FFT February 2004 2
OutlineOutline
• I. How it all Happened
• II. Country Facts
• III. Web-based Learning Skills
• IV. Course Descriptions & Dates (3)
• V. Student Feedback & Differences
• VI. Conclusions
• VII. Slide Show
• VIII. Your thoughts
FFT February 2004 3
I. How it HappenedI. How it Happened
• Sabbatical• Perused Fulbright Grants Page• Opening in Nepal• Received research/teaching grant for Nepal
• 5 months: August – December
• Sent email to the President of University of Iceland
• U. of Iceland offered an instructor position for Jan – May
• Applied for Senior Scholar Fulbright to Nepal for June and July
FFT February 2004 4
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2002 10:59:52 -0800 (PST)From: Jeff Riskin <[email protected]>To: Karen Lemone <[email protected]>Subject: Nepal
Hi, Karen,
I don't like what I'm hearing in the news today; 127police & soldiers killed by rebels in Nepal. Ongoingviolence, etc, etc. Several stories can be accessedat Yahoo.com and/or your favorite news site.
Why Nepal?!?!?! For this, you could go to Israel andbe warm before you get blown up or Pakistan, climbsome mountains and then get kidnapped! If you want togo far away, you'd love Australia; you might even getvisitors.
Cheers,Jeff
FFT February 2004 5
II. Country FactsII. Country Facts
• http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook• http://www.worldfactsandfigures.com/
countries
FFT February 2004 6
Nepal: Nepal: Slightly Larger than Arkansas
Iceland: Iceland: Slightly Smaller than Kentucky
U.S.A: U.S.A: …
Country Facts: SIZECountry Facts: SIZE
FFT February 2004 7
Nepal: Nepal: 26.5 Million
Iceland: Iceland: 280 Thousand
U.S.A: U.S.A: 290 Million
Country Facts: PopulationCountry Facts: Population
FFT February 2004 8
Nepal: Nepal: Sub-Tropical
Severe Winters
Iceland: Iceland: Temperate
U.S.A: U.S.A: Mostly Moderate
Country Facts: ClimateCountry Facts: Climate
FFT February 2004 9
Nepal: Nepal: None - Landlocked
Iceland: Iceland: Sealocked!
U.S.A: U.S.A: Coastlines
Country Facts:Country Facts: Maritime Maritime
FFT February 2004 10
Nepal:Nepal: 70 m 8850 m
Iceland:Iceland: 0 2119 m
U.S.A:U.S.A: -86 m 6194 m
Country Facts:Country Facts: Elevation Extremes Elevation Extremes
FFT February 2004 11
Nepal:Nepal: Quartz, H20, Hydropower, Timber, Beauty
Iceland:Iceland: Fish, Hydropower, Geothermal Power
U.S.A:U.S.A: …
Country Facts:Country Facts: Natural Resources Natural Resources
FFT February 2004 12
Nepal:Nepal: Thunderstorms, Flooding, Landslides, Earthquakes, Maoist Terrorists
Iceland:Iceland: Earthquakes, Volcanoes
U.S.A:U.S.A: …
Country Facts:Country Facts: Hazards Hazards
FFT February 2004 13
Nepal:Nepal: Deforestation, Contaminated water, Vehicular Emissons
Iceland:Iceland: Water Pollution?, Inadequate Wastewater Treatment?
U.S.A:U.S.A: Air Pollution, Water Pollution…
Current Environmental IssuesCurrent Environmental Issues
FFT February 2004 14
Nepal:Nepal: 59 (Women: 58)
Iceland:Iceland: 80
U.S.A:U.S.A: 77
Country Facts:Country Facts: Life Expectancy Life Expectancy
FFT February 2004 15
Nepal:Nepal: 71
Iceland:Iceland: 3.5
U.S.A:U.S.A: 7
Infant Mortalities/1000 BirthsInfant Mortalities/1000 Births
FFT February 2004 16
Nepal:Nepal: Males: 41 % Females: 14 %
Iceland:Iceland: 100%
U.S.A:U.S.A: 97%
Literacy (15+ can read)Literacy (15+ can read)
FFT February 2004 17
Nepal:Nepal: One of the poorest, least-developed in the world
Iceland:Iceland: Capitalistic; Huge welfare system
U.S.A:U.S.A: …
Country Facts:Country Facts: Economy Economy
FFT February 2004 18
Nepal:Nepal: Tourism, Carpets, Textiles, Rice
Iceland:Iceland: Fish, Aluminum, Tourism
U.S.A:U.S.A: Industrial
Country Facts:Country Facts: Industries Industries
FFT February 2004 19
Nepal:Nepal: 47 %
Iceland:Iceland: 3 %
U.S.A:U.S.A: 6 %
Country Facts:Country Facts: Unemployment Unemployment
FFT February 2004 20
Nepal:Nepal: Poor; Few cell phones
Iceland:Iceland: Extensive, 248 thousand cell phones
U.S.A:U.S.A: …
Country Facts:Country Facts: Telephone System Telephone System
FFT February 2004 21
Nepal:Nepal: None (58 km narrow gauge)
Iceland:Iceland: None
U.S.A:U.S.A: …
Country Facts:Country Facts: Railways Railways
FFT February 2004 22
Nepal:Nepal: 35,000
Iceland:Iceland: 144,000
U.S.A:U.S.A: 148 million
Country Facts:Country Facts: Internet Users Internet Users
FFT February 2004 23
