Applied Learning in Online Education: A Comparative Study Employing DEAL Critical Reflection

Abstract

This article stretches the boundaries of the meaning of applied learning to include online learning activities. The DEAL model of critical reflection was used to obtain student feedback in comparing two delivery strategies of an upper-division online leadership capstone course. Student reflection comments were analyzed for offerings of the course in summer and fall semesters. The fall delivery of the course adopted an applied reading summary strategy which required students to specifically apply their learning to their work and career plans. The DEAL model of critical reflection provided rich qualitative data evaluating teaching approaches and suggested students preferred applied reading summaries over other strategies.