In what ways is online learning qualitatively different than face to face learning? In this instance you get to pull on your own experiences as well as the readings, and answer as well as critically contribute to the debate surrounding online learning.
The major qualitative difference that comes to mind regarding the differences between online learning and F2F learning is time to reflect. In an online learning environment, you are given time to formulate thoughts and come up with more refined questions and responses to inquiries via communication channels such as email or a discussion board. Because of this, learners can also comment long after an initial question is posed allowing for more opportunity for engagement. From a teacher's perspective, it seems there is better opportunity to hear everyone out in the class. In a traditional F2F setting, some people are not comfortable speaking out but they may be more likely to voice their opinions, questions and concerns in an online environment.
I like that you point to the increased reflection time in online learning and how that can be a benefit to those who may not be comfortable speaking in a F2F environment. I too commented on this benefit.
ReplyDeleteHowever, your focus on the teacher's perspective made me wonder if teachers are less able to keep tabs on students and feel comfortable that students are "on track" in online learning. Considering how challenging it can be to do this in a F2F setting and how easy it is to send an email, this may be the reverse despite the seeming disconnect in an online format.
Probably a teacher needs to work harder to include learning other than reading/writing in an online format. Then again, F2F poses its own challenges in learning style.
In whole, organization, clear cues and signals, and thorough explanation seem even more important in online learning as revisions and additions (from instructors or students) take longer. We see that in our class question board - it can take all day to get a point clarified!
I agree that a big plus is having time to formulate your thoughts. There were times in f2f classes where I left the class discussion and ponder on other's comments and then had something really good to add to the discussion but it was too late. By the next class the discussion moved onto another topic. I would add that a con to online discussions is that not everyone reponds to everyone else's posts. So the discussion sometimes be short.
ReplyDelete