Chris, many of the courses taught at my institution also utilize "virtual" office and such. It is well-received by the students and has been an effective means to critique or evaluate the student's comprehension and competency level.
The learning environment can have a negative or positive effect on the learning experience. If it is not conducive to learning, it hampers the student's ability to progress and acquire the knowledge and skills needed to attain the goals which were set. But if it is conducive, great things can happen.
For instance,if necessary supplies are not available for each student to have the opportunity to practice doing a clinical skill, that has a negative impact and hampers the students' ability to gain confidence and competence in their ability to perform that skill. But if the supplies are available and real, simulated, or virtual learning experiences are available, the students can participate in experiences that will require practical application of their knowledge and skill (theory in practice)and have the opportunity for realistic evaluation and feedback.
Rob, I think that depends on what is being taught. If it is possible, I feel it is very advantageous to simulate the work environment so the student has a chance to "practice" what they will be doing later in the "real" practice setting. Think about it, would you rather have an injection given to you by someone who only practiced on an orange or would you prefer it from one who practiced on an actual being or at the very least, an anatomically correct simulator? I've been a student in both settings and I felt much more confident and became more skilled when I was in the more realistic setting. Barb
I agree Patricia,
I teach online so the learning environment varies from household to household. Luckily I have the virtual campus as a tool to use as the learning environment and it requires my personality to come out more than normal. So with that said, I just try to take the students to a mental environment that provokes thought and helps them forget they have kids, pets, and spouses in the background bugging them. Thanks, Chris Graves.
Hi Jeannie,
I teach online so the environment is different for each student. Luckily I have one hour to take them out of their normal setting and use the virtual campus as the learning environment with no borders. Hopefully my students emerse themselves into the virtual environment and get a little break from everyday life, while getting an education.
Good comments, Chris Graves.
Exactly Victoria! We want to help the students progress through the course materials and if our environment is conducive to learning, they will do well. Thanks, Chris Graves.
The role the learning environment plays in the instructional process is very important to how a student can adapt and learn the course objectives. Learning environments can affect the mood of the student(s) as well as their relationships with other students and the instructor. A good learning environment needs to be conducive to learning, in other words, if I was teaching underwater basket weaving we need to be near the elements and resources that will provide us the best learning experience possible. Thank you, Chris.
Hi Tammy,
Right you are. The more you can get students feeling professional about the training they are receiving as well seeing their future in the career field the higher the motivation is going to be.
Gary
The learning environment is important because it can help or hinder what the student learns. Any equipment that is needed should be in proper working order, instructors should have all the material with them when they enter the classroom that they will need. Even the temperature of the room can make an impact as well.
The learning environment should be as close to the "real setting" of the future occupation as possible, but it is also very important for the environment to be welcoming and conductive to learning.
Hi Kelly,
Very good point. All of us need to be able to transfer what we are learning to other settings. This is where application and relevancy becomes so valuable to the learning process.
Gary
Hi Brian,
I teach in a similar situation and I like you really focus on the soft skills that are needed for career success. They need to have a strong work ethic, ability to work with others, be on time, etc..
Gary
I agree that the class room (learning environment) should reflect what the students may encounter in their work sites, but it is equally important I feel to occasionally alter the environment to help the students learn how to handle change outside of their comfort zone...
John B. Watson once said "that you can change a persons behavior by changing their environment".
Life and learning are both about change...
I agree,where I teach although cannot be like in the field but I can teach management styles,work ethic,job related theory.which can prepare students mentally and hands on work.
The learning environment is crucial to the success of a class. It should be the ultimate goal of any instructor to create an organized and positive environment. Instructors should make it a point to arrive early as possible and have their class organize and ready to go when the beginning of class approaches. This will help to keep the class flowing smoothly. This will also foster student confidence in the instructor and enhance the student/instructor relationship.
Lori
Hi Don,
Great point. Where I teach I can't do anything about the physical environment but I can do what you mentioned--reflect and focus on professionalism. I work hard with my students in the soft skills of career development like being on time, there everyday, getting along with others, etc. These are the make or break factors of career success in combination with the knowledge and skills they acquire.
Gary
I think this is most realistic. Many times instructors do not have that much control over the 'physical' environment, so setting a tone and mood becomes most important.
As much as possible, it is important to reflect upon and mirror a real-world situation so that students will better experience their career environment.
The learning environment is critical to the student in that it is a place where memories take place. This can be good or bad, in that the student can reflect on a particular subject along with the tone the educator has displayed. Everyone can recall a good learning environment: achieving that goal of tackling some challenging subject with a grade reflective of a positive experience. Then there is the negative experience: perceiving the topic as too hard/challenging along with the tone displayed by the instructor, and the student not making the grade as a result. It is true that we want to feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the course, and the learning environment is a key factor to consider.
Sandra,
Your comment is exactly right. The students need to feel comfortable in the classroom. If the students feel more comfortable, they will have the ability to grasp the material that is being presented. Each student learns in a different way. It sounds like you are using all of the key point s of learning. Sight, hearing, touch and doing. Great job.
