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E-Learning: Is it for You?
What is e-Learning? Trends
Advantages
Qualities of Successful Students
Course Delivery Systems
What Should You Look For?
Getting Started
Final Thoughts
Online programs have significant strengths and weaknesses and offer
unprecedented accessibility to quality education. In this session we will
explore the characteristics of learning in an online environment.
See the PowerPoint Presentation
See the document associated with this presentation
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What is e-Learning?
E-Learning encompasses a broad spectrum of
technology-aided programs. Courses
delivered by video, audio, CD, and the Internet
all fall under the umbrella of E-Learning.
A specific application of E-Learning is online
education, which refers to courses that are
offered via the Internet. Some courses are
only enhanced by an online component, while
others constitute the full spectrum of virtual
technology. Regardless of the technical
definition, E-Learning is creating an exciting
and challenging environment in the field of
education.
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Trends in Education
We have seen a shift in education
from knowledge retention to knowledge
acquisition. Increased access to technology
and the resulting influx of online learning
opportunities have contributed to this move from
an industrial model of teacher-centered
instruction to a more learner-centered,
collaborative model aimed at community building.
In this way, technology can be seen as a new
medium for construction of meaning rather than a
vehicle for information acquisition.
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Advantages of Online Courses
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Technology revolutionizes
learning
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Anytime, anywhere, anyone
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Cost savings from reduced
travel expenses
Suny Learning Network Distance Learning
Calculator
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Just in time access to
information
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Higher retention of content
through learner-centered methods
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Improved collaboration and
interactivity between students
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Learner controlled
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*Self-paced
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Qualities of
Successful Online Students
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Open-mindedness about sharing
life, work, and educational experiences
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Good written communication skills
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Reflective and critical thinkers
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Self-motivated and
self-disciplined
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Willingness to "speak up" if
problems arise
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Access to a network and time.
Plan on committing 4-15 hours per week per course
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Buy in the online model - feel
that high quality learning can take place outside
of a traditional classroom.
Try one of these student
surveys to see if you have what it takes to be a
successful online student:
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Course Delivery
Systems
- A course website created
by the instructor
- Course management system
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What Should You Look
for in an Online Course?
- Interaction and
communication
- Interaction in distance
courses is more complex than in face-to-face
classrooms.
- Moore (1990) relates
the idea of communication (and interaction
with instructor and fellow classmates) to
distance but not in the sense of distance as
a geographical phenomenon. Rather distance
should be viewed as a pedagogical phenomenon
– the distance between the student and the
instructor falls on a continuum whether in
virtual classrooms or traditional
face-to-face classrooms (large lecture hall
analogy). Thus a course that is highly
structured, planned and implemented will
result in greater transactional distance no
matter how the course is offered. A course
that is more loosely structured,
student-centered will result in less
transactional distance and more learner
autonomy. Good quality online courses will
provide an environment for collaboration,
interaction, and community.
- Asynchronous –
discussion boards, list serves, blogs
- Synchronous – real time
using chat utilities
- Multimedia presentation
of materials
- Video
- Audio
- Text
- graphics
- Variety of Activities
that address different learning styles
- Visual Demonstrations
- Simulations
- Role plays
- Group work
- Projects
- Limited Enrollment
- Online courses require
more from the instructor – sizes should not
exceed 20 students
- Purposeful virtual spaces
- A time and a place for
everything
- Ongoing authentic
assessment
- Exams
- Projects
- Assignments
- Discussions
- Collaboration
- Presentations
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What Do You Need to
Get Started?
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An Internet connection
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Motivation
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A course or program
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Final Thoughts
Although the delivery method may be different
you should expect that the learning experiences
in an online course will be no different and
perhaps better than those in traditional
courses. In general
– the quality of the online course will often
depend upon the quality of the instructor and/or
program. Remember though…
- With online courses the
pacing is different, at least at the
beginning. Courses usually begin at a much
slower pace so that you are given the
opportunity to get your feet wet. (I call this
period the “black void”).
- Social context in an
online course is different than a traditional
course. Missing visual and verbal cues.
- Lastly - you will have
technical problems! Expect this and plan for
it.
Read an in-depth review
of this topic at
http://edtech.boisestate.edu/fipse/online_courses.htm
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©
2003 Kerry Rice, Department of Educational Technology,
Boise State University