ISEDJ

Information Systems Education Journal

Volume19

V19 N2 Pages 15-24

Apr 2021


Using Student Choice in Assignments to Create a Learner-Centered Environment for Online Courses


Jamie Pinchot
Robert Morris University
Pittsburgh, PA USA

Karen Paullet
Robert Morris University
Pittsburgh, PA USA

Abstract: Learner-centered approaches have been found to be effective in online courses for encouraging a deep understanding of course content and for encouraging student engagement. Instructors of two information systems courses revised their online teaching methods to incorporate student choice in assignments. All assignments except a weekly quiz were made optional, and more assignments were provided than were necessary to obtain an A in the course. A variety of assignment types that would appeal to different learning styles were incorporated, allowing students the flexibility to choose assignments that most appealed to them. Findings show that students completed a range of assignment types, with 47% of students completing more assignments than were necessary to earn an A grade. Student reviews were extremely positive about the choice in assignments and noted that the flexibility gave them more control over their learning.

Download this article: ISEDJ - V19 N2 Page 15.pdf


Recommended Citation: Pinchot, J., Paullet, K., (2021). Using Student Choice in Assignments to Create a Learner-Centered Environment for Online Courses. Information Systems Education Journal19(2) pp 15-24. http://ISEDJ.org/2021-2/ ISSN : ISSN: 1545-679X. A preliminary version appears in The Proceedings of EDSIGCON 2020