Deana,
Yes, it makes perfect sense. I too have stopped differentiating between the two delivery methods, they are what they are.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Why can't course content created for a face-to-face course be appropriate for an online course?
Course content created for a f2f course may not be appropriate if the organization of content is not structured so online students can use the information for learning purposes. Also if content is confusing, it may not facilitate learning for the online environment. Therefore, as noted in Learning Module (i.e. EL104), online courses should be suited for the environment and online learning, and not just by transferring documents or content, but also by transforming the information.
Alfretta
On ground teaching is significantly different than on line. The obvious is lack of face to face contact. Instructors must creaste a rspport with onkline students by communicating through email, blogs, discussion boards and chats.
Some students may not be viewing a chat in real time. We are not able to have the class together at the same time as we would in a F2F situation. Discussions that would occur in a F2F environment may not be possible. The course material needs to be as simple and easy to navigate as possible.
Face-to-face is synchronous, whereas online learning is asynchronous. When using asynchronous learning, there need to be a variety of learning styles incorporated in different ways than synchronous learning methods account for.
Some of the materials may be appropriate but because the f2f course is usually more teacher focused and the online environment is more student focused adjustments must be made. Some of the TCOs may need modification in order to make them appropriate to an online environment. Interactions between the students and instructors have to be well planned and ongoing. Students expect almost 24/7 access to online instructors so plans for communications must be well laid out and explained to the students to avoid frustration.
Daniel, how do you clarify an assignment or a point in the material by email? I find it cumbersome and usually call the student. They really appreciate it and like to hear a voice.
In a traditional courseroom, if the student has questions about content, he/she can ask the instructor in class. In the online classroom, the content needs to be very clear, because of the lag time in asking questions and receiving answers. If the content is confusing, the student could become frustrated, and learning may cease.
Michael/Class:
What if we are able to implement verbal communication via the online environment?
Also, I suggest both learning platforms require interaction in order to be successful.
In my years of teaching F2F and online courses, I do not distinguish between the two and mark them as different. Rather, the way one must implement (let's say grades) is different but it should not require the idea that it requires more or less of anything.
Does that make sense?
Dori,
Well said! Do you have multiple access points for your content?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Cheryl,
Where does feedback come into the equation?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Roy,
What strategies will you use to make the content online ready?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Interesting comments, how do you teach empathy in an online environment? Do you use simulations through video?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Course content created for F2F course cannot be appropriate for an online course because the communication process is completely different. In a F2F situation, the instructor can explain verbally and with prompts the content and take non verbal cues as to how well the students are engaged and understanding.In an online setting, that's not at all the case. The content must be organized, easily accessible, and precise.
Course content created for a face-to-face allows for immediate feedback and monitoring of the students. Online courses do not have that luxury. Therefore, online courses must provide short and concise modules conveying relevant, critical information to support concepts, procedures, and performance-based skills.
Course content for a face-to-face course is not appropriate for an online course, becuase body language is not present. In a F2F course, material is giving based on completion of a item and in on-line learning, completiton of an item may be different for each student.
Thanks,
Roy Hawkins
I think it can-it depends on what it is and how it is structured, organized and facilitated. Some courses can be very challenging particularly counseling related courses that are dependant on tone, inflection, body language...other physical nuances that require clase observation and reaction....
Anne,
Interesting. . . the flip classroom is becoming a common term within higher ed. Good point.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Now that flipped classes are being utilized in the face-to-face environment we are beginning to see an intersection of the two environs.
William,
Good idea! I have used both Connect and Elluminate and it does help. It is about being creative about the technology good ideas.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
