The outcomes of learners are the same in any educational environment, traditional or online. However, the differences between the two environments lie in the resources/tools and methods/strategies used in delivering instruction to learners. There are specific teaching and learning strategies that have been identified to work best in online environments than do face to face (F2F) environments. The Three (3) C’s that will cause distance education to be the most effective for online learners are content, communication, and collaboration. The instructor and the learner must be active participants throughout the duration of the course in order for the learner to achieve the stated learning outcomes.
In the graphic organizer above, I have listed ways that the instructor can foster content knowledge within an online course because although the content itself is important, how the content is delivered is equally important. Additionally, the use of various technologies that promote communication and collaboration are essential as well. There are various ways for instructors to deliver content to learners, such as through PowerPoint presentations, podcasts, webcasts, blogs, wikis, video conferencing, etc. Additionally, there are various ways for instructors and learners to communicate with one another, including discussion boards (through learning management systems), blogs, wikis, email, and social networking sites, such as Facebook. As it relates to collaboration, the various communication tools are used to allow learners to work together on class assignments and projects. For instance, some of the same tools that are used to communicate, such as blogs and wikis, can assist in collaboration amongst learners.
Prior to beginning this program at Walden, I’d never created or used a blog or wiki to post information and communicate with my peers and instructors. Being that these tools assist with communication and collaboration, you have to also acknowledge that they are convenient, easy to use, and FREE!
References:
Anderson, T. (Ed.). (2008). The theory and practice of online learning. (2nd ed.). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.
Durrington, V. A., Berryhill, A., & Swafford, J. (2006). Strategies for enhancing student interactivity in an online environment. College Teaching, 54(1), 190−193.
Siemens, G. (2008). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. ITForum.
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Here are some blogs related to this topic:
http://kofianane4.wordpress.com/2010/10/28/engaging-learners-with-new-strategies-and-tools/
http://belindavannorman.blogspot.com/2011/07/engaging-learners-with-new-strategies.html
http://undwd.wordpress.com/2010/11/14/engaging-learners-with-new-strategies-and-tools/
http://prezi.com/r4azmdisrbb4/engaging-learners-with-new-strategies-and-tools/
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Here are some blogs related to this topic:
http://kofianane4.wordpress.com/2010/10/28/engaging-learners-with-new-strategies-and-tools/
http://belindavannorman.blogspot.com/2011/07/engaging-learners-with-new-strategies.html
http://undwd.wordpress.com/2010/11/14/engaging-learners-with-new-strategies-and-tools/
http://prezi.com/r4azmdisrbb4/engaging-learners-with-new-strategies-and-tools/
