Hi Dr. Reynard!
Many of my students are actively involved on Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin. They really know how to market their abilities to find work this way. The Internet has opened communication in such a big way!
Best,
Andrea
Hi Dr. Reynard,
I believe students are able to grasp how the business world is operating globally. For example, I have a student currently, from West Africa. He is living in the USA and attending online school. Some of the examples he shares are about living and working in West Africa. This is invaluable information for his classmates, as most are not well versed on the global environment.
Best,
Andrea
Hi Michele,
Do you worry about students accessing past student's Youtube assignment information? Are students able to use the information, just as long as it is referenced properly?
Thanks,
Andrea
Some of the changes the Internet has brought to computer mediation includes, social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and Linkedin. I have utilized Twitter in educating my students on the value of social media in marketing. Youtube videos are displayed on each unit announcement, to tie in unit concepts with outside examples. These are just a few examples of how the Internet assists as a tool in mediating courses with technology.
Joel,
Good points. The blended delivery does encourage students to use and develop all literacy skills...
Dr. Ruth Reynard
I think a specific change has been a shift in the importance of good written communication skills. Until video conference becomes more widespread, dynamic interaction still relies on written over verbal communication (synchronous/asynchronous chat, blogs, discussions) accross the curriculum (not just english courses). In traditional settings writing skills are less evident and private. They are extremely evident in online or hybrid settings. Communication without nonverbal cues and clear effective writing to convey understanding are major shifts in the instructional process online.
Hello Michele,
YouTube and other video sources of communication are becoming quite popular. I do think that the video aspect will be the most popular, that above Twitter and facebook.
There are many advantages to videos as a teaching and learning tool. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers
Su Somnarain
The Internet has brought about many changes to the instructional process, and perhaps instructional design of online courses. As times change, and new equipment is available, it is wise to go along with the change. learn and apply necessary changes to maximize the student's interest and learning.
The lecture brought up an interesting point and that is spending more time on the methodology rather than learning about technology. I say this is interesting because I do believe that the technology aspect can be learned fairly quickly through introduction and practice. The methods of instruction can present a challenge especially if we are used to the concrete classroom.
I like to think that I use the Internet to my advantage--I use it for research such as new articles from newspapers, videos such as YouTube that have not only lectures, but how-to videos (I like to refer some of my visual learners there to learn APA format). So, in a way, it can be quite fruitful to use the Internet as a learning supplemental tool to add to our curriculum and courses.
Cheers
Su Somnarain
Camille,
I agree...and the various skills that students learn as a result of the new technology and multidimensional connectivity, are wonderful. I think, as instructors, we need to become more aware of what these skills are and value them as learning outcomes.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The internet has allowed greater customization to learning styles. It has also made the communication process multi-dimensional. Students have a heightened experience of interacting with the instructor, the content and even other students who they are in class with but might never actually see. The internet makes the hybrid course a bit more 'real' because communication can be instantaneous and rich. Live chats, videos, real time voice interaction remove the feeling that one is communicating in a vacuum.
Louis,
Indeed! The Internet expands the connectivity and the learning opportunities greatly. It also empowers students through the tools and customized content selections.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
One major change that the internet has brought to the instructional process is a change of expectations by both student and teacher about when and where instruction and feedback take place. In a traditional environment the "teaching" happens in the classroom while most of the "learning" would occur at home when the student practices the concepts introduced in class. There was a natural lag between the time the work was done and the feedback from the instructor.
Now, because of the internet, this schedule has been turned on its head. Much of the teaching occurs when and where it is most convenient for the student. Feedback is frequently instantaneous. The student and teacher may never meet face-to-face.
These changes have expanded the reach of higher education, as people who would never be able to thrive in a traditional setting are brought into the fold by flexible scheduling.
Cheryl,
Have you used live chats with your students, Cheryl? I have found these sessions to be extremely powerful in developing interaction and the exchange of ideas between students.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
The internet allows for dynamic live chats, with sharing of a wealth of links to information relative to course topics. It allows allows online learners incredible flexibility.
Erika,
Yes, it is and helps to expand the learning well beyond conventional constraints. This supports the learning for more students.
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Joel,
Can you think of ways this has happened for your students specifically using the Internet?
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Manol,
Yes, the Internet connects and also distributes ...and....mediates the learning process. Great points!
Dr. Ruth Reynard
Access to real-time synchronous communication in the form of real-time lectures, demonstrations, tutorials etc. Asynchronous communication (ie. discussion boards, lectures, guided study) can also occur so there are numerous options for live interaction and self-directed study with pre-recorded and planned content. The combination of both is a powerful tool!
The Internet is non-linear and more interactive, thus allowing student to become more engaged in the class (with regard to content such as looking at images, videos, or listening to audio).
The internet has become the technology of choice for technology mediation also known as interceptive technology in the learning process. It connects not only students to teachers but students to media and teachers to institutions. It provides students and teachers alike with the power to create communication tools, like wiki tools, blog tools etc. This, of course provides the teacher with the opportunity to create blended or hybrid courses to address the individual needs of all students.
