint work which itself may create common values/understanding, besides the set goals. This is because collaboration requires strong we-feeling and commitment. The purpose of this paper is to focus on cross-cultural communication and collaboration in the area of Open and Distance Learning (ODL), concentrating on the communication processes in project management. Cross-cultural studies point to different communicative behaviours of individuals in multinational work environments e.g. the cultural characteristics affect the preferences towards the use of the media. For the purposes of this paper, the authors make a phenomenological-oriented case study of project management based on interviews with partners of a multilateral Grundtvig (adult learning) project, affiliated with distance education institutions in eight different countries. The authors test their assumptions for constructive and cooperative communication in e-Learning projects; delineating the effects of different cultures as regards the expectations from (1) international projects and (2) communication media.</abstract>

Cross-Cultural Communication and Collaboration: Case of an International e-Learning Project

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> The study examines students’ assessments of the use of the flipped classroom approach in an undergraduate course in the Business Department at the College for Academic Studies in Israel. In its essence, learners prepare for classes by watching videos away from class, allowing the classroom encounter to focus on discussion, exercises, and discourse. Data were collected by a questionnaire distributed toward the end of the course. The students reported that watching videos between lessons enhanced interest, alleviated boredom, and enriched the learning. To a lesser extent, they reported it increased their involvement in learning, understanding of the learning material, and confidence in their ability to understand it. While acknowledging the convenience of watching course videos between classes, however, the participants clearly preferred to watch them in class. Multivariate analysis revealed that working students were less positive about using the flipped-classroom approach than non-working students, female students were more positive than male ones, and older students were more positive than younger ones. Furthermore, the stronger the senses of having classmates nearby, the more positive the participants were about the contribution of watching the videos.</abstract>

The Flipped-Classroom Approach: The Answer to Future Learning?

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> This study examined the prediction of dropouts through data mining approaches in an online program. The subject of the study was selected from a total of 189 students who registered to the online Information Technologies Certificate Program in 2007-2009. The data was collected through online questionnaires (Demographic Survey, Online Technologies Self-Efficacy Scale, Readiness for Online Learning Questionnaire, Locus of Control Scale, and Prior Knowledge Questionnaire). The collected data included 10 variables, which were gender, age, educational level, previous online experience, occupation, self efficacy, readiness, prior knowledge, locus of control, and the dropout status as the class label (dropout/not). In order to classify dropout students, four data mining approaches were applied based on k-Nearest Neighbour (k-NN), Decision Tree (DT), Naive Bayes (NB) and Neural Network (NN). These methods were trained and tested using 10-fold cross validation. The detection sensitivities of 3-NN, DT, NN and NB classifiers were 87%, 79.7%, 76.8% and 73.9% respectively. Also, using Genetic Algorithm (GA) based feature selection method, online technologies self-efficacy, online learning readiness, and previous online experience were found as the most important factors in predicting the dropouts.</abstract>

Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology, Kirikkale University, 71450, Kirikkale, Turkey

Department of Computer Engineering, Uskudar University, 34662, Uskudar Istanbul, Turkey

Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology, Fırat University, 23199, Elazığ, Turkey

Predicting Dropout Student: An Application of Data Mining Methods in an Online Education Program

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> In this paper we propose a new Technopedagogical Disciplinary Knowledge model. This model integrates four separate dimensions, which we use to measure a teacher’s effectiveness. These are the individual teacher’s discipline (D), personal epistemology (E), pedagogical knowledge (P), and knowledge of technology (T). We also acknowledge the existence of relationships between these components. These can be more or less correlated depending on the teacher’s individual profile. They are always present, but they do not necessarily have the same weighting. In order to test the potential differences between teachers’ profiles, we designed a questionnaire, which tested our model’s components, and the relationships between them. This questionnaire was initially submitted to a group of teachers with whom we were familiar, to ensure the questions were understandable and that, based on what we already knew of the teachers’ characteristics, the profiles that emerged were reliable. A second test was then carried out, which we used to compare the answers of university and non-university level teachers, based in the two institutions in which we work. This second questionnaire was used to test the consistency of responses, and the correlations between the model’s different dimensions. Having analysed the outcome of these questionnaires, it appears that “pedagogical knowledge” is significantly correlated with the other three dimensions. This consolidated framework has helped us to build a system of education development coaching for teaching practices that use technology widely.</abstract>

