Peer-to-Peer learning using a learning management system in

an ODL environment

Authors

Mampilo Phahlane

School of Computing, University of South Africa

Raymond Kekwaletswe

Department of Informatics,

Tshwane University of Technology

What is Peer-to-Peer learning

Gaining knowledge , understanding and skill through active involvement and the support of matched peers (Topping and Ehly, 1988)

Peer-to-peer learning characteristicsVoluntary involvement

Trustnon-hierarchical status

Maturity of the partnerships leading to closeness, mutuality and authenticity

What is a learning management system

Learning management system (LMS)

is an internet based

applications that provides a set of functionalities

and educational services to manage learning content and

learners (Avgeiou et al., 2003). Examples of learning management

systems are WebCT, Moodle, Sakai, Saba, learningSpace

Blackboard among others

How a LMS supports learning

• Narrative• Communicative

• Adaptive• Interactive• Productive

What is open and distance learning (ODL)

ODL can be defined as “learning experiences with dimensions of openness and flexibility to its learners in one of the following

areas: time, place, learning style, content, pace, pathways and

assessments” (Ling et al., 2001, 20).

Some of the problems encountered by learners in ODL

Lack of institutional supportPerceived lack of feedback and

contactFeelings of isolation

Lack of learner training in institutional technologies

Research methodology

• An interpretive approach was used with an open-ended questionnaire together with students’ textual interactions from MyUnisa as the main methods of data collection

• Undergraduate students from UNISA registered for EUC 131T

• Aim of the study: To determine how students complete group work in an ODL environment using a LMS

• Student task: To form a group to complete an assignment with using MyUnisa’s as a means of communication

Underpinning theory

• For this study Activity Theory (AT) was used as a lens as it has been applied successfully in

context based investigations of individual and social transformations.

• Activity theory can be described as understanding human behaviour by examining social context of the behaviour and motivations of social pressures of people as they engage in

activities. (Engestrom, 1987)

A basic activity structure (Engestrom, 1987: 75)

Tool

Subject Object

Rules Community Division of Labour

Transformation

Process

Outcomes

Analysis of the study using AT

• Tool- MyUnisa (the LMS)• Subject- UNISA learners• Object- communication on MyUnisa• Community- Unisa learners with their peers

and instructor• Rules- the student must be registered to be

able to use MyUnisa• Division of labor- students sharing group work• Outcome-Peer-to-Peer learning

AnalysisGraph 1:Locations where students access MyUnisa from

Analysis continued…

Graph 1:Devices students use to access MyUnisa

Analysis continued…

•Peer-to-Peer learning and support…with regards to traditional transaction processing applications, which of the following can be classified as an accounting transaction? there are 2 possible answers. Which one do you think its correct?1.purchase order processing2.order processing.

•Sharing of resources and ideas•The use of language•Administrative support•Others formed groups on google and facebook (Policy implications)

Conclusions

• MyUnisa as more than a “document dump”

• Setting clear outcomes and learning goals as an instructor

• Teachers taking leadership for using MyUnisa for learning purposes

• Independent learning• Incorporating social media

Thank you

Questions and answers!