Week1 reflection : wiki 3

One additional point that caught my attention presented in ION’s list of weaknesses, was the potential limitations of students. Maturity and self-discipline are extremely important to a student’s success in an online environment. The authors indicate that this environment may not be optimally suited to elementary and secondary school age learners. There is no doubt that there is tremendous diversity in younger student’s skill and maturity levels. The very young may not possess these necessary skills needed to succeed, but they do possess tremendous passion and curiosity that can be used to an advantage if properly directed.  Many older high-school age students do lack self-motivation and many other skills needed to be successful on-line.  But shouldn’t they be given the opportunity to develop these skills? And what better way than through a ‘classroom’ that mimics the digital realities of the 21st Century.  Time management, organization and taking responsibility for one’s education is a lesson every secondary school student should possess before tackling the stresses of higher-education or a 21st Century work environment.

KLC

Illinois Online Network: Educational Resources- Strengths and Weaknesses of Online Learning. (2010). Retrieved October 12, 2014.

Week1 reflection : wiki 2

How do the 2 models (online vs. face-to face) of teaching compare?

According to Cathy Galyon Keramidas, in her study at West Virginia University, Are Undergraduate Students Ready for Online Learning? A Comparison of Online and Face-to-Face Sections of a Course, “Flexibility and freedom to work at their own pace is one cited benefit to students who pursue online Learning”. I strongly agree that in today’s busy work & home environments, the benefits of flexibility that are present in an online course far outweigh any face-to face interaction advantages.  As digital tools become the norm, student interactions with each other and the instructor can become more prevalent and meaningful in an online environment. It can be difficult to capture the instructor for that quick question right before or after class, especially when others are also competing for a moment of his or her time. Online, the mindset is “all business” and the asynchronous atmosphere provides both the teacher and student with a flexible window for one-on-one interaction which can lead to heightened understanding. I believe this to be a win-win situation as the interaction tends to expand the thoughts of  the originating student ,  other classmates involved in the online discussion as well as the instructor.

KLC

Reference:

Galyon Keramidas, C. (2012). Are Undergraduate Students Ready for Online Learning? A Comparison of Online and Face-to-Face Sections of a Course. Rural Special Education Quarterly, 31(4), 25-32. Retrieved October 10, 2014.

Week1 reflection : wiki 1

How do the 2 models (online vs. face-to face) of teaching compare?

I hold a relatively optimistic view of the online learning environment, balanced with a touch of realism.  There are always 2 sides to every argument, and online learning is no exception.  Illinois Online Network in Strengths and Weaknesses of Online Learning from the University of Illinois, presents a solid list of pros and cons in the e-learning environment. One strength that had not occurred to me was the Creative Teaching element. “The nature of the semi-autonomous and self-directed world of the Virtual Classroom makes innovative and creative approaches to instruction … more important. In the online environment, the facilitator and student collaborate to create a dynamic learning experience.” Technology is providing an opportunity for teachers to ‘upgrade’ their skills and methodologies; and to “reflect on their course objectives and teaching styles.” This leads to stronger teaching and learning in both the on-line environment and traditional classroom.

KLC

Illinois Online Network: Educational Resources- Strengths and Weaknesses of Online Learning. (2010). Retrieved October 12, 2014.