Alternative Online Pedagogical Models With Identical Contents: A Comparison of Two University-Level Courses
Gila Kurtz
Rachel Sagee
Roni Getz-Lengerman
Bar-Ilan University
Abstract
The research presented here has a double objective: comparing two undergraduate courses on research methods at Bar-Ilan University (BIU) in Israel, and examining students’ attitudes toward the subject matter, as well as their attitudes toward incorporating online learning into the learning process. The subject matter in both courses—one in the School of Education and the other in the Department of Political Science—was almost identical. Each of the first two authors of this paper taught one of the courses. The pedagogical online model of the courses is different; while the education course is categorized as fully online with no required class meetings and the predetermined content occupies most of the course, the political science course uses the wrap-around model, combining class setting, online interaction and discussions with predetermined content. Students’ attitudes were examined twice, at the beginning of the courses and at their end. Research findings reveal significant differences between the courses and between the two points in time. One possible explanation of these findings is based on processes of instructor-students interaction.
About the Author(s)...
Gila Kurtz is the pedagogical director of Bar-e-learn Center and a lecturer at the Political Department at Bar-Ilan University, Israel. Dr. Kurtz is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) Graduate School in the online Master of Distance Education. She is also an advisor for e-learning Development Gateway Portal -The World Bank Group in collaboration initiated the Gateway with other stakeholders. Her research focuses on teaching and learning innovations in higher education. She can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Rachel Sagee is a faculty member at the School of Education, Bar-Ilan University. Her research interests are e-Learning and Teachers' Education. Dr. Sagee specializations are in applied statistics and research methods. She can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Roni Getz-Lengerman is a Ph.D. candidate in the Political Department at Bar-Ilan University. Ms. Getz-Lengerman is an assessment and evaluation coordinator at Bar-e-learn Center. She can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
