Chris:
Here again, you have mentioned a criterion I have overlooked everytime I address this question. It is perhaps because I am not immersed in "Technical Training" especially those which are "trade-based". I have never given much thought to licensing. Thank you for the addition.
Satrohan
I think the classroom portion of any course can be taught online. I teach a vocational program that is made up of both classroom and shop time. The classroom portion can be online but the shop portion must be hands-on because of two requirements:
1. State licensing
2. It is impossible to disassemble and air conditioner virtually.
-Chris
Joanne:
Agreed. Theory based knowledge lends itself well to online learning. Moreover, students demonstrating competence in performance-based skills should be mandatory especially when the consequences of error are high. Some institutions adopt a hybrid approach in which students complete the theory-based components in an online environment, and participate in on-site practicums to demonstrate mastery of competencies that are skill-based. The challenge is for institutions which want to adopt total delivery of the course content in an online environment.
Satrohan
I would say that all theoretical topics could be taught on-line. With the current technology available, and improving every year, on-line could provide a rich learning environment using a variety of learning tools that conceivably could reach all the different learning styles. Hands-on or experiential learning could use a visual aid to 'teach' the technique and the student could practice it, but the student would ultimately have to demonstrate competence to someone or get help as needed. It would be very interesting to hear how instructors are handling this type of learning.
Agreed - for such a program that hybird approach could only be done for local students.
Josefer:
The hybrid approach, in my opinion, would yield bette results. The only setback is if your institution targets a student population that is international or in States separated by distances that would prevent students travelling for onsite sessions.
Satrohan
I think that a hybrid delivery would be possible. We have discussed it here as a direction we may head in the future, particularly with some Gen Ed and Massage Theory portions of the program. We may see a move towards more hybrid delivery for those schools that may have space concerns, yet continued growth.
Josefer:
Your point about "in-person instruction and evaluation" is well taken. Question for you.
Do you think the massage therapy program will be suitable for hybrid delivery------part online---part face-to-face?
Satrohan
My initial reaction to this question is no. I’m not convinced that every class can be taught on-line. One of our most popular programs at our school is the massage therapy program. For the lab component of many of our classes, the instructor needs to be there to observe and assess the hands-on techniques. I can’t see how that can be effectively done from a distance, even if it’s just a virtual distance. Besides, state regulations often mandate such in-person instruction and evaluation.
Michelle:
Depending on the learning outcomes of medical courses, the theory based portion can be covered online; however, the hands-on portions are better handled in a lab environment---not one simulated in an online environment. The same philosophy applies to all courses, the learning outcomes of which are performance-based.
Satrohan
No, not all courses can be taught online. Especially medical courses.
Your points are well taken, Troy. When the content of a course is driven by objectives that are performance-based, the blended approach is more suitable. This is the kind of decision a learning institution has to make when they decide to offer those courses online at the national and international level.
Satrohan
No, not all classes can be taught totally online. For examples, some classes that are taught in medical assisting programs need to have a hands on component. However, if these programs are part of a blended program then that is a different story...
Shanel:
Thank you for sharing the kinds of technology you adopt in your courses. Learning technologies of that nature go a far way in coming as close as possible to simulating the traditional classroom experience. Having said this, I fully agree with you on the importance of both students and instructors having the desired level of preparedness to use such technologies. We should always keep in mind your first point that not all competencies can be satisfactorily taught and measured in an online environment-----a confirmation of your second point in the above.
Satrohan
With the technology that we have today, I do feel that any course can be taught effectively online. However, there may be situations in which a course is better suited in the classroom. Teaching in an online environment myself, we see many ways in which to simulate the traditional classroom. We use items such as webcams, conference calling, and interactive labs for classes such as algebra that have an online lecture. We even have any online externship that our students can benefit from that simulates real-wrold hands-on offices. As long as the student has the disclipline and the instructor is well-prepared, using the proper technology, I feel that courses can be taught effectively.
Rebecca:
You have captured the essence of the limitations of online learning as they pertain to "demonstrate by performing" skills. They expereince of actually performing tasks driven by psychomotor skills is key to demonstrating ones ability to actually performing those tasks; not merely observing others perfroming them.
Janet:
Motivation, commitment, well designed courses etc are all contributing factors to successful online learning. I agree with you to the extent that theory-based courses can be effectively taught online; however,courses,the outcomes of which are perfromance-based cannot be completely taught successfully in an online environment. Reflect on how effective an online course on certain culinary arts can be; and how effectively we can evaluate students' performance on such skills in an online environment.
Satrohan
I think that with the right technology, almost any class can be taught online. I say almost any because of the sciences such as the hands on practicals for doctors and nurses. Can you really learn what you need to and be prepared to walk into surgery from watching a video screen? Maybe you can, but I think that I am a learner that needs to actually do it myself with my own hands to fully understand it.
For the most part I believe most courses can be taught effectively online but a lot depends on the discipline of the learner. They need to be motivated and a self starter and also committed to learning. If the student is none of these then no matter whether the class is in a traditional class room or online they will fail. I have students in online courses that want to be spoon fed every step of the way and it's almost impossible to deal with.
Jan ODonnell
Agreed on all counts, Anthony. Other examples of competencies that fall under the same category youmentioned are:
Negotiation skills
Sales strategies
Presentation skills
Competencies that are performance-based and driven by psychomotor skills.
Satrohan
