In an online environment, non-verbal cues can be non-existent
Some of the content used in face-to-face classes may not adequately engage the students. Getting 2 group to debate the merits of one viewpoint over the other could be more cumbersome online, and more easily accomplished in person. Allowing them to immediately interact with other students as well as the instructor can be very beneficial.
My answer to this question would be that course content prepared a face to face course is three dimensional while material prepared for an on-line course is two dimensional. In a face to face course the students can observe the instructor's body language and can also immediately respond to the material presented whether it be a comment, a question or disagreement.
Technically, course content designed for face-to-face delivery is not appropriate for online for online. Reasons are:
Majority of online students are adult students
Online course facilitation uses synchronous system whereby students are expected to participate in online discussions through some some type of discussion board. In addition, classes are held online through virtual classroom in which all students are "live" in the same online classroom a the same time (AIU-Online) uses Adobe Connect Professional.
Good point, Deana. In any learning situation it is student/student, student/content, and student/instructor engagements that produce the best learning outcomes. The delivery and engagement procedures will necessarily be different in an online environment and a f2f classroom, but the learning results can (and should) be the same.
Some course content delivery created for f2f may be suitable for online (such as PPT presentations to be made during synchronous sessions, or audio or video presentations about course content to be used during synchronous sessions). But, as many others have said non-verbal communications, that are crucial in f2f classes, will not be as present in an online environment and that may lead to misunderstandings. Misunderstandings are much more difficult to correct in an online environment.
Actually course content for f-2-f can be appropriate for online. However, adapations and "approach" to the content will differ significantly. Keep in mind that if a course is taught on-ground, and online for different students, the outcomes should be the same or similar.
Working in an environment where both mediums are used, I find it interesting how much of the online approach can apply to on-ground courses. Faculty member opposition is usually the biggest hurdle to jump.
F2F content does not take into consideration internet technologies and the importance of sequencing that technology. Since students can access learning modules at a time and place convenient to them, their learning events need to be organized using the appropriate media.
Although I believe that F2F course content can meet the same learning objectives as online courses, since technology plays a major role in facilitating the course, instructions need to be clearer and more organized in an online environment.
Dr. B
I am not sure about the question here. The content may be appropriate for both yet the way it is presented would need to be different. Online course need to concetrate on the most important aspects of the content and the methods used must convey it in a way that is concise and encourages responses from the students. In F2F courses feedback and interaction are instantaneous while online usually is over a longer time frame. The content must be presented in a way that gets the student's attention easier than F2F as the students are self motivated to participate and need an envvironment that encourages motivation.
Patricia,
Good points. You are right about the cues. Can we create online "cues" that are part of the online environment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Carla,
Wow! you have a great point. I too like the questions of clarification. Teaching students to ask the "right" questions and having them understand the importance of asking the right questions is a challenge.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Although the content of a F2F and an online course includes much of the same information, it seems to be easier to make sure that students in a F2F class are tracking on the day's topic/lecture/activity. There are so many unspoken cues in a F2F class when students are unsure of what is happening, and we do not have those cues in an online environment.
Therefore, one of the things that I often have to sacrifice is detailed historical information, so I can use more of my time making sure the students get the 'big' concepts for the course.
Hi,
I particulalry like the Questions of Clarification. When reading DBs, it is often difficult to phrase questions in such a manner as to elicit a certain response or to provoke further thinking.
Alfretta,
You have a great point and I agree! The content may be fine it is organization and delivery!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Carla,
Well said! Yes, using a variety of communication is a must in online ed.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Angela,
You make a great point about navigation. That is very important to have multiple access points to course material.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Michael,
That is a good point. Also, do you think you have to provide multiple access points to access information.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Eileen ,
Well said. I would also ask; why shouldn't a f2f course be students centered?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Barbara,
I understand that students appreciate a voice but be careful in setting that precedent. It also become a workload issue particularly if you have 30 students. Also, would you do that for your f2f students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Barbara,
The one issue I have is that we assume that students in f2f courses will ask. Many don't. I think there are more similarities that many care to admit.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