III. Web-based Learning Background III. Web-based Learning Background 11
• Charles Wedemeyer• 1960ish• Favored Independent Study
over traditional correspondence study
• Democracy in Education• Poor, Handicapped,
Geographically Isolated
• Learning Centers• New Technologies• Adult and Continuing Education
• Ideas formed Basis for founding of British Open University
FFT February 2004 24
Web-based Learning Background Web-based Learning Background 22
Theory of Transactional Distance
Definition: Transactional Distance: Space of Potential Misunderstanding between the inputs of the instructor & those of the learner• Michael Moore & Greg Kearsley• Notion of geographical distance could be bridged using
Technology• Both parties must seek to overcome communication gap
• Three Variables1. Interaction or Dialog
• Little interaction increased transactional distancw
2. Course Structure and Layout• Need balance between “too little” and “too much”
3. Learner Autonomy• Student’s ability to direct learning without instructor supervision or
intervention• More autonomy needed for larger transactional distance
FFT February 2004 25
Web-based Learning Background Web-based Learning Background 33
• Insung Jung’s Theory on Web-based Instruction• Emphasize Pedagogy, not Technology• Communication
• Between students and instructors• Between groups• Between individuals in class
• Student Learning• Learning autonomy, but with student interactions• Both parties must seek to overcome communication gap
• The Instructor• Encourage student communications• Stimulate interest in subject matter• Visual Factors important• Content expandable, adaptable
FFT February 2004 26
Web-based Learning Background Web-based Learning Background 44
• Power Distance• Acceptance of unequal
distribution of power
• Uncertainty Avoidance• Degree of tolerance for deviation
from the norm
• Individualism• Includes gender equality
• Maculinity• Assertiveness, materialism, self-
centeredness• As opposed to:
interdependence, quality of life, service
• Geert Hofstede’s Cultural Differences Model
FFT February 2004 27
IV. Course Descriptions & DatesIV. Course Descriptions & Dates
Audience : GradsCourse : CompilersMode : First 8 weeks in class; last 6 by
distance learningTime Frame : October, 2002 –December 2003
Audience : Undergrads & Grads
Course : Web programming
Mode : ½ in-class ½ by distance learning
Time Frame : January, 2003 – May 2003
FFT February 2004 28
Courses (continued)Courses (continued)
Audience : GradsCourse : Web ProgrammingMode : In-class Time Frame : June – July, 2003
Audience : GradsCourse : Web ProgrammingMode : Distance - LearningTime Frame : June – July, 2003
Audience : UndergraduatesCourse : Web ProgrammingMode : Intensive (everyday, 5+ hrs)
First 2 weeks in class; Last 2 by distance learning
Time Frame : July, 2003
NEPALNEPAL
NEPALNEPAL
Essentially, the Essentially, the same coursesame course
FFT February 2004 29
Nepal Grads: Nepal Grads: Compiler CourseCompiler Course
• Small Class
• Background and Skills: Poor
• Attitude: Good
• Study Skills: Poor
• Grades: Poor
In-Class1: Oct. – DecDistance learning: Jan. – Feb.
1. Except for “bandh’s”
FFT February 2004 30
Nepal Grads: Nepal Grads: Compiler Course Compiler Course (contd..)(contd..)
• Difficult to Teach
• Failing Grades
• Inability to work Independently
• Cheating
• Introduced them to Course Management System (Bulletin Board)
FFT February 2004 31
Nepal Grads: Nepal Grads: Compiler Course Compiler Course (contd..)(contd..)
• Most submitted identical work
• Most submitted poor work
• Unable to continue the programming project
• Group Postings!
FFT February 2004 32
Nepal Grads: Nepal Grads: Compiler Course Compiler Course (contd..)(contd..)
• Final Exam On-line
• Department Chair Proctored• He let them cheat
• Most failed
• Grades: 1 A, 1 B, Rest C’s
FFT February 2004 33
V. Student Feedback & DifferencesV. Student Feedback & Differences
Nepali Grads – Compiler CourseQuestionnaire Results
Was This Course Appropriate to your
Career Goals?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Yes No
Series1
Did you have the Necessary
Background?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Yes No
Series1
FFT February 2004 34
Feedback & Differences (contd..)Feedback & Differences (contd..)
Nepali Grads – Compiler CourseQuestionnaire Results
Did you like the material in the course?
