posted on 2011-11-18, 14:23authored byChi-Wang Simon Wong
Inspired by the difference between the findings of Wong (2008) and many other
previous findings, the researcher adopted Creswell’s (2009) sequential explanatory
design of mixed methods, in which a quantitative phase was followed by a qualitative
phase, to explore the factors which influence the learning effectiveness of the students
taking an on-line introductory information technology course in a higher education
institution in Hong Kong. Since the students using on-line education mainly learn by
themselves through reading the on-line materials and discussing in the on-line
discussion forums, the researcher was interested in exploring whether and how students’
on-line learning performance is influenced by the three variables related to students’
proficiency in English, the medium of instruction in Hong Kong higher education, for
self-learning and discussion in on-line education system, namely (1) student’s English
proficiency, (2) instructor’s guidance in on-line discussion forum and (3) peer students’
collaboration in on-line discussion forum. In the first quantitative phase, correlation and
multiple regression analyses were used in an analytical survey to examine the
relationship between these three variables and students’ learning performance as
reflected by their test scores and explore how these variables interact. As a follow-up to
have a better understanding of the quantitative findings, twenty-four participants were
interviewed in the second qualitative phase. Interview transcripts were analysed by
different coders and their findings were used in triangulating with quantitative results,
together with inter-coder reliability testing and member checking in order to ensure the
validity and reliability of the study. The results of both phases revealed these three
variables have effect on students’ on-line learning, with students’ English proficiency
being the most influential. These results were supported by students’ perception and
used to relate to suggestions for on-line education improvements.