Peer-to-Peer learning using a learning management system in an ODL environment

Authors Mampilo Phahlane School of Computing, University of South Africa Raymond Kekwaletswe Department of Informatics, Tshwane University of Technology

What is Peer-to-Peer learning Gaining knowledge, understanding and skill through active involvement and the support of matched peers (Topping and Ehly, 1988) Peer-to-peer learning characteristics Voluntary involvement Trust non-hierarchical status Maturity of the partnerships leading to closeness, mutuality and authenticity

What is a learning management system Learning management system (LMS) is an internet based applications that provides a set of functionalities and educational services to manage learning content and learners (Avgeiou et al., 2003). Examples of learning management systems are WebCT, Moodle, Sakai, Saba, learningSpace Blackboard among others

How a LMS supports learning Narrative Communicative Adaptive Interactive Productive

What is open and distance learning (ODL) ODL can be defined as “learning experiences with dimensions of openness and flexibility to its learners in one of the following areas: time, place, learning style, content, pace, pathways and assessments” (Ling et al., 2001, 20).

Some of the problems encountered by learners in ODL Lack of institutional support Perceived lack of feedback and contact Feelings of isolation Lack of learner training in institutional technologies

Research methodology An interpretive approach was used with an open-ended questionnaire together with students’ textual interactions from MyUnisa as the main methods of data collection Undergraduate students from UNISA registered for EUC 131T Aim of the study: To determine how students complete group work in an ODL environment using a LMS Student task: To form a group to complete an assignment with using MyUnisa’s as a means of communication

Underpinning theory For this study Activity Theory (AT) was used as a lens as it has been applied successfully in context based investigations of individual and social transformations. Activity theory can be described as understanding human behaviour by examining social context of the behaviour and motivations of social pressures of people as they engage in activities. (Engestrom, 1987)

A basic activity structure (Engestrom, 1987: 75) Tool Subject Object Rules Community Division of Labour Transformation Process Outcomes

Analysis of the study using AT Tool- MyUnisa (the LMS) Subject- UNISA learners Object- communication on MyUnisa Community- Unisa learners with their peers and instructor Rules- the student must be registered to be able to use MyUnisa Division of labor- students sharing group work Outcome-Peer-to-Peer learning

Analysis Graph 1:Locations where students access MyUnisa from

Analysis continued… Graph 1:Devices students use to access MyUnisa

Analysis continued… Peer-to-Peer learning and support …with regards to traditional transaction processing applications, which of the following can be classified as an accounting transaction? there are 2 possible answers. Which one do you think its correct? 1.purchase order processing 2.order processing. Sharing of resources and ideas The use of language Administrative support Others formed groups on google and facebook (Policy implications)

Conclusions MyUnisa as more than a “document dump” Setting clear outcomes and learning goals as an instructor Teachers taking leadership for using MyUnisa for learning purposes Independent learning Incorporating social media

Thank you Questions and answers!