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Qualitative and quantitative research designs are more similar than different. The qualitative/quantitative divide has been extensively debated in social science and educational research. However, health researchers are still bound by traditional distinctions between qualitative and quantitative research. This paper argues that although these distinctions were valid at the turn of the twentieth century, they no-longer hold true. With advances in both qualitative and quantitative methods, and the need to explore increasingly complex situations it is time to concentrate on how best to answer the research question rather than focusing on the research design being used.

This study examined the impact of Web-Based Learning Tools (WBLTs), also known as learning objects, in middle school mathematics and science classrooms. Survey, qualitative, and student performance data were collected from a sample of 18 teachers and 443 students. Teachers were very positive about the learning benefits, design of WBLTs, and increased engagement of their students. Students were moderately positive about these same features. Student learning performance with respect to remembering, understanding, applying and evaluating concepts increased significantly when WBLTs were used. Qualitative data suggested that a number of students enjoyed the visual supports, ease of use, and interactivity of WBLTs as well using technology to learn. Some students noted that the WBLTs used in class were not challenging enough and that the help features and the design of certain WBLTs were deficient. Overall, it is reasonable to conclude that WBLTs, if selected carefully, can be a positive and effective learning tool in a middle school environment. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.

Article analyzes types of interaction that occur during online discussions, examines levels of student cognitive engagement in each discussion, and explores their effects on and implications for learning and teaching in higher education. By combining methods of social network analysis with qualitative content analysis, the article explores new methodologies for analyzing participation, interaction, and learning that take place online, and suggests areas for research in learning and teaching online.

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore community college student perceptions of online learning within the theoretical construct of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) model, which describes the manner in which the elements of social presence, teaching presence, and cognitive presence interact to create an educational experience.

This is an online version of Kerka's "Teaching Adults: Is it Different?"

"Interaction in Online Courses: More is NOT Always Better"

Very interesting hypothesis and findings. Makes you think. Left readers dangling - did not follow up with reasons why more interaction is not always better. A qualitative investigation after the quantitative findings would have provided some insights. Good literature review, but all in favor of interaction! More studies needed to lend support to the findings. A meta-analysis would be valuable.

Immediate Feedback and Opportunity to Revise Answers to Open-Ended Questions. Two experiments examine the psychometric effects of providing immediate feedback on the correctness of answers to open-ended questions, and allowing participants to revise their answers following feedback. Participants answering verbal and math questions are able to correct many of their initial incorrect answers, resulting in higher revised scores. In addition, the reliability of these scores is significantly higher than the reliability of scores based on no feedback. Finally, anxiety is significantly lower following a test section with feedback and revision.

study examined student interaction and participation within a computer-mediated communication (Need ERIC login)

Patients want to be treated humanely and as individuals by their care-providers. Many curricula, usually written by university faculty, have been developed to teach physicians such skills. Rarely are patients' actual preferences taken into account when designing curricula. This study was undertaken to identify what hospitalized patients most valued about their encounters with attending faculty physicians. In this study, medical residents (post-graduate medical trainees) identified faculty physicians as outstanding teachers of humanistic care. Patients receiving care from these outstanding physicians were interviewed, as were the students and residents on the care team and the study physicians. Using qualitative techniques, patients' comments were analyzed and common themes were identified. These findings were compared with qualities identified by medical residents and students and by the attending physicians themselves. Patients identified the following specific behaviors as those they most valued in their physicians: direct communication, understanding, direct involvement in care, adequate explanation, and overt expressions of respect, as highly valued. Outstanding teachers of humane care exhibited several discrete behaviors that patients described as valuable. Since these behaviors can be discretely identified, they can be taught as part of medical curricula. The content of medical education in communication and doctor-patient relationships should incorporate goals informed by the perspectives of patients.