Enhancing Student Interactions in Online Learning: A Case of Using YouTube in a Distance Learning Module in a Higher Education Institution in Uganda
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Higher Education Research
Abstract
One of the challenges facing higher education institutions in general and Uganda in particular, is the widening gulf
between increased use of technology for teaching and learning and achieving meaningful learning outcomes, especially in the
face of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we report on one use of technology where a teacher’s integration of YouTube
videos in teaching increased students’ levels of interaction with the content of the video, with peers and with the instructor
(teacher). Guided by the sequential mixed-method design, a series of online learning activities were designed and matched with a
carefully selected YouTube video. The activity was piloted and refined for use on purposefully selected teaching staff. The staff
watched the videos that were uploaded on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and responded to online learning tasks at
individual and group levels. The VLE served as a knowledge sharing space for reflections. The paper concludes that lesson
design was critical in enriching the VLE with carefully selected YouTube videos. Our key recommendations are: focus on the
learning outcomes, design for the desired interactions, build into the task reflections, and decide whether to pre-select YouTube
videos for students or to allow students to find appropriate YouTube videos; use reflections and knowledge sharing spaces.
Further work has built reflective questions in the video which allows student to pause and reflect.
Description
Keywords
Digital Taxonomy, Distance Learning, Higher Education, Interactive Learning, Student Pedagogical Support, Virtual Learning Environment, YouTube
Citation
Ssentamu, P. N., Ng’ambi, D., Bagarukayo, E., Baguma, R., Nabushawo, H. M., & Nalubowa, C. (2020). Enhancing student interactions in online learning: a case of using YouTube in a distance learning module in a higher education institution in Uganda. High Educ Res. doi: 10.11648/j.her.20200504.11