Peer assisted learning in fleximode: developing an online learning community

Huijser, Hendrik and Kimmins, Lindy and Evans, Peter (2008) Peer assisted learning in fleximode: developing an online learning community. Australasian Journal of Peer Learning, 1 (1). pp. 51-60. ISSN 1835-856X

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Abstract

[Abstract]: Evidence suggests that peer-assisted learning schemes on campus help students establish social networks which can have a positive influence on their learning achievements. At the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), the majority of students are off campus, which raises the urgent question: how to harness the advantages of Meet-Up (formerly PALS: Peer Assisted Learning Strategy) in an online environment? Given that the potential problem of social isolation is even more acute in distance education, how do we develop a peer assisted learning program online which creates a sense of community for its participants? Since 2006, MSN Messenger has been used on a relatively small scale to facilitate this at USQ, with largely positive initial results. Based on evaluations of this initiative, this paper explores the potential of Wimba software, within an institution-wide Moodle learning management system, to extend peer assisted learning programs in a Web 2.0 context.

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Item Type:	Article (Commonwealth Reporting Category C)
Refereed:	Yes
Item Status:	Live Archive
Additional Information:	Deposited with blanket permission of publisher.
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre:	Historic - Learning and Teaching Support Unit
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre:	Historic - Learning and Teaching Support Unit
Date Deposited:	04 Dec 2008 01:51
Last Modified:	12 Jul 2014 01:13
Uncontrolled Keywords:	peer-assisted learning, Meet-Up, Wimba, fleximode
Fields of Research (2008):	13 Education > 1303 Specialist Studies in Education > 130306 Educational Technology and Computing 13 Education > 1301 Education Systems > 130108 Technical, Further and Workplace Education
Identification Number or DOI:	uow051813
URI:	http://eprints.usq.edu.au/id/eprint/4674

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