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 characteristics
Voluntary involvement
Trust
non-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 support
Perceived lack of feedback and
contact
Feelings 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
Transformation
Subject
Outcomes
Object
Process
Rules
Community
Division of Labour
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
Analysis
Graph 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 processing
2.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
Questions and answers!
Thank you