Sustainable Strategies for Teaching and Learning Online

Dianne Forbes (), Dilani Gedera, Maggie Hartnett, Ashwini Datt and Cheryl Brown
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Dianne Forbes: Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education, University of Waikato, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand
Dilani Gedera: Faculty of Business Economics and Law (FoBEL), Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Maggie Hartnett: Centre for Education Transformation, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
Ashwini Datt: Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Cheryl Brown: School of Educational Studies and Leadership, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 4800, New Zealand

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-17

Abstract: Investigating students’ lived experiences of online learning can inform us on how best to teach them. In this paper, we harness the insights gained from pandemic teaching and learning to inform sustainable approaches. Theorized in relation to Ben-Eliyahu’s sustainable learning in education (SLE), this article offers insight into what tertiary teachers can do to support students with sustainable strategies, as well as how students can develop long-term learning strategies. We draw upon the research on the perspectives and experiences of New Zealand university students studying online in 2020 to inform SLE in online teaching and learning in the long term. The researchers collaborated with student associations to undertake a survey exploring the students’ experiences of online learning. There were 952 valid survey responses from all 8 New Zealand universities, complemented by 20 individual interviews and 9 focus groups involving 43 student participants, both on and offshore. Our findings indicate that students regard support, communication, and engagement as key areas where they experienced challenges or helpful practices, and where there are sustainable directions for future teaching and learning. We propose support that institutions can provide to both students and staff for sustainable strategies.

Keywords: online learning; sustainable learning in education (SLE); student support; communication; engagement; strategies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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