Tpdk, a New Definition of the Tpack Model for a University Setting

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> There is emerging evidence that suggests emotions as a discrete factor in academic online contexts that significantly contribute to student engagement and higher order learning (Cleveland-Innes &amp; Campbell, 2012; You, 2012, You &amp; Kang, 2014; Zembylas, 2008; Liaw, 2008). Pekrun (2000) and Pekrun, Goetz, Frenzel, Barchfeld, and Perry (2011) developed the control-value theory of achievement emotion that not only showed that emotions represent a discrete category in student engagement, but that there are certain factors such as perceived academic control and self-regulation that function as antecedents of students’ emotional reactions that affect online learning. The aim of the present paper is to review the emerging research evidence of the impact of emotions on students’ engagement in order to understand the distinct role that emotions may play in online learning. The review also proposes strategies and activities that teachers can use in order to enhance students’ positive engagement in online learning. The findings suggest that emotions are significant factors in students’ engagement in online learning while cognitive and behavioural factors function as antecedents of emotions in online contexts. The inclusion of emotional, cognitive and behavioural strategies in online teaching can enhance students’ engagement and learning experience in the online classroom.</abstract>

alexandra.pentaraki@online.liverpool.ac.uk

Emerging Evidence Regarding the Roles of Emotional, Behavioural, and Cognitive Aspects of Student Engagement in the Online Classroom

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Purpose</title>
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the perils and opportunities that digital literacy presents to students through online education schemes. The challenge for university departments regarding digital literacy is twofold: first, to apply digital methods in order to engage students; and second, to form an equity-based pedagogical programme. The shift towards online university education took place abruptly in most Greek state universities from 2020 onwards, due to the COVID-19 restrictive measures, when conventional universities had to adapt to the need for online educational schemes for &gt;2 years.
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Design/methodology/approach</title>
A survey was conducted among 135 undergraduate students from the University of Western Macedonia in the Department of Obstetrics. Students were asked to complete a structured anonymous questionnaire. Reliability and descriptive statistics were used to interpret the questionnaire response.
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Findings</title>
First, students are deeply concerned about their functional IT skills, which creates a feeling of uncertainty, during the presentation of their assignments. Second, in spite of the obstacle regarding their functional capabilities, online environments seem to have a positive effect on students in the creation of an inclusive online education environment. Third, they feel free to form their digital identity and promote their individual differences and learning needs.
</sec>
</abstract>

The effect of digital literacy on student identity and inclusion: insights from the University of Western Macedonia

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Student satisfaction plays a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness of distance education programmes. This is very important for the instructional design in higher education institutes and for educational decision-making and policy. The main purpose of the present study was to examine some key processes that affect learning in a distance education environment and how these influence student satisfaction. The study was conducted in the Hellenic Open University (HOU) through quantitative research involving students from three postgraduate programmes. The main variables examined were internet self-efficacy, student–student and student–tutor interaction, self-regulated learning skills of students and the satisfaction that they receive from participating in distance-learning courses. The results indicated that relatively high levels of these variables were observed, with the exemption of student–student interaction. The correlation coefficients amongst variables were all positive and statistically significant, but were small to moderate. Regarding the effect of demographic parameters, learner–tutor interaction is influenced by the number of modules completed by students, and satisfaction varies significantly between unemployed students and those who are full-time employees. Finally, a logistic regression model was developed with satisfaction as the dependent variable. Self-regulated learning and student–tutor interaction were identified as the main predictors of student satisfaction.
</abstract>

Critical factors affecting student satisfaction in a distance learning environment

