Courtney Sprague

Technology in Education
Google Scholar Assignment
9/6/16

Note: I found the articles on Google Scholar, however to be able to read them I had to log
in to ProQuest Central through the University, so that is what the links are to!

Article One
Title: School Climate: Sense of Classroom and School Communities in Online and OnCampus Higher Education Courses
Author: Alfred P. Rovai, Mervyn J. Whiting, and Jing Liu
URL: http://0search.proquest.com.library.uark.edu/central/docview/231071527/F8B45D9767124D76P
Q/5?accountid=8361
Year Published: 2005

Article Two
Title: Pedagogical Characteristics of Online and Face-to-Face Classes
Author: Karl L. Wuensch, Shahnaz Aziz, Erol Ozan, Masao Kishore, M H N. Tabrizi
URL: http://0search.proquest.com.library.uark.edu/central/docview/210330787/96AC1D6817F84EAC
PQ/1?accountid=8361

Year Published: 2008

Article Three
Title: Online Versus On-Campus Instruction: Student Attitudes & Perceptions
Author: Lawrence A. Beard, Cynthia Harper, and Riley, Gena
URL: http://0search.proquest.com.library.uark.edu/central/docview/874199093/9B0F17DADDEE4FF
DPQ/1?accountid=8361
Year Published: 2004
Summary:
Beard, Harper, and Riley conducted a study in 2004 to get the opinions of
students on in class vs. online classes. They start by introducing the idea of an online
course and how it works, through different technological advances. Beard et al say that
the benefit to online instruction is allowing students to spend more time on their work at
their own convenience and in their own homes. While online courses can be incredibly
convenient and beneficial, there are also some drawbacks to them as well. Many students
actually learn better with a direct contact instruction rather than through a computer.
Technological difficulties also create a large part of what makes online classes so
questionable. Jacksonville State Universitys College of Education and Professional
Studies utilizes many opportunities for students to learn in a nontraditional manner,
including Blackboard Learn.
The study included 42 students enrolled in Characteristics of Severe Disabilities
and 31 students enrolled in follow up Research and Practices of Students with Severe

Disabilities. Both classes were conducted using traditional lecture method for the first
half of the semester, and Blackboard on which the professor would post lectures and
materials for the second half, which allowed attendance to become optional. A
questionnaire was created to discover how the students reacted to the two different
methods of teaching. Written comments were also collected throughout the semester to
get an idea of how the students were affected. Generally speaking, the comments
supported and enjoyed the six weeks of online instruction. Some students favored both
modes of instruction, meaning that they attended class but also used the online materials.
A sample of written comments provided in the article prove that students
appreciated the ability to do their classwork on their own time as they had other things
going on in their lives. They enjoyed the format of the notes online, as well as the ability
to attend class and have backup notes. Others felt that direct contact with their instructor
was imperative to their learning. Some even expressed concern over the lack of ability to
interact with their fellow classmates. Overall students appreciated the opportunity to live
their lives and do what they need to do, while also being able to get all the materials
needed for class.