Effectiveness of E-learning in Tertiary Education in Australia

Running head: INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH
Topic: Effectiveness of E-learning in tertiary education in Australia
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
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INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH1
Article 1
Yang, D. F., Catterall, J., & Davis, J. (2013). Supporting new students from vocational education
and training: Finding a reusable solution to address recurring learning difficulties in e-
learning. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 29(5).
The article, published in Australian Journal of Education Technology discusses about the
elevated interest in Australian universities into the transition events of Vocational Education and
Training (VET) pathway students. The paper draws attention to the fact that while few students
have adopted online learning, over 20% of newly admitted VET students have experienced
immense anxiety and apprehension while learning online. Authors focus on the competence of
learners to acclimate to noteworthy transition shifts of learning that is of great concern. The
article made good use of previous studies, which conducted research on mature age students
engaged in VET sector who encounter challenges to balance between study, family and work.
Additionally, the article can be considered as informative as it highlights that improved
flexibility provided by digital learning is not supposed to be more comprehensive for various
groups of students in comparison to traditional teaching approaches. Article offers information
on the way Education Technology Preparation (ETP) program has acknowledged needing of
students by focusing on prior technical knowledge deficit and expertise of students to adapt e-
learning. Article reasons claims of other scholars by asserting that all new learners do not
necessarily possess required aptitude to adapt e-learning in the first year of their university.
Furthermore, article offers feedback data by conducting study, which sheds light on the
assumption that learners not only enhanced their e-learning experience and approaches but also
attains improved skills which tend to facilitate them benefit more of flexible learning. This
article acknowledges well-developed support framework intended for students taking admission

INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH2
in university based on VET studies specifically during preliminary stage of educational course.
While concluding the study, article draws two inferences stating that it is highly imperative to
offer students entering university with advanced e-learning support program. Furthermore,
considering institutional policy, it is vital to guarantee sufficient means and resource for the
support program.
The article can be considered appropriate for my subject, as it has offered comprehensive
insights related to diverse online experiences encountered by students on VET pathway during
their first year of course. Authors throughout their research have recommended on students’
improved competence of adapting digital learning. I have been highly enlightened as a reader to
the fact that educational institutions currently require determining expected expense of these
avenues and must effectively offer these learning methods to students through practically
orientated sessions to help these newly admitted students adapt e-learning skills and
competencies.
Article 2
Hosie, P., & Schibeci, R. (2005). Checklist and context‐bound evaluations of online learning in
higher education. British Journal of Educational Technology, 36(5), 881-895.
Article conducts a close study on documentation made by several commentators on
assessment of educational courseware in the domain of higher education. It explores the role of
checklists, which have been used to examine digital courseware irrespective of recognized
limitations. The paper acknowledges importance of Technologically Mediated Learning in
providing cost-beneficial collaborative learning methods for learners in distance learning courses
while preserving effective outcomes. Additionally, this article can be considered as informative

INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH3
as it provides data of estimated Internet users, which reached up to 605.60 million in 2002.
Authors undertook insights of former studies, which estimated that online student population
would rise up to 80 million across the world by next 5-6 years. Furthermore, article investigates
that despite of the accuracy of this projection; major population has Internet access in recent
times and will eventually elevate demand of digital learning for higher education. Additionally, it
delves into implication of information exchange through Internet, which will shortly develop as
sustainable international distance online education provisions for students worldwide. Article
offered inclusive information regarding pedagogies utilized in viable learning resources. By
emphasizing on attributes and assessment framework, article revealed constructivist learning
values designed for possessions as well as learning support that has been presented in Teaching
and Learning Management Plan of the Edith Cowan University Quality. Article identifies link of
attributes and assessment framework with constructive perspective and further accentuates on the
importance of student’s goals, experiences as well as cognitive approaches.
The article can be viewed as well- structured one as it not only discusses pedagogies,
generations of distance learning. It further explores factors related to base of distance education,
Edith Cowan University Quality checklists that have been considered as effective pointers of the
areas where distance education resources are effectual as well as recognize areas of shortages
and recommends framework for evaluating courseware for other universities. Furthermore,
article focuses on limitations of using checklist method for assess educational courseware.
While, concluding article recommends emphasizing on value of instructional design for
evaluating courseware. This article discusses the outcome of persistent comments and conflict on
excellence of contextual assessments of educational courseware in order to strengthen arguments