TRADITIONAL TO ONLINE ENVIRONMENT
There are pros and cons to the online environment, and one of the negatives is the loss of "immediacy." When a student has a question, he can raise his hand in class; however, in the online environment, he must wait until the teach logs on or read his or her email (unles it is a synchronous class).
The teacher, can however, devote time through the email to fully answer the question, while uploading web content for deeper understanding of the issues.
This technique of transcending the traditional to online environment, is a blend that enhances student learning and outcomes. (SLO's)
When transferring the traditional content to the web, there is a plethora of educational net resources that can enhance the lecture. Most books today have an online component for the students, even if the course is a traditional (on-campus) one.
A true online course, uses an e-text, and all online resources for tests, assignments, posts, and other media-enhanced work.
Therefore, there is the traditional class, the blended (or hybrid) class, the online class, and self-learning course, as well.
Derrick,
You are right and it can be as engaging and vibrant as an online course. It is just. . . different.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Kelly,
Well stated. I would add that the online environment is the wave of current and future route to the working people's higher education path.
John,
I agree with John. There are so many ways to make an online course a rich, learning environment that I would dare say beat f2f.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Nancy - there are many different resources that can be used for online learning and a true online classroom will combine all aspects of the methods you have outlined above.
John
Elke,
The f2f environment is not going away. I do think you will see more augmentation of the f2f with online tools. I am concerned when institutions let students take online courses and don't require a computer. That concerns me the most.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
what about the students who don't have access all the time to an computer or online services?? I think the trend going completely to online courses would be fatal! We still have students who want the F2F environment and slowly it is taken away from those kind a students.
Samantha,
That is true. Students do think they can "get away" with things in an online environment. I also deal with the issue of "I have so many other things to do" If that is the case, maybe it is not the best time to take a course. I won't water down a course and learning because the course is an afterthought for the student. (sorry, that is a pet peeve of mine)
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Douglas,
AMEN! I agree with you totally. Good teaching is good teaching no matter what the learning environment is.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
One of the biggest challenges of the online environment is getting students to understand that online instructors are not invisible instructors. We are still there to assist and help students. I think consistent communication with students helps them to feel "a part" of the classroom. When we dispel the misconception that we are "somewhere out there" and redirect students so that they see us as reachable individuals who are ready to help, student learning seems to improve. No one wants to feel they are all alone in the classroom.
I like to think that the line between traditional learning environments and online learning environments is going to continue to get blurry in the years to come. I am optimistic that more and more traditional face to face courses will have online course platforms to share information and provide course content.
Nancy,
Yes in a class a student can raise his/her hand to ask questions, and in an online course questions are typically handled via email which may take 24-48 hours for a reply.
Yet, an online student has access during the week, with about 32 hour turnaround, whereas, depending upon the face-to-face class there may be a delay of up to 7 days before a question can be asked.
Students on-line can ask questions, get assistance, and be prepared for class much more effectively, I believe, F2F students must simply do their best, and ask questions after the fact.
Nancy,
Great point about looking and publisher components. They can provide robust assessments as well as other options for online use.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