012345678
Yes No
Which part of the course did you like
best
0
2
4
6
8
10
In-Class Distance learning
FFT February 2004 35
Feedback & Differences (contd..)Feedback & Differences (contd..)
Nepali Grads – Compiler CourseQuestionnaire Results
Would you take a web-based distance learning course again?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Yes No
Would you have gotten a better grade
without distance learning?
012345678
Yes No
FFT February 2004 36
Feedback & Differences (contd..)Feedback & Differences (contd..)
Nepali Grads – Compiler CourseQuestionnaire Results
• Other:• Liked the web-based material• Also wanted a text• Distance Learning Important for Nepal
• They said: No Cultural Issues (!)
FFT February 2004 37
Online Behavioral DifferencesOnline Behavioral Differences
• At first, no bulletin board postings• They weren’t reading mine either
• Posted as a group to the course bulletin board
• See following email
• Online content came from a published book• But since online, not considered adequate
FFT February 2004 38
Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2002 13:50:07 +0545
From: Rajesh Lal Nyachhyon <[email protected]>To: [email protected]: lex file (rajesh)Parts/Attachments: 1 Shown 17 lines Text 2 OK 35 lines Text----------------------------------------
Dear Karen Madam, I have saved the lex file in the Notepad....I did tried to saveThe input & outputs, but I couldn't.Looking forward to hear from you very soon.LoveRajesh.
FFT February 2004 39
Online Behavioral DifferencesOnline Behavioral Differences
• They did check grades constantly!
• For distance learning part, 1, maybe 2 people did the assignments. Everyone else signed their name.
• Unable to go out on the web to clarify material
FFT February 2004 40
IcelandIceland
• Large Class: 75 students
• Easy, but unresponsive to teach• Rarely Posted to BB
• Wide Age Range
• Good backgrounds
• (Too?) Independent
• Little Cheating
• Some worked hard, some didn’t
Audience : Undergrads & GradsCourse : Web ProgrammingMode : ½ in-class
½ by distance learning Time Frame : January, 2003 – May 2003 at 8 a.m.!
FFT February 2004 41
Iceland ResultsIceland Results
• 1/6 failed course
• Many Low grades
• In-class students did slightly better than Distance Learners
• Most liked course
• Most would take a Distance Learning Course (again)
• Prided themselves on “Independence”
FFT February 2004 42
IV & V again: IV & V again: Back to NepalBack to Nepal
Audience : Same GradsCourse : Web ProgrammingMode : In-class Time Frame : June – July, 2003
Audience : 3rd year UndergraduatesCourse : Web ProgrammingMode : Intensive (everyday, 5+ hrs)
First 2 weeks in class; Last 2 by distance learning
Time Frame : July, 2003
NEPALNEPAL
NEPALNEPAL
Essentially, the Essentially, the same coursesame course
Audience : WPI Grads (couple undergrads)Course : Web ProgrammingMode : Distance - LearningTime Frame : June – July, 2003
FFT February 2004 43
Pre-QuestionnairePre-Questionnaire
WPI Students: Knew some or all of the materialNepali Grad Students: Knew none of the material
WPI Students: Planned to spend an average of ~12 hours/weekNepali Grad Students: Planned to spend an average of ~6 hours/week
WPI Students: 2/14 had done distance learningNepali Grad Students: 6/9 claimed not to have done distance learning!
FFT February 2004 44
If Wishes were Horses…If Wishes were Horses…
• Course: Programming + Project + Homeworks
• I wanted the (Grad) Nepalis and the US students to work together.
• Didn’t happen although they shared the Bulletin Board & Chat Room…
FFT February 2004 45
ResultsResults• US students mostly did well (A’s and B’s, 1 C, 1 Inc.)
• Some excellent Projects• Appropriate Technology• Varying levels of Adaptive• No Cheating on Final?
• Nepali grad students: Some did visually attractive projects• Little Technology• Only 1/9 did the Adaptive Part• Two students plagiarized on project• Did Poorly on Final
• Nepali Undergrads:• Okay Projects• Okay Final (online, but proctored)• No major Issues
FFT February 2004 46
QuestionnaireQuestionnaire
• US students • Mostly Content• Most (but not all) would take another distance learning course• Average Time Spent: 15+ hours/week
• Nepali grad students:• Some didn’t think course appropriate to career goals• Think distance learning important for Nepal• Spent 10+ hours/week
• Nepali Undergrads:• Similar answers to grads
FFT February 2004 47
VI. My ConclusionsVI. My Conclusions• U.S.
• Distance Learning appropriate for many learning styles• Instructor must use communication tools• Theoretical Material must be animated for understanding
• Iceland• Distance Learning appropriate for culture• Lack of communication skills impedes using tools
• Nepali Grad students:• School needs to address attitude problem• Instructor must be aware of cultural issues• May not be appropriate for current generation• Lack of Independence impedes web-based learning
• Nepali Undergrads:• ???