Greetings fellow Learners,
The learning environment that I am focusing on is the
transition of a face to face Technical Support college course to an online or a
blended format. As I learn about new technologies, I am examining how I am able
to incorporate them to this endeavor. To fully understand how to best utilize
these technologies I must also examine the standards and expectations of my
environment. I will also need to understand what is currently in practice from
a traditional sense and determine what is working as well as what might need
some improvement. I also should look at my own learning experiences and
challenges to see what I can learn from and adapt my environment to be improved
for future learning environments.
Meeting the
Expectations
When developing a course for an online or a blended
format I must meet the guidelines of the institution that will offer the
course, the standards of governing agencies, and expectations of the students
that will be taking the course. I have been reading the guidelines of the Distance
Learning department of the institution where I work and the Faculty handbook to
determine a starting point of what is expected from the Instructor of an online
course as well as the course material.
In addition to the Institutional guidelines and
expectations are those of the accrediting body. For the Institution I work at
this is the Middle States Commission. These guidelines can be found at http://www.msche.org/publications_view.asp?idPublicationType=5&txtPublicationType=Guidelines+for+Institutional+Improvement
.
I have also examined some standards that have been in
place for online learning in the K12 environment. These standards are important
as this will show what future students will expect from a higher education
course as they have already been subjected to these standards. I am reviewing
materials from iNACOL which is the International Association for K12 Online
Learning and can be found at http://www.inacol.org/
. In addition to these standards, I also have been examining the Section 508
compliance regulations that are the Federal regulations for Accessibility. These
guidelines and standards can be found at http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/communications-and-it
.
Current and Traditional
Practices (Delivery Methods)
Traditional course material delivery is what we are all
accustomed to. We attend a face to face class setting in a brick and mortar
environment. The instructor delivers a
lecture using common presentation methods such as Power Point or overhead
slides and notes on a whiteboard/ blackboard. We are given reading assignments
to support the given lecture and written assignments to enhance the reading and
lecture. The learner’s progress is then assessed through an examination or project
that will display the mastery of concepts.
Current practices for online delivery can differ from
traditional methods in many ways. The online environment has become more self-learner
driven and the Instructor has become a guide through the learning process by
providing reading and assignments that will prompt the learner to explore
deeper into concepts. The learner is expected to take an active part in their
learning process through online discussion forums and written assignments. The
assessment process can also be of a traditional sense such as examinations but
tend to be more projects driven to display the true mastery.
My Own Learning
Experience
While I can appreciate both methods I prefer the online
environment for my own personal learning style, but, would like more of the
Instructor lecture of a traditional method. I have heard the argument: “If a
face to face Instructor was to enter a classroom, write on the board to read
chapters 3 through 6 of a textbook then write a 3 page paper on the topic and
discuss the topic with your fellow classmates. Then the Instructor leaves.
Would we think that they have accomplished their job?” As I can understand the
belief that this is what happens in an online class setting, I have to say that
it is not and it is no comparison. I have been learning the complicated
intricacies of designing a course for distance learning and I must say, “what
an eye opener!”
What I wish to accomplish is bringing the best of both
environments into one complete learning environment through the use of
technologies that will allow an Instructor to present a traditional lecture,
prompt for a deeper research and discussion, display the mastery of concepts
all while utilizing distance learning. I wish to break the barrier of learners
needing to be directly led to learn but still involve methods to guide them to
an element of literacy.
