Browsing by Author "Datt A"

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    Learning during a pandemic: an Activity Theory analysis of the challenges experienced by Aotearoa/New Zealand university students
    (Springer Nature Limited on behalf of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology, 2023-12) Gedera D; Forbes D; Brown C; Hartnett M; Datt A
    The worldwide disruption of higher education during the Covid-19 pandemic has been studied from the viewpoints of institutions and teachers, with some attention to students’ health and learning challenges. Attempts to theorise the diverse and conflicting challenges faced by students learning online during the pandemic have been limited. It is helpful to analyse students’ experiences as part of an activity system in order to unravel the system’s elements and determine contradictions that occur. This study adopted a mixed methods approach to investigate students’ online learning experiences at all eight New Zealand universities during the pandemic. Data obtained via a large-scale online survey, followed by focus groups and individual interviews, is presented in light of an Activity Theory framework. Findings show that students’ key challenges were associated with new tools and technologies, lack of interaction and social connection, lack of routine and space, and clashing commitments due to multiple roles and responsibilities. Contradictions can be a driving force for change and development in teaching and learning contexts. We conclude with recommendations for tertiary institutions, teachers, learning designers and students to inform future learning and teaching plans.
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    Sustainable Strategies for Teaching and Learning Online
    (MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-09) Forbes D; Gedera D; Hartnett M; Datt A; Brown C
    Investigating students’ lived experiences of online learning can inform us on how best to teach them. In this paper, we harness the insights gained from pandemic teaching and learning to inform sustainable approaches. Theorized in relation to Ben-Eliyahu’s sustainable learning in education (SLE), this article offers insight into what tertiary teachers can do to support students with sustainable strategies, as well as how students can develop long-term learning strategies. We draw upon the research on the perspectives and experiences of New Zealand university students studying online in 2020 to inform SLE in online teaching and learning in the long term. The researchers collaborated with student associations to undertake a survey exploring the students’ experiences of online learning. There were 952 valid survey responses from all 8 New Zealand universities, complemented by 20 individual interviews and 9 focus groups involving 43 student participants, both on and offshore. Our findings indicate that students regard support, communication, and engagement as key areas where they experienced challenges or helpful practices, and where there are sustainable directions for future teaching and learning. We propose support that institutions can provide to both students and staff for sustainable strategies.