Online vs Traditional Learning
I would say it depends on the students study skills. Online learning requires the ability to work and study independently. An online student must learn how to manage his/her time, dedicate themselves to reading course materials and participating in forum discussions. Usually the online lecture takes the place of the instructor, however in this setting if a student has a question, it must be addressed after the session via email or contacting the instructor. In a traditional class setting, questions can be answered immediately and if the student does not understand the course materials, at that time the instructor can clarify.
One of the things that I have particularly liked about online teaching is that it seems so much more organized than teaching in a physical classroom, particularly where evaluating and grading assignments is concerned. On a physical campus, I always seemed to be schlepping papers all over the place. With online analysis of students’ assignments, I think more time can be spent actually analyzing the assignments instead of shuffling papers.
Hi Julia, at the end of last quarter a learner stated that exact thing. When I discussed this with the instructor, he told me that he would call out learners who had great discussion posts, so that was probably what the learner was talking about. I recommended to him that instead of calling out a specific learner's response to a discussion that he reply to the main thread and call out the response and what was especially good about it without referring to a specific learner.
I work on a regular basis with faculty on how to develop presence in the course. If an instructor posts to 50% of the learners in a discussion that means that 50% of the learners did not receive any response from the instructor. As an alternative, I encourage instructors to go into the discussions and monitor all discussions to ensure that there are no behavioral issues or learners who are struggling. For struggling learners, I ask instructors to interact with them privately. I then ask them to post to the discussions at least three times during the week and summarize the different points of view that learners have on the topic and use weaving techniques to compare/contrast the views, re-direct the discussion if it is off topic, or interject an alternative viewpoint to help learners understand multiple perspectives on the topic. This builds presence in the discussions and the interaction is with every learner. Tina
I wonder if students feel that another student is getting favoritism, or more attention, if the instructor calls some students but not others. I assume students don't know about instructor contacts with other students who have issues that require direct contact? I know that the rule of on-line instruction is to have a quality and consistent presence in each student's learning experience. I guess that doesn't mean identical numbers and methods of contact (?)
Hi Rodney, we also have many military students in our courses and it's exciting to think that they can be earning a degree while they are deployed around the world! It does require us to have flexibility because these learners can go on missions which take them away from the course for several weeks at a time. Tina
Convenience--wins hands down. I've had many students who are military and on deployment around the world. I think it is great that they can use their time to work on their degree as a way of fulfilling various career aspirations. Without this option, earning a degree the traditional way would simply be impossible in some cases.
Thanks,
Rodney
There are many different methods of teaching students, and as teachers we are all not good at all methods. The point that you make about the large lecture halls is an illustration of this idea. One teacher can be very dynamic and engaging in a 300 student lecture hall, another can be very boring. A good teacher after every class critically reflects on what they did in the classroom and how they can improve their teaching, hopefully with the goal of engaging as many students as possible in the learning experience.
Thanks for your post Adele. You made some very good points!
Welcome to the world of online teaching Myrna! Communication is a key part of teaching--both in the residential classroom and the online classroom!
If you are in a class, online or in a classroom setting, that does not require participation in any way, shape, or form, then that instructor and institution has not done their job. I have been in a couple classes that were basically lecture halls with over 300 people enrolled, and sadly, yes, one instructor was tremendously boring and unengaging. The other, however, even with that many people, found a way to make the subject interesting and involve the class. Now I am an instructor at a traditional school, and it is part of my responsibility to create and grade participation. I do not believe it's acceptable practice in the industry to allow students to just show up, listen, take tests, and not participate, no matter the format.
I have been an instructor of adult education in the traditional college classroom over the past few decades, but in the past eighteen months have moved into the online e-learning environment. Initially, I wondered how I would adapt to the change, but it has been refreshing as well as challenging! In the traditional classroom, the instructor can well assess the progress and participation of students and easily meet one on one outside of class or with small groups of students who may be having difficulties in some aspect of coursework. In the online environment I have found that being fully prepared with resources and learning tools...and making all of these essential items readily available to students in an organized, timely manner [via the Course Management System] helps them to be successful and to feel "engaged". Students "need to know the instructor" through consistent communication techniques [feedback on assignments, e-mails, portal processes and procedures] to ensure steady academic progress. The mode of delivery may have changed [traditional classroom to online]...but the objectives are the same!! *Communication is the key!!
Provided detailed feedback on what a student would need to do to improve their grade is much more effective than simply providing them with a midterm grade. Great tip Mark!
As an example of being pro-active with potential problems, our school is divided into 5 week sessions. At the beginning of week 4, as I have been monitoring their work up to that point, I send a personal email to each pointing out what I see as *troubling* and offer tutoring-type help to them as time/schedules permit.
This past term, for instance, in that week 4 *notice*, I pointed out missing assignments that I would accept (with late penalty and documentation if necessary) to not only improve their grade but also their present and future work.
Convience is very important for the adult student who has other obligations like family and work. When I was looking at my options several years ago for a doctorate program as a working adult with young kids at home, convience was certainly at the top of my list.
In a previous faculty development meeting they presented the statistical three main reasons why students prefer online instruction:
1) Convenience
2) Convenience
3) Convenience
Students will aclimate themselves to whatever demands (pitfalls) are imposed in the online enviroment for the sake of having that 24/7 convenience. The students are aware that they are purchasing conveniece when opting for an online degree. My student's always mention how they love to be able to study or "go to class" in their pajams.
By its nature, online learning requires students to be much more acive learners. They must participate in some way, shape, or form. This is not the case in some traditional classes. In those cases, it is possible to just show up, listen to the lecture, take test, and never say anything or participate actively in the class.
Yes, sometimes reaching out by phone is a great way to clear up any misunderstandings.
I actually think online teaching can be even more difficult than the traditional classroom. I had taught at a small campus for 22 years. Students knew me and I knew them by sight often before they were in my class. They also knew my reputation as an instructor that expected them to be prepared but would also help in any way I could if they needed help.
I think the biggest adjustment I had was having to depend largely on the written word to "talk" to my students. You must be so careful in how you word the feedback not only to the group but also to the individual. You must show concern, caring, and wisdom in everything that you post.
I find that if a posting has created a misunderstanding with a student, I must immediately contact that student. I often do this by making a quick phone call to talk about the issue. That extra one-on-one works just as weel online as it does on campus.
Kelly
Please share with us the criteria on the basis of which you have concluded that teaching a course in a traditional classroom environment is just as challenging as teaching the same course online. Are both environments equally challenging?
Satrohan
I have recently started teachng an on-line course, and I'm finding just as challenaging as a traditional class.
Josefer:
These traits can also be transferred to an online setting. You certainly have no control over some of these impediments to learning, even though you may be able to offer additional support. For example someone with low self-esteem. The challenge here is for us to be able to identify .these kinds of shortcomings in a timely manner and take corrective action.
By monitoring students' participation, we can identify "lack of involvement", and "regular complaining". These could be early signs of a potential "drop-out".
Satrohan
