The internet has greatly expanded access to information; and the ability of students to interact with content, the instructor and other students. In addition, students may use a variety of tools for those purposes: personal computers, laptops, tablets and smart phones. They can work from home, while they are commuting or hanging out at a coffee shop. That allows instructors to deliver content, and assess student’s progress outside the classroom. That in turn allows them to increase face to face interaction during class meetings.
Andrea,
Great examples of mixed as well as multimedia tools :)
Dr. Ruth Reynard
YouTube also now incorporates Google Plus Hangouts, where you can mix pre recorded video with live video chat events.
I've used Google Plus video chat hangouts with small groups of students before.. some technical difficulties with slow connections for some, but overall I feel this is a great way to engage face to face.
I use video heavily also, or SlideShares with recorded audio.
Natalie,
Yes, there have been many changes and some we have yet to experience :) Good points.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I believe that it has changed the power and possibilities of how we communicate. This is good and bad. It means that accessibility and availability are high, but also are the possibilities for various issues (ex. technology, access, misunderstandings)--new kinds of issues we've never seen before!--to crop up as well.
I do think that technology enhances the teaching and learning potential. It brings variety into the classroom and it captures and raises the students attention.
Vicki,
Yes, the blended approach provides great support for students and heightens engagement. Good points.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I believe that the evolution on online education has a tremendous affect on the instructional process. Many years ago, online education was viewed as a somewhat inferior form of study and did not receive the respect it deserved in the academic community, but with advancements in technology and the skill that many educators must have to teach online, that stereotype has changed. As we have begun to develop methods of learning based on online education, students have adapted and found flexibility within their particular educational system. I am amazed at the level of communication we have achieved in online communication.
As an educator, I make myself available for personal verbal communication with my students. I think this is also very important given the impersonal nature that comes with digital communication.
Vicki,
Yes, very true. There is much flexibility associated with the Internet in terms of course delivery, learning resources, networking and collaboration. It really does provide the possibility of creating a dynamic learning environment.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I characterize the changes brought by the internet in terms of educational freedom. It allows the utilization of varied tools to support the "instructional process". Every student learns differently or can be reached by various forms of content delivery. Using the computer as an educational tool for instruction gives the educator a variety of methods to enhance the classroom experience, as well as building upon existing methods an instructor may use.
Edward,
Good points...your reasoning is why hybrid or blended work best with students as these modes combine both F2F and online. This also means that the best of each is utilized.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Not all students learn in the same ways. Some students learn best with visuals, others prefer more abstract models. Some students flourish in a physical classroom, while others reach their full potential in an asynchronous virtual classroom. The Internet has empowered the instructional process to bridge those worlds. From instant messaging to discussion boards to emails to audio-visual file-sharing collaboration, the Internet has enabled students to engage with the content, their instructor, and each other in a number of ways, each with their own benefit. Computer mediated communication enables students to overcome physical and social limitations and therefore allow the interaction of people who are not physically sharing the same space.
Aisling,
Do you think the Internet has changed student expectations in learning and instructional design?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Oh MY Where do I start!! Internet has brought a huge change to computer mediation. I use the internet for videos from You tube to incorporate into my class as well as tedtalks videos.
We also use the interact for searches in research as well as use Goggle Earth. I really believe that the internet has opened a huge interesting web for instructional process including using the liked of turn it in and www.grammarly as well.
Joseph,
I believe that academic ethics are an important part of the learning process - not just a plagiarism policy, but to actually teach in classes how to use information to build ideas and how to reference etc. It is becomming more difficult as information is everywhere but we still need to teach the concept.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
It is true that there really isn't anything new under the sun and it is very difficult to determine whether or not a student has submitted work that is not original.
I wonder if, given the often less than positive educational experiences that many of our students bring to the online setting; we as online instructors, can effectively promote ethics in an asynchronous environment and whether or not that effort can be measured. Joe Skeens
The Internet has brought numerous changes to the instructional process. We can now interact with our students via webcam, Skype or other similar technology. We can meet in chat rooms to discuss lecture material or questions with assignments. The Interest also allows us to post instructional videos via YouTube or other such websites. The possibilities are becoming endless with the marrying of education and the Internet.
Diana,
Very true - the connectivity is continuous which allows for ongoing instruction :)Do you think this has influenced your instructional design in any way?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Dr. Reynard,
I feel the most significant change that the Internet has provided to instruction is freedom. The students and teachers are free to be anywhere and still be in a learning environment. It has expanded our space globally. We take our students wherever we go, both physically and intellectually and they can find us and any information they may need, anywhere they find themselves. As technology progresses, we are going to gain even more freedom because we will not be tethered to our devices. So exciting!
Diana Robbins
With the Internet comes an immediacy of communication and interaction and a customization that has never been possible with other technologies. The Internet provides:
Tools that directly connect students and teachers, students and students, students and content, and students and beyond.
Tools that provide opportunities for students to create their own spaces such as blog (Web Log) tools, Wiki tools, networking tools, and so on. These bring a level of individualization to the learning experience that is more likely to integrate specific learning needs and learning preferences.
The Internet also facilitates both distance and hybrid course delivery.
