Creating a Virtual Learning Community

Investigating the Factors Determining e-Learning Effectiveness in Tourism and Hospitality Education

“…by Marianna Sigala, Ph.D. However, although e-learning is widely being adopted for enhancing and complementing tourism and hospitality instruction (Sigala & Christou, 2003) and its advantages for tourism and hospitality education are extensively argued (Sigala, 2002;Cho Schmelzer & McMahon, 2002;Clements et al, 2001), little is known on how to design and implement effective e-learning platforms. On the other hand, it is generally agreed that the re-implementation of conventional models borrowed from classroom based or distance education that are focused on passive transmission would permit only marginal improvements.…”

Teaching International Tourism: An Interdisciplinary, Field-based Course

“…Importantly, learning communities encourage social ties among students and foster learning beyond the classroom setting (Tinto, 2003). While some tourism educators have recognized the importance of learning communities in teaching tourism and hospitality-related subjects (Clements, Buergermeister, Holland, & Monteiro, 2001;Naipaul, Choi, & Severt, 2007), these learning structures are currently not widely implemented in our field.…”

Technology and Change

“…The use of technology in teaching and learning is enabling students to actively engage in the construction of knowledge (Kozma & Johnston, 1991;Farrar, Lambert, Lee, & Jeong, 1999;Barajas & Owen, 2000;Brown, 2000;Cai, Morrison, & Ismail, 2001;Clements et al, 2001;Franklin & Peat, 2001;Kavanagh & Arcodia, 2001;Oliver, 2001;Harper-Marinick & Levine, 2002;Lee, 2002;Moore, 2003). 2.…”

“…3. The use of technology in teaching and learning changes the focus from individual learner to collaborative learning (Kozma & Johnston, 1991;Digital Media Center, 1998;Barajas & Owen, 2000;Brown, 2000;Clements et al, 2001;Kavanagh & Arcodia, 2001;Nutta, 2001;Harper-Marinick & Levine, 2002;Lee, 2002;Pew Internet and American Life Project, 2002;Moore, 2003) 4. The use of technology in teaching and learning helps faculty members meet the needs of students with diverse learning styles (Schroeder, 1993;Gilbert & Green, 1995;Kavanagh and Arcodia, 2001;Nutta, 2001;Charp, 2003;Moore, 2003).…”

“…6. The use of technology in teaching and learning builds "community" and improves communication between faculty and students (Gilbert & Green, 1995;Digital Media Center, 1998;Dehoney & Reeves, 1999;Barajas & Owen, 2000;Lazerson et al, 2000;Cai et al, 2001;Clements et al, 2001;Franklin & Peat, 2001;Nutta, 2001;Oliver 2001;Weeks & Culnane, 2001; Office of Academic Planning & Assessment, 2002;Pew Internet and American Life Project, 2002).…”