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The transition to fully online delivery in the COVID-19 pandemic has added to already existing and significant challenges in subjects and programs that require a component of practicum, on-site experience or hands-on laboratory work. This article presents initial results from a study that responds to challenges arising in moving to a fully online version of an advanced-level computer networking subject within a postgraduate computing degree. Specifically, the study addresses challenges related to a lack of effective teaching approaches combined with a lack of integrated technologies for conducting hands-on laboratory work in online learning environments. The findings presented are from a case study comparison of face-to-face delivery with a newly developed ‘smart learning environment’. Findings indicate that student results and satisfaction levels from the two modes of delivery were comparable. Findings support the purpose-designed instructional strategy, integrated technologies and practical assessments, set within sequenced and scaffolded activities. Further research is being undertaken to confirm the effectiveness of the changes, including case studies of students’ performance data from subsequent offerings of the subject and the inclusion of pre-test post-test protocols and randomised trials.
</abstract>

Design and implementation of a smart learning environment for teaching computer networking

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This study investigates the views of students with visual impairments on distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research design of the study is qualitative research. The participants of the study include students with visual impairments. They are studying at different universities where distance education was offered in the fall semester of 2020 in Turkey. We collected the data of the study through a semi-structured interview form. In the analysis of the data collected, content analysis was carried out. According to the results, it has been determined that distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic has both advantages and disadvantages. The benefits of distance education are that the system and course contents used are accessible, the course contents can be listened to again, it is physically easy to listen to the lesson, the evaluations are made in the form of assignment, additional time is given and communication with the instructors is easily facilitated. The disadvantages stated by the students can be as follows: factors related to the distance education system, factors related to the content, aspects concerned with in-term assignments, factors related to exams, psychological and social factors, and communication-related factors.
</abstract>

Views of students with visual impairment on distance education during the covid-19 pandemic

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
For teaching practice to be useful, educational materials must be thoroughly evaluated prior to use. In this study, teachers evaluated open educational resources (OER) created for a European Commission Horizon 2020 project called DIALLS (‘DIalogue and Argumentation for cultural Literacy Learning in Schools’). Considering research on how OER are evaluated, we were interested in learning (1) how teachers perceive their <italic>application, content, design, value</italic> and <italic>sustainability</italic> and (2) what other aspects teachers find important when evaluating OER. After analysing quantitative and qualitative data, we found that aspects facilitating self-regulated use were rated most highly and mentioned most often. Teachers additionally valued <italic>adaptable</italic> materials offering <italic>opportunities to reflect</italic> their teaching practices. Future research may benefit from evaluating OER based on ‘affordance’ aspects — aspects that allow teachers to adapt the materials in a self-regulated way and reflect on their teaching.
</abstract>

Teacher evaluations of open educational resources designed to support dialogic cultural literacy learning in schools

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This study explored how online students perceived their instructors’ emotional intelligence (EI) and its impact on their learning engagement. Using eight EI behaviours of online instructors and a learning engagement instrument, 100 online university students were surveyed regarding their observation of those EI behaviours and their learning engagement. Regression analysis indicated that 27.2% of the variance in learning engagement could be attributed to four dimensions of EI behaviours (R2 = 0.272, F (4, 95) = 8.873, p &lt; 0.001). Instructors providing individual support, demonstrating concern for the students’ situations, adapting their resources to online delivery, and being honest about their situation and challenges were associated with higher student learning engagement.
</abstract>

Instructors’ emotional intelligence and learning engagement of online students

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Since the introduction of connectivism as a learning theory in 2004 a body of literature has developed both offering criticisms and expanding on applications and empirical validation. This article surveys recent literature on the topic, grouping it into themes, and developing an understanding of current perspectives in connectivism. It surveys current perspectives and criticisms of connectivism, views of connectivism as a pedagogy and as a theory of learning, recent evidence supporting connectivism, and a wider understanding of connectivism as it is developing today.
</abstract>

