The Pedagogical Variation Model: Learning and Teaching in Virtual Spaces at Kuwait University
Abstract: The research focuses on pedagogical leadership as essential for effective online learning and teaching. This is the basis of Roger’s (2013) Pedagogical Variation Model (PVM) for e-learning where the e-moderator is viewed as a pedagogical leader. This joint paper presents an exploratory evaluation of the PVM by e-learners in the Faculty of Education, Kuwait University. The results show revealing cultural aspects regarding both constructivist (e-peer led learning) and instructivist (e-moderator-led learning), including also gender differences in preferred online teaching styles. The PVM encompasses variations in e-learner capabilities of online collaboration and knowledge construction. Living in virtual classrooms (VCs)may have an effect on the ‘lifestyle’ and health of online working 24/7 impacting on inhabitants’ biological ‘clocks’ i.e. Circadian cycles and work-life balance. By flexible planning there is little doubt of opportunities for a wealth of global interactions.
Presider: Beth Bos, Texas State University - retired