PsycINFO Annotations

Neal, Lisa, and Diane Miller. “Distance Education.” eLearn Magazine. 2005: 454-470. PsycINFO. Helmke Lib., Ft. Wayne, IN. 25 February 2007.

This magazine article focuses on how distance education can provide a richer and more engaging educational experience than is possible within the confines of the classroom. She argues that it requires creativity and innovation in the design and development of Internet-delivered materials.

Davies, Jo, and Martin Graff. “Performance in e-learning: Online participation and student grades.” British Journal of Educational Technology 36 (2005): 657-663. PsycINFO. Helmke Lib., Ft. Wayne, IN. 25 February 2007.

This article explains the beneficial effects of learners interacting in online programs. It argues that the benefits of online discussion should translate into improved student performance.

Francescata, Donata, and Minou Mebane. “Developing professional skills and social capital through computer supported collaborative learning in university contexts.” International Journal of Human-Computer Studies 65 (2007): 140-152. PsycINFO. Helmke Lib., Ft. Wayne, IN. 25 February 2007.

This is a study aimed to compare the efficacy of collaborative learning in face-to-face and online university courses in developing professional skills and social capital. One hundred and sixty-six psychology majors learnt professional skills in seminars taught by the same teacher online and face-to-face. The different groups of participants achieved similar growth in level of professional knowledge, social self-efficacy, self-efficacy for problem solving and empowerment. Online students were top performers on competence-based tasks. Follow-up evaluation after 9 months showed that social ties, formed initially more in the face-to-face groups, lasted more among online students.