Learning in the Virtual Classroom
As most of us were taught in a "ground" classroom where the teacher and all of the students were physically present daily, the online classroom presents new challenges to the "seasoned" instructor and to many students. I have had students who are grandparents just learning how to use the computer, and students who are adept at technology, but have never experienced online classes. For these students to be effective in their studies, patience from the instructor is needed, The transition to this newer learning environment can take time. Because time is a critical factor in online teaching, the instructor must be able to incorporate both "real-time" learning experiences, as well as "self-paced" learning experiences. While both are valuable learning environments, the student must be able to understand how they best learn, and the instructor must be able to clearly communicate the information so that effective learning can take place.
Tracey,
Do you think institutions should have strategies to help bring nontraditional students "up to speed" regarding technology? I know I have a tutorial I created but should it be more of a institutional issue.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I experience this as well. In that I have the older generation students who are not as computer savvy as the younger students. We as instructors must be patient with our "learning" students. Nothing can be more of a deterrent that a student who feels like he/she is a burden to their teacher or fellow classmates.
Robin ,
The one thing I think you make a great point about is that they do learn it. We have to hold them to the expectations and there are technology expectations. We really haven't addressed that.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dale,
Great post. At times online, you do feel that you are not spending the time teaching but more reacting as a problem solver. It is so frustrating.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Linda,
You make some very good points. As an instructor we need to be aware that we will have students with different levels of technology experience. Setting up a course with easy access to technological issues as well as expectations is very important. With some students, synchronous teaching can really help. I'll hold several synchronous chats during the first two weeks of class to go over the VC and help new students understand how to interact with it. Usually by the third or fourth week, they're well on their way.
Linda,
It seems like I am dealing more and more with older students which is a challenge from a technical standpoint. Some are just learning how to use a computer, let alone being overwhelmed with trying to learn the course material. On the other hand the younger students who have that technical experience can maneuver quicker, but sometime put less thought into an assignment. It seems they are from a generation that wants things done fast and then move on. We are kind of caught in the middle. With the older students, I have to give them more time, and with the younger students, I have to reel them back in. I spend more time with real time teaching, with the older groups, and less time with the younger groups.
Clara,
These are great techniques to learn about your students. You have already developed strategies to watch for the walk away group! Great.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dear Linda,
What you said is very true and correct. It is one of the things that I, as an instructor, have to constantly keep in mind. Being of the generation that practically lives on a computer, it is very easy for me to forget that not everyone is as comfortable and has easy access to technology. One thing that I do is look at their introductions. If in intro discussion group I see some misgivings from the students, then I would know to be a little bit lenient and provide extra help to them.
Linda,
It is so important that you address all of these issues without letting students use them as excuses. Patience is the key word, but that is true about teaching in general. Great post!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
