Preparing for Online Learning

Thinking about learning in an online environment was the topic for this week. Since the f2f setting cannot be exactly replicated online (at times, replication is not really the goal!), there will be different issues to address.

The most common concern that emerged is the discussion aspect. Unlike the traditional classroom sessions where the instructor can request a person to start the exchange through the use of both verbal and non-verbal cues, this does not apply completely online. Jessica cited the example of our webcon wherein participants were reluctant to make the first post. Our teams (Engage and Blended Learning) had to make the first posts for each other to get the ball rolling. Jessica and Elizabeth both were reflecting on possible options to get people past this initial barrier.

Overcoming this reluctance is critical in view of the value of online discussions, which was the subject of my contribution this week. Bender wrote that unlike classroom dialogue which is ephemeral in nature, online discussions are captured in text that allows reflection at the demand of the learners. For this reason, I suggested that as facilitators we must encourage quality output that will benefit both the contributor and the other participants. This could be accomplished by providing more structure in terms of expectations to newbies in the online environment. By specifying guidelines on what to post, and when, the confidence level can increase. By being definitive on what the posts should contain, we can increase the probability that the posts would generate learning for the entire group.

Do we always have to be directive in our discussion forum? I don’ t think so. I would always go by the rule of know our audience. If you have an online audience new to this learning methodology, the motivational aspect must be built first. This is easier when there is something at stake- like a prize of a grade. When the learners recognize the benefits of online learning and the richness of the discussion, hopefully they will govern themselves and the facilitator can pull back as needed.

Other topics discussed this week included the importance of memory brought up by Sheri: how representing text visually can make powerful learning happen; and the ingredients of a successful Communities of Practice through an article generously shared by Kerry.

There would be many more aspects of online learning to reflect on. As we engage in it more, there would be others that we will uncover. After I have successfully studied online years ago, I have stopped wondering how I can replicate f2f online. Instead, I am exploring the uniqueness of online learning and what it has to offer.