This study assesses learner perceptions of a blended e-learning system (BELS) and the feasibility of accommodating educational hypermedia systems (EHSs) according to learning styles using a modified version of the technology acceptance model (TAM). Recently, Moodle has been adopted by an Iraqi university alongside face-to-face (F2F) classrooms to provide flexible learning and improve understanding. Based on TAM, individual differences and perceptions were explored in relationships between learner satisfaction and technology adoption. The model was extended to include e-learning self-efficacy, perceived satisfaction, and learning styles. Although other variables can be integrated, the proposed framework is to investigate the effect of learning styles in predicting satisfaction and BELS acceptance. A total of 210 undergraduate students voluntarily took part in the research. Data was gathered using a survey instrument and the Index of Learning Styles (ILS) Questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique was used to examine the path associated between dependent and independent constructs. Unlike prior TAM literature, this research highlights the integration of perceived satisfaction and technology acceptance in accordance with psychological traits and learner beliefs. Overall, the model achieved an acceptable fit and successfully integrated intention to use (ITU) and perceived satisfaction (PS). However, psychological differences did not indicate positive impacts on learner satisfaction and e-learning adoption.

Although the implementation of e-learning initiatives has reached advanced stages in developed countries, it is still in its infancy in many developing nations and the Middle East in particular.Recently, few public universities in Iraq have initiated limited attempts to use e-learning alongside traditional classrooms. However, different obstacles are preventing successful adoption of this technology. The present research aimed to highlight challenges that hinder effective implementation of e-learning in Iraq and recommend possible solutions to tackle them. A total of 108 respondents voluntarily participated in this research. They consisted of academic staff (N=74), professors in charge of e-learning (N=3), and undergraduate students (N=31). Three methods were used to collect data: a survey instrument, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups. Data was then analyzed and reported quantitatively and qualitatively. This provided in-depth understanding to the current status of e-learning in public Iraqi universities and highlighted major hindrances of its successful application. Based on this analysis, the study proffered many recommendations that should be considered in order to fully benefit from e-learning technologies.

This study contributes to ongoing discussions on how measures of lexical diversity (LD) can help discriminate between essays from second language learners of English, whose work has been assessed as belonging to levels B1 to C2 of the Common European Framework of 1 We are very grateful to Pearson Education Ltd for sponsoring us with a research grant that made this study possible, and to Kirsten Ackermann, Veronica Benigno and Jeremy Hancock for their support in carrying out this project. 2 This work was funded by Language Testing, a trading division of Pearson Education Ltd.We are very grateful to Kirsten Ackermann, Veronica Benigno and Jeremy Hancock for their support in carrying out this project. We are also indebted to Scott Jarvis for providing a spreadsheet to help us with computing HD-D. Reference (CEFR). The focus is in particular on how different operationalisations of what constitutes a "different word" (type) impact on the LD measures themselves and on their ability to discriminate between CEFR levels. The results show that basic measures of LD, such as the number of different words, the TTR (Templin 1957) and the Index of Guiraud (Guiraud 1954) explain more variance in the CEFR levels than sophisticated measures, such as D (Malvern et al. 2004), HD-D (McCarthy and Jarvis 2007) and MTLD (McCarthy 2005) provided text length is kept constant across texts. A simple count of different words (defined as lemma's and not as word families) was the best predictor of CEFR levels and explained 22 percent of the variance in overall scores on the Pearson Test of English Academic in essays written by 176 test takers.

<p>Standardising learning content and teaching approaches is not considered to be the best practice in contemporary education. This approach does not differentiate learners based on their individual abilities and preferences. The present research integrates a pedagogical theory <em>Universal Design for Learning (UDL) </em>with an information system (IS) theory <em>Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).</em> It aims to examine the effectiveness of a technology-enhanced traditional web design course on blended e-learning acceptance and learner satisfaction in which UDL principles (multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement) were implemented. This casts some light on the role of addressing curricula limitations on learner perceptions and e-learning adoption. A mixed research design combining survey and action methods was followed. Overall, 92 undergraduate students took part in the study. The research instrument was validated first. Subsequently, partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to identify the path associated among constructs used in the proposed framework. The extended model accounted for 45.4% and 41.6% of the variance of perceived satisfaction and behavioural intention respectively. The findings suggest that using educational technologies to address curricula limitations is a bridge to enhancing learner willingness to accept e-learning. </p>

No abstract

Prior literature showed that Felder and Silverman learning styles model (FSLSM) was widely adopted to cater to individual styles of learners whether in traditional or Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL). In order to infer this model, the Index of Learning Styles (ILS) instrument was proposed. This research aims to analyse the soundness of this instrument in an Arabic sample. Data were integrated from different courses and years. A total of 259 engineering students participated voluntarily in the study. The reliability was analysed by applying internal construct reliability, inter-scale correlation, and total item correlation. The construct validity was also considered by running factor analysis. The overall results indicated that the reliability and validity of perception and input dimensions were moderately supported, whereas processing and understanding dimensions showed low internal-construct consistency and their items were weakly loaded in the associated constructs. Generally, the instrument needs further effort to improve its soundness. However, considering the consistency of the produced results of engineering students irrespective of cross-cultural differences, it can be adopted to diagnose learning styles.

No abstract

No abstract