Online Learning Networks in Higher Education: A Case Study of the Brock Learning Network

Dr. Camille Rutherford Dr. Candace Figg

Brock University - St. Catharines, Canada

www. brocku.ca/BLN

Ed Media 2010 Toronto

Drupal Toolkit• Advanced Help• Aggregator• Block• Blog• Blogtheme• Comment• Contact• Content Permissions• Database logging• Embedded Media

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Ineffective!Internal Statistics

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How is the BLN being used?

• Low Bounce Rate

• Average Time on Site

• Visit a Day, Pages per Visit

• # of users

Sep 2, 2009 – Mar 10, 2010

Benefits - Student EngagementBenefits - Student Engagement

• Active & collaborative learning

• Supportive campus environment

• Student-student interactions

• Student instructor interactions

Student engagement in educationally purposeful activities is positively related to academic

persistence and academic achievement (Kuh et al, 2007).

BLN Benefits - Student EngagementBLN Benefits - Student Engagement• Active & collaborative learning

•Sharing of resources & ideas -> Learning community• Supportive campus environment

•Reduction of isolation -> Learning community• Student-student interactions

•Increased interactions with peers ->Positive relationships with peers

• Student instructor interactions

•Increased interactions with instructors -> Positive relationships with instructors

Implications• Institutional networks

vs third party sites

Implications• Institutional networks

provide for separation of professional & …

Implications• Institutional networks

provide for separation of professional & personal life.

Implications• Institutional networks

are better able to protect intellectual property rights and ensure ongoing access.

Implications• Learning networks

better able to support student engagement vs LMS

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Implications• Learning networks

allow students to highlight their individual persona.

Recommendations• Learning network

recommendations to further enhance student engagement…