Making it easy
I think that with the diversity of the student population distance learning should be as easy as possible and user friendly. Some students will be excellent at using the computer and navigating around and it wont be so easy for others. It should be as easy as possible for the students to use.
I really like the discussion boards where students can interact with one another.
Thomas,
I love your statement "eye of the beholder"! This really hits the point!
Shelly Crider
It is important to set and maintain expectations about an online course from the first day of the class. Although distance education should be user friendly, that is in the "eye of the beholder" because sometimes it is and sometimes it is not.
For example, a student who has taken a number of online courses will be more receptive to the format and structure of the delivery of an online course.
Something to keep in mind is that many adult learners have been away from school for many years and returning to a college that delivers online courses can be frightening and daunting.
Imagine someone who has not been in school for over 20 years who returns to college. Many of those individuals never learned much about computers or the Internet so we cannot take for granted that everyone is computer or Internet savvy.
Tim,
Oh this is so true!! You can lead a horse to water, but cannot force them to drink!! Spelling has become horrible!
Shelly Crider
In my current program their is a vast age difference in the student population as well. Students range from the age of 18 all the way to the age of 60+. Discussion boards offer a unique mix of ideas and communication that becomes a level playing field for students of all ages. Yes, I agree spell check is a wonderful tool, getting students to press the spell check button before they submit their post is a whole nother story though. :)
Discussion boards are good. But if a student is not fluent with a computer is this not an opportunity to enhance the learning environment by having challenging assignments that require enhanced computer fluency?
lol oh so true!!! I so agree with spell check and discussion boards!!
Discussion boards are great for student interaction! Although, I wish they would all come with spell-check sometimes. Also, the instructors have to keep on top of what the students are discussing--sometimes they will get off-topic or start being rude to each other.
I love the discussion boards as well!
