Critical success factors in using e-learning to enhance design & technology

by Cheung, Kwong-po

(Uncorrected OCR) Title of Dissertation

"Critical success factors in using e-Iearning to enhance Design & Technology"

Submitted by

CHEUNG Kwong Po, Paul 2001977004

Abstract

This dissertation describes a small-scale ethnographic study of how a group of secondary three students, by using e-learning facilities, engage in a problem-solving activity, help each other in collaborative learning. The study focuses on the multi-facets of attitude, behaviours and patterns of interactions amongst the students in both face-to-face and an online learning environment. Interviews, observations, documents, and fieldnotes were the major methods used to collect data, gauge the findings and substantiate evidence for the results of this study. This research also explored the social and group dynamics potential use of online discussion tools, framed within the sociocultural theory of Vygotsky, as a pedagogical environment to promote collaborative learning. This study also investigates the advantages and shortfalls, and the success factors of asynchronous discussion in terms of group learning in a secondary school in Hong Kong. The results of this study will be particularly useful in the use of online learning environments in my school.

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