How principles of effective online instruction correlate with student perceptions of their learning

This study investigated students' perceptions of their learning in an online classroom and how it correlated with the seven principles of effective instruction described by Chickering and Garrison in 1987. Three Educational Media classes at UCF were surveyed in the Spring semester 2003. Relationships between instruction, instructional design, student interaction, and students' learning experience were also examined.; Findings indicated that an instructor following the seven principles of effective instruction would ultimately acquire as a level of experienced-based perception that an activity has pedagogical value. The implication of this finding was that it is not only important to create an interactive environment for learning, but it is also important to design discussion activities that can trigger rich and meaningful online discourse.; Learners appreciated faculty who help them think creatively, change opinions and sharpen analyses, and encourage them to take responsibility for their own learning by helping them plan and produce meaningful work. The seven principles of effective instruction used in an online environment will have a positive outcome to the learning experience of the student. Students responded well to the principles and it established a good framework for the instructor to follow.; The implication of this finding was that not only is it important to create an interactive environment for learning, but it is also important to design discussion activities that trigger rich and meaningful online discourse.