Recent Work in Connectivism

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> Open online courses are becoming more prevalent at local level and for and professional development objectives. Proper instructional design combined with use of online tools can promote learner interaction in online environments. Using the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework, this study aimed at examining learners’ interaction and their perceptions of teaching presence, social presence, and cognitive presence in an open online course offered for professional development in three Swedish universities. The course was free and open to all, attracting participants from all over the world. In order to understand the online interactions of the course, three presences of CoI were matched to three types of interaction (Moore, 1989). Data were collected through a slightly revised version of the CoI instrument and open-ended questions were added. Survey results showed that participants had high perceptions of the three presences in the course. Results also yielded significant relationships between teaching presence and cognitive presence, as well as social presence and cognitive presence. The findings suggest that deploying a set of online tools combined with appropriate pedagogical approaches in designing open online courses could foster learner interaction especially learner-content interaction and cognitive presence.</abstract>

Examining Learners’ Interaction in an Open Online Course Through the Community of Inquiry Framework

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
With the increase in the number of online courses being offered, it is important for faculty to be prepared to teach online. In this study, we examine US and German faculty perceptions on their preparedness to teach online based on the perception of importance of teaching online competencies and their efficacy to teach online. We also examine factors (gender, age, country located, academic discipline, academic rank, method of teaching, years of teaching, years of teaching online and level taught) that are related to US and German faculty perception of the importance and efficacy of online teaching. Overall, the US faculty rated the competencies higher compared to the German faculty both in perception of importance and self-efficacy. Significant differences in the perception of the importance of competencies were noted based on gender, training, level taught, rank, and age. For self-efficacy, there were significant differences between the faculty in teaching format (synchronous, asynchronous or hybrid format), years of teaching online, and age. This study has implications for instructors who teach online, for instructional designers who offer professional development for online teaching and for administrators who support online learning at the universities.
</abstract>

Examining Faculty Readiness to Teach Online: A Comparison of US and German Educators

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Today’s educational institutions are expected to create learning opportunities independent of time and place, to offer easily accessible learning environments and interpersonal communication opportunities. Accordingly, higher education institutions develop strategies to meet these expectations through teaching strategies, such as e-learning, blended learning, mobile learning, etc., by using teaching technologies. These new technology-based teaching strategies are mainly shaped by decision-makers in education. This study seeks to analyse the individual factors that affect learners’ mode of teaching and learning delivery preferences. In this study, blended and online learning is considered as preferences of learners’ mode of teaching and learning delivery. The individual factors discussed in this research are cognitive learning strategies, e-learning readiness, and motivation. The data were obtained from the pre-service teachers at the end of the academic semester when they experienced online and blended learning. Data were analysed using optimal scaling analysis. The analysis method provides a two-dimensional centroid graph which shows the correlations between the variable categories. According to study findings, there is a correlation between the preferences of the learning environment, and the constructs of self-efficacy, e-learning motivation, and task value. It can be said that the motivational variables are more effective in the learning environment preference. The students with high task value, e-learning motivation, and self-efficacy preferred studying in blended learning environments. Cognitive strategies, self-directed learning, learner control, and test anxiety factors are independent of the learners’ learning delivery preferences.
</abstract>

Factors Affecting Students’ Preferences for Online and Blended Learning: Motivational Vs. Cognitive

<abstract><title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>Online fora have become not only one of the most popular communication tools in e-learning environments, but also one of the key factors of the learning process, especially in distance learning, as they can provide to the students involved, motivation for collaboration in order to achieve a common goal. The purpose of this study is to analyse data related to the participation of postgraduate students in the online forum of their course at the Hellenic Open University. The content of the messages posted is analysed by using text mining techniques, while the network through which the students interact is processed through social network analysis techniques. Furthermore, sentiment analysis and opinion mining is applied on the same dataset. Our aim is to study students’ attitude towards the course and its features, as well as to model their sentiment behaviour over time, and finally to detect if and how this affected their overall performance. The combined knowledge attained from the aforementioned techniques can provide tutors with practical and valuable information for the structure and the content of the students’ exchanged messages, the patterns of interaction among them, the trend of sentiment polarity during the course, so as to improve the educational process.</abstract>

A Learning Analytics Methodology for Detecting Sentiment in Student Fora: A Case Study in Distance Education

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