Applying the counseling-learning approach to a tourism-related massive open online course

ABSTRACT

This study discusses how to apply counseling-learning (CL) principles to a particular e-learning solution for teaching a tourism-related subject via a massive open online course (MOOC). Several effective caring patterns in achieving learning-related goals and being part of a community according to the CL principles are presented and discussed using the MOOC “eTourism: Communication Perspectives” as a case study. The study underlines how the MOOC platform can act as a place for contents enjoinment and active learning. Moreover, the active role of social media for increasing the engagement of learners in the proposed activities and for developing a sense of the community is identified. In particular, Facebook and Twitter can act as places for community building and informal social interactions among learners that last beyond the completion of the course, which in turn can be a valid aid for continuing the relationships among instructors/learners and learners/learners, and for reaching new ones.     

On-line/Off-line: Joint Negotiation Teaching in Montreal and Vienna

E-business systems, the most recent generation of information systems, can be effectively used in teaching. One such system was developed and used in a collaborative project that involved teaching of negotiation theory and practice to students from Austria and Canada. The system provides customized course materials and a platform to conduct various e-negotiation activities. The design allows combining e-learning technologies designed to support students in their independent and individual learning with conventional face-to-face training. Our experience indicates that professional negotiation training accompanied by e-learning, and tools to support decision-making and negotiation can foster students' appreciation of the technology as well as demonstrate its limitations. The combination of technology-intensive and conventional resources contributed to students' awareness of social influences on negotiations, importance of communication, and focussed their attention on the problem and its solution. Deeper customization of the course content and delivery may further contribute to effective learning and acquiring of both communication and analytical skills.     

云南网络教育现状与移动学习之应对

"M-Learning"意指基于移动计算设备实施远程教学过程。此处的移动设备意指能够方便随身携带、随时随地使用的小尺寸屏幕的手持设备,包含PDA、手机、MP4以及手持电子书阅读器等等。E-Learning模式的远程教育给人们带来了自由自主、资源共享的学习时代。云南省作为中国西部边疆省份,是教育资源稀缺省份。随着网络教育的发展,全省各地高校、中小学纷纷自建网站,省外近70家高校网络学院均在云南推行,成绩斐然。2006年始,云南省移动通信公司和省教育厅多次沟通,有志于打造本土最强的教育网络,建设移动学习平台,实现企业科教兴省的志向,随后付诸实施。我有幸参与此项目的社会调研工作,了解这一领域发展动向。     

Exploring the impact of different factors on brand equity and intention to take up online courses from e-Learning platforms

Understanding service branding from the customer perspective is helpful for various organizations to attain a competitive edge and build a strong customer base. This research work aims to evaluate the various dimensions and constructs that affect brand equity and user's willingness to undertake courses from various e-Learning providers. Data for the quantitative study was obtained using a questionnaire based survey. Analysis of the 378 responses reveals that consumer experience is a strong predictor of both brand meaning and customer satisfaction. Although brand meaning positively impacts brand equity, brand awareness demonstrates a negative effect on brand equity. However, brand equity and customer satisfaction have a significant and positive impact on intention to undertake courses from online learning platforms. The study concludes with discussion on different implications, shortcomings, and directions for future research.     

Human factors affecting university hospitality and tourism students' intention to use e-learning: A comparative study between Egypt and the UK

ABSTRACT

The main purpose of this study is to apply the technology acceptance model in examining two human factors (i.e., engagement with e-learning, self-efficacy) influencing university hospitality and tourism students' intention to use e-learning in two different higher education contexts: Egypt, as an example of a developing country, and the United Kingdom (UK), as an example of a developed country. A total of 600 online questionnaires were sent to a convenience sample of university hospitality and tourism students. Among the questionnaires returned, 442 were usable ones, representing a response rate of 73.7%. The results from structural equation modeling show that student engagement with e-learning and e-learning self-efficacy had significant effects on both the Egyptian and UK students' intention to use e-learning platforms through the mediating variables of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Additionally, gender and background were significant factors affecting students' intention.     

Online consumer learning as a tool for improving product appropriation

Online tutorials make access to information easier, faster and more interactive. This research seeks to investigate the role of online knowledge acquisition on the relationship between Internet users and products. In particular, we seek to develop the concept of product appropriation. A survey (N = 810) was conducted using five settings (i.e., different products and online learning media). First, findings support the two-dimensionality of product appropriation (i.e., control and identification). Second, results show a positive relationship between online consumer learning and product appropriation for novices, and a negative relationship for experts. Improved appropriation increases product attitude, word-of-mouth and purchase intention.     

Current issues and future directions in simulation-based training in North America

A number of emerging challenges including globalization, economic pressures and the changing nature of work has combined to create a business environment that demands innovative, flexible training solutions. Simulations are a promising tool for creating more realistic, experiential learning environments to meet these challenges. Unfortunately, the current literature on simulation-based training paints a mixed picture as to the effectiveness of simulations as training tools, with most of the previous research focusing on the specific technologies used in simulation design and little theory-based research focusing on the instructional capabilities or learning processes underlying these technologies. This article examines the promise and perils of simulation-based training, reviews research that has examined the effectiveness of simulations as training tools, identifies pressing research needs, and presents an agenda for future theory-driven research aimed at addressing those needs.     

国内企业E-Learning应用路径及启示——基于深圳某国有企业e-learning应用案例

e-learning进入中国以后,其快速、便捷、低成本的特点,让大家纷纷认为e-learning必将成为企业培训的趋势性变革。但是截至目前国内e-learning企业应用的情况却很难找到成功的案例,e-learning始终不温不火,发展缓慢。文章从一家企业e-learning应用的成功案例入手,从建设、实施等方面展开研究,以期寻找企业e-learning应用的经验。