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An evaluation of a secondary school mathematics e-learning project
Author
Lee, Yan Kheng
Supervisor
Hu, Chun
Abstract
This research study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an e-learning project implemented by a secondary school mathematics department and to identify the benefits of using e-learning in teaching the topic on Quadrilaterals. The specific research questions for this study were (1) Are students able to master the basic concepts for the topic on 'Quadrilaterals' through the use of e-learning? and (2) What are the benefits of using e-learning in the learning of 'Quadrilaterals'?
The participants in this study were 205 secondary one express students and 6 teachers who taught secondary one and two express mathematics classes. The entire project, stretching over a period of one year, involved the implementation of IT-based lessons using Internet facilities. For this project, the form of e-learning used was web asynchronous on-line learning. Teachers decided on the content, and prepared lessons and practice in advance of pupils' access. The web-based materials included a series of lecture notes, tutorials and worksheets to teach related mathematics concepts.
An action research approach was adopted for the research study of the e-learning project. To support the qualitative and quantitative inquiry of the project, data was collected through pupils' written assessment results, evaluation surveys, interviews with pupils and teachers, and the researcher's reflective journal. The adoption of such a multi-method approach aimed to achieve the objective of a holistic in-depth understanding into the effectiveness and benefits of e-learning in the learning of 'Quadrilaterals'.
Results from the written assessment conducted showed that students were able to master the basic concepts of 'Quadrilaterals'. Findings from evaluation surveys and interviews with pupils and teachers indicated that self-perceived benefits included (a) e-learning is an innovative and interesting mode of learning, (b) e-learning activities are effective, (c) e-learning promotes independent learning and (d) e-learning provides meaningful way to incorporate technology into curriculum.
The participants in this study were 205 secondary one express students and 6 teachers who taught secondary one and two express mathematics classes. The entire project, stretching over a period of one year, involved the implementation of IT-based lessons using Internet facilities. For this project, the form of e-learning used was web asynchronous on-line learning. Teachers decided on the content, and prepared lessons and practice in advance of pupils' access. The web-based materials included a series of lecture notes, tutorials and worksheets to teach related mathematics concepts.
An action research approach was adopted for the research study of the e-learning project. To support the qualitative and quantitative inquiry of the project, data was collected through pupils' written assessment results, evaluation surveys, interviews with pupils and teachers, and the researcher's reflective journal. The adoption of such a multi-method approach aimed to achieve the objective of a holistic in-depth understanding into the effectiveness and benefits of e-learning in the learning of 'Quadrilaterals'.
Results from the written assessment conducted showed that students were able to master the basic concepts of 'Quadrilaterals'. Findings from evaluation surveys and interviews with pupils and teachers indicated that self-perceived benefits included (a) e-learning is an innovative and interesting mode of learning, (b) e-learning activities are effective, (c) e-learning promotes independent learning and (d) e-learning provides meaningful way to incorporate technology into curriculum.
Date Issued
2002
Call Number
QA14.S55 Lee
Date Submitted
2002