This article, presented in the British Journal of Educational Technology, was written by Mishra Sanjaya.

Why was this study conducted?

Mishra Sanjaya noticed that “…most of the web-courses are nothing more than a classroom lecture materials posted on to the web.” As such, “This paper presents a design framework for creating online learning environments.”

How was this study conducted?

The author begins by listing the three types of online learning environments as stated by Berge et. al (2000): (1) “…using the web as a supplement to face-to-face,” (2) “…using the web in a mixed mode with face-to-face instruction, and (3) “…using web-based instruction instead of face-to-face instruction.”

Participants

Since this was not a study, there were no participants.

Important Findings/Results

The design framework incorporates “…the three learning theories and their basic instructional approaches…” The theories and approaches have been integrated into one system. The design framework lists various tasks, web tools, and basic instructional approaches that can be used with 3 learning theories: (1) Behaviorism, (2) Cognitivism, and (3) Constructivism.

Significance of study

This study is significant because, as the author noted, “Web technologies are being used popularly at all levels of education and training…However, most of the web-courses are nothing more than a classroom lecture materials posted on the web.” Web-courses must go beyond activities that can be accomplished in the regular classroom.

What this study means to me and my current position as learner & instructor

This study is not significant to me in my current position as instructor since I am not presently teaching (nor desire to teach) any web-courses. However, in my current position as a learner it is extremely significant because if I feel that the web-course I am currently taking does not develop any new skills, or if I feel that the web-course materials, and discussions could better be addressed in a classroom setting, I will not be likely to take any more web-courses.

Commentary on the case study research

According to the author, “The programme, developed with the support of the World Bank, is now in the process of its impact evaluation.” The design framework sounds like it would be effective, however, I would have to see more results before making any determination as to its true value to education.

Reference

Mishra, S. (2002). A design framework for online learning environments. British Journal of Educational Technology, 33(4), 493-496.

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