Measures of Learning Effectiveness in the SUNY Learning Network

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Measures of Learning Effectiveness in the SUNY Learning Network

P. Shea
E. Fredericksen
A. Pickett
W. Pelz
K. Swan

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the SUNY Learning Network (SLN) and reports on research conducted to determine whether and how students are learning within this asynchronous learning environment. The three studies reported here indicate that, for the several thousand students who responded to their respective surveys, SLN was both highly satisfactory and an environment conducive to high levels of learning. These reports point to the centrality of the sense of community created and supported by faculty-to- student and student-to-student interaction in asynchronous learning networks.

Keywords

ALN, Online Learning, Higher Education, Evaluation

Annotation

These studies look at the SUNY (State University of New York System) Learning Network and its asynchronous learning environment. Students reported high satisfaction rates with the asynchronous system and indicated positive learning environments. The data also indicates at least 41% of informants want to complete their entire degree via online-courses. Ultimately, the studies note the importance of creating a positive community of learning and having positive faculty-to-student and student-to-student interactions. In order to do this, the authors suggest 4 necessary qualities: social-presence, self-disclosure, social expectancies and the lack of “lurking,” and the accessibility of the students and the professors (p. 19-20).

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