Dr. Ruth Reynard

Alan, So conventional ideas of a class are challenged in the sense that students can obtain material and information from anywhere and connect with whomever in their learning process. Things are not as confined as before and this, along with the connectivity you refer to, totally redefine education. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Alan, All true :) the concept of dynamic learning environments must also include the learner choice and customization of the space. This means that each learner can pursue their own learning in their own way. This also means that the instructor must rethink design and intervention throughout. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Todd, Please visit the faculty lounge. I am trying to start a discussion in the teacher exchange forum regarding the future of online learning - new technology has changed so much yet our instructional designs often remain conventional ....I'd love to ear your ideas in the forum. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Dana, Good points and question. Instructors must think through the learning process rather than simply filling a role. How does that translate to teaching? Dr. Ruth Reynard

Todd, So, you use the conventional whiteboard "interactively" :) Well done! If you do not have funds for a SmartBoard/Teamboard perhaps you might explore the Mimio strips which are less expensive and can create an interactive surface on any existing white board. Just a suggestion... Dr. Ruth Reynard

Stanley, Yes, these are great points. Blended learning environments can provide opportunities for one-on-one connection within the larger class community. Instructors cannot achieve this to the same degree in a conventional classroom setting as it interrupts the flow for other students and can cause a distraction. The Internet provides direct connection between each student and the instructor and this takes the learning to a new level. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Todd, As you make more technology available the challenge will increase as it is maximized with direct access to the Internet. Here's hoping you will see some changes :) Dr. Ruth Reynard

Ardoush, These are good points and often instructors do "lose" the students in classtime. This, however, should not happen. Class time should be used for those activities that require other students, collaborative discussions, planning, presentations etc. The actual alone work time should happen outside the classroom. Even for online classes, there should be real time chat sessions which help keep the students interact and work together in real time as well as the asynchronous activities that can be done outside of those times. Dr. Ruth Reynard

Todd, I have not heard of these kinds of restrictions before - do you mean that certain sites are firewalled, or that you are only given access to certain sites because of the course instructional design? Dr. Ruth Reynard

Gilbert, Your point is a good one but should not be confused with learning context. While on any job, it is vital that individuals can learn for themselves and to their best potential. That happens when students learn how they learn best - vital for ongoing growth and development. Ruth Dr. Ruth Reynard