Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.20867/thm.30.2.6
Is online learning effective for practice-based tourism courses? A constructive learning approach
Ilham Junaid
; , Lecturer Politeknik Pariwisata Makassar, Tourism Destination
Marianna Sigala
orcid.org/0000-0001-8997-2292
; Professor of Marketing Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Australia
Abstract
Purpose – The aim of this paper is to 1) measure the effectiveness of online learning in
practise-based tourism courses, 2) identify the factors that influence the effectiveness of
online learning and 3) propose strategies to encourage tourism students to adopt constructive
learning in online learning environments.
Methodology/Design/Approach – A qualitative methodology was used to analyse data
from students participating in an online course entitled “Field Study in Tourism”. Students
were surveyed after completing the teaching semester and asked to give their opinions and
comments on the effectiveness of online learning. A total of 32 students gave their opinions on
the effectiveness of online learning. The authors used applications for online communication
during online learning, such as Google Classroom, Zoom and WhatsApp.
Findings – The results show that students have very different assessments of the effectiveness
of online learning, with most students stating that online learning is less effective for practiseorientated tourism courses. For most students, learning is very efficient when it is applied
directly in practise after learning the theory. They should be able to analyse what is happening
in the field through direct observation. The students mentioned various factors (e.g. internet
access, economic aspects, family support and the environment) that influence the success of
online learning.
Originality of the research – The findings are in line with constructivist theory, which assumes
that a combination of factors relating to learners, environmental factors and teachers are
responsible for achieving the goals of constructivist learning. The paper extends our knowledge
of constructivist (online) learning by discussing both TLE (teacher, learner, environment) and
institution-based models that need to be developed in order to effectively apply and utilise the
educational benefits of constructivist learning theory and make online learning appropriate for
practise-based tourism courses.
Keywords
constructive learning; practice-based tourism course; field study in tourism; online learning
Hrčak ID:
315412
URI
Publication date:
20.3.2024.
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