Why can't course content created for a face-to-face course be appropriate for an online course?
According to video viewing and scenarios providing by MaxKnowledge.com, face-to-face course content will not be appropriate for online students because face-to-face is real time, same time environment, students must be online at the same time. For our clientele, this will be impossible since they all live in different time zones, work different times, have different commitments, etc. Our students need a course content that they will access at their own pace; they are online separately as their schedule permits.
Communication is the key for online success. Both instructor and student have to be on th same page.
Why can't course content created for a face-to-face course be appropriate for an online course?
According to video viewing and scenarios providing by MaxKnowledge.com, face-to-face course content will not be appropriate for online students because face-to-face is real time, same time environment, students must be online at the same time. For our clientele, this will be impossible since they all live in different time zones, work different times, have different commitments, etc. Our students need a course content that they will access at their own pace; they are online separately as their schedule permits.
Kimberley,
You make a great point. It isn't as easy in addressing changes and you don't want to have info that is incorrect. You do have to think about usability. I actually have my husband review my course as he is colorblind and has trouble seeing some colors.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Denise,
I think you can create an area that allows for discussion of current issues. There are powerful tools that give all students a voice. I actually use online tools to enhance and give voice to my f2f courses! Content has to be in a framework that makes sense and allows for multiple access.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Charles,
The one advantage for students in an online course is that it tends to empower all students to participate not just the ones that speak out in every class.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The course content created is going to differ because of the way in which the information is created. In a F2F classroom you are able to present more content and troubleshoot issues as they arise. However it is very difficult to do that once an online course has be "rolled out"
In a F2F course you are better able to modify any issues and content, this is not done as quickly in an online course. Therefore in an online course the content has to be very specific so that the your student benefit from consistency and usability.
It is important to remember that a face to face class is not the same as an online course. Usually there has to be a great deal of communication because you don't get face to face contact. You have to make sure that content is organized per weeks. You have to have the mind of someone that is not sitting in the classroom.
The traditional campus (face-to-face) learning environment, students have access to the Instructor and can ask questions anytime during the lecture. Online setting, students do not feel the presence of the faculty, so discussion or forum must be use often and possible contacting the students.
Dennis,
LOVE THIS. So, I have to have a Wii to dance? :)
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dennis,
What a great idea. You can create a great collaborative environment online. You are right, there are great tools you have to match them with the right content.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I do have trouble, though, getting students online to perform some activities like "dancing" though. I often recommend that they get the Wii Dance Program!!
I see the issue as finding ways either face to face or on-line to engage students in authentic learning activities that will help them learn the concepts and content for the course (and improve and apply literacy based skills). I often use PBL projects in both cases and try to find topics that will grab the students emotionally. This can be done face to face or online. When working in groups, students can work collaboratively in either educational setting because of the tools now available.
So, I guess you can say that if you are creative in your design, you can actively engage students in the same activities in either educational venue. It all depends on your design. There are certainly materials and content available in both formats.
Donielle,
So, how are you going to develop your personality and your style online? What will your students remember about you in your online course?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dennis,
What a great use of webinars. You can identify problems and then record solutions. I also find I can reuse them. Building a your "tool box" of resources helps to address problems and student needs quickly.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tina ,
You can do a few lecture elements if done well, but that is true for f2f. Organization and design are so important to frame the content.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Elena,
Thank you for your great post! I agree with you wholeheartedly. You are right, the LMS makes all the difference in the world. You don't want to have students going "all over the place" for content.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Body language is key when working with anyone. It represents you. When you are frowning, it is an expression of disappointment. When you are smiling it is an expression of happiness.
I feel it is important to use Webinars to communicate essential information and model strategies for students. In my courses that focus on integrating literacy and social studies or ELA for teachers in my Graduate program, I find that this is of great benefit as the teachers see specific examples or models to work from. The students then have to develop an activity for their unit that they will implement in their classroom. Of course, I record each Webinar so that students who miss the session can access it. I also find that students love to have it recorded and use it as a reference when they are then working on developing their lesson or activity.
The content has to be presented in a format whereby the student has to read it, understand it, and know how it applies to the learning objectives and assignments. Online learning does not involve lectures that a face-to-face course would entail. Proper presentation and organization of the content is most appropriate for an online course.
Tina Means
