Using Office Mix in Online Business Communication Courses
Revisiting the Power of Microsoft PowerPoint
Keywords:
Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, Business communication coursesAbstract
Problem: Often, students are not actively engaged in online courses. The disconnect between student-student and professor-student can be remedied by using an innovative presentation software that combines auditory, visual, and tactile learning experiences, all of which can be experienced by students using Office Mix, an add-on application of Microsoft PowerPoint 2013/16. Research Questions: What are student perceptions of using Office Mix in developing presentation and leadership skills? What positive and/or negative experiences did students encounter while using Office Mix? Research Method: A mixed methods research design combining quantitative and qualitative analysis through online surveys and focus groups was used. Data Collection Procedures and Analysis:
The population for this study included upperclassmen and graduate students (N = 121) enrolled in online business communication courses using Office Mix. Online surveys were administered and analyzed using SPSS 23. Subjective questions were posed to two small
focus groups to obtain a deeper understanding of student perceptions of their experiences and future benefits of using Office Mix. Findings: Students reacted favorably to Office Mix using the phenomenography framework of analysis. Suggestions were discussed during the focus groups about future advantages and benefits, both professionally and personally, based on students’ reflective experiences. Recommendations: Several implications for practice were developed through both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Professors can create positive learning outcomes using Office Mix through differentiation of learning styles and by requiring students’ reflection on their experiences. Students can experience growth in their presentation abilities by using this innovative technology.
References
Akhtar, N., Ali, R., & Bakar, Z. A. (2014). The demarcation of cognitive and learning style: Myth or reality as an impediment in educational research. Journal of Psychological and Educational Research (JPER), 22(2), 76-101.
Caldwell, J. (2015). Office Mix gives educators LTI support and integration with major LMS providers. Retrieved from www.winbeta.org/news/office-mixgives-educators-lti-support-and-integrations-major-lms-providers
Drago, W. A., & Wagner, R. J. (2004). VARK preferred learning styles and online education. Management Research News, 27(7), 1-13.
Fleming, N. D. (2001). Teaching and learning styles: VARK strategies. Christchurch, New Zealand: IGI Global.
Hawk, T. F., & Shah, A. J. (2007). Using learning style instruments to enhance student learning. Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education, 5(1), 1-19.
Kniskern, K. (2015). This is Office Mix, The superset of PowerPoint, as it moves beyond the classroom. Retrieved from http://www.winbeta.org/news/officemix-superset-powerpoint-it-moves-beyond-classroom
Maruping, L. M., & Magni, M. (2015). Motivating employees to explore collaboration technology in team contexts. MIS Quarterly, 39(1), 1-16.
Marton, F., Hounsell, D., & Entwistle, N. (1984). The experience of learning. Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Academic Press.
Microsoft. (2015). Office Mix. Retrieved from https://mix.office.com
Ornek, F. (2008). An overview of a theoretical framework of phenomenography in qualitative education research: An example from physics education research. Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, 9(2), Article 11. Retrieved from www.ied.edu.hk/apfslt/v9_issue2/ornek/index.htm
Overmyer, K. (2016). The top 10 stats from 2015 that show the importance of video marketing. The Content Standard. Retrieved from www.skyword.com/contentstandard/marketing/the-top-10-stats-from-2015-that-show-theimportance-of-video-marketing/
Schmeck, R. R. (2013). Learning strategies and learning styles: Perspectives on individual differences. Springer Science & Business, 4-7.
Web Video Marketing Council. (2015). B2B video content marketing survey results. Retrieved from www.reelseo.com/resources/2015-b2b-videocontent-marketing-survey/
West, P. (2014) How Office Mix is a powerful tool for blended or flipped learning. eCampus News. Retrieved from www.ecampusnews.com/top-news/officemix-learning-240/2/
Wilson, M. (2014). Office Mix preview takes interactive PowerPoint presentations online. Retrieved from www.winbeta.org/news/office-mix-preview-takesinteractive-powerpoint-presentations-online