How is online learning changing the way you learn and faculty teach?
The reality of learning
has changed than what we used to do ten-twenty years ago. The thing we used to
ask our mother now we ask that to “Google”. The paper book of encyclopedia is
now available on internet and it is written and updated by every day. Learning
has changed for everyone, as iPads join the classroom to help kids with
learning difficulties, computers are standard equipment in class, and
University classrooms are called “Smart-Classes” for having computer equipment
directly connected to the board. While technological advancements have been
happening for the last 30 years, the Internet has single handedly
revolutionized how learning is facilitated, more than the Radio or TV ever
could. The traditional way students used to learn from school is way different
than now.
When discussing education, someone usually mentions how technology
changed the way we do it now in comparison to the old days. The classic joke of
“Thanking Wikipedia and Google for our degrees” is more reality than humor. One
cannot deny that our tolerance levels for lack of knowledge have dropped, and
“Google it” has become one of the go-to responses to someone’s query. This is
the byproduct of having easy access to an immeasurable wealth of information.
I’m sure you can remember writing a paper at some point in your life; whether
that was for high school, or University, chances are that if you graduated any
time before we hit the millennium, you did a lot of page-turning in your search
for excerpts, sources and information relevant to the topic. This is hardly the
case anymore you flip open that laptop, it automatically connects onto the
nearest Wi-Fi Hotspot, and you’re ready to go. Google will welcome you with a
plethora of options to search through, may that be a medical journal or simply
a book review, and the results take less than a fraction of a second to be
listed and ready to be read.
When Salman Khan took to the task of teaching his cousins Mathematics
through Yahoo’s Doodle Notepad, he wasn’t prepared for what would come next.
Apparently, his method of teaching became so popular within the family, because
his students could now replay the material and make the best of it, that he
thought he would distribute his tutorials over YouTube. YouTube Used in the
Learning Process When you hear YouTube, you think of “Music, Videos,
Entertainment”; for a visionary this was a gateway to create something
powerful, to assist seemingly anyone with a cheap computer who wishes to learn.
This foresight was what lead to Khan Academy being created, a platform housing
thousands of videos of tutorials on topics ranging from Mathematics, to History
and Astrophysics, with tests and ways to practice, as well as monitoring of
your performance.
Online learning offers everyone learning experience. Teaching aids such
as videos and other supporting material can all be bundled together online.
Interactive learning inspires youth to take part. New information is directly funneled
to us, instead of having to issue new versions of the same material. What used
to be costly is now inexpensive; money saved can fuel the creative part of teaching.
Kids that were once thought to be “unsuitable” for school now have way to find
interest in learning. Adults have alternatives to being taught in a class, can
now learn anywhere, anytime. Online material allows people to re-evaluate their
knowledge, even if they have already acquired a qualification.
Explain the difference between Hybrid, Online, and MOOC classes!
What is a hybrid class?
A hybrid class is
one which requires both classroom attendance and use of Email, the Internet,
and other means of electronic communication. Classroom attendance must be 50%
or more of the course required hours. Classroom meetings must be regularly
scheduled on a daily or weekly basis for the duration of the class.
What is online classes?
In a traditional
classroom or lecture, you learn by listening to your teacher and talking to
classmates. There is usually a specific time and location for these classes.
With online learning however, you can be anywhere in the world and still
receive the same high quality teaching as someone who is there in person.
Online learning is typically conducted through the internet, as a series of
courses you can access anytime, anywhere. Socializing and asking questions is
done through discussion forums or via email.
What is MOOC classes?
A massive open online
course (MOOC) is an online course aimed at unlimited participation and open
access via the web. In addition to traditional course materials such as filmed
lectures, readings, and problem sets, many MOOCs provide interactive courses
with user forums to support community interactions among students, professors,
and teaching assistants(TAs) as well as immediate feedback to quick quizzes and
assignments. MOOCs are a recent and widely researched development in distance
education which were first introduced in 2006 and emerged as a popular mode of
learning in 2012.
Early MOOCs often
emphasized open-access features, such as open licensing of content, structure
and learning goals, to promote the reuse and remixing of resources. Some later
MOOCs use closed licenses for their course materials while maintaining free
access for students
The difference between Hybrid, Online, and MOOC classes.
Online courses are
those classes that are delivered entirely online. Students study via chat
rooms, webcam and message board. Hybrid courses take the benefits of online
learning and combine them with traditional in-class learning. These courses
allow you to use the skills that you have learned in the classroom and apply
them to real-life scenarios. In addition to building valuable relationships in
class, you will become proficient in the technology that will give you the edge
in the workplace.
While some courses
may have an online component, their Web-based delivery format is a complement,
not a replacement of in-class learning. Students meet for in-class courses
while completing only a portion of their study online. True hybrid courses
blend the components of both. As a general rule of thumb, an in-class course
has to deliver more of 20 percent of its content online to be considered a
hybrid course. Classes that deliver less than that amount are considered
Web-enhanced courses.
To be considered a
true online course, 100 percent of its coursework has to be delivered online.
While many brick and mortar colleges may offer an in-class orientation prior to
the start of the course, the entire coursework is delivered online. An online
course is conducted remotely, with all exams, assignments and discussions
delivered via the Web.
What are some advantages and disadvantages of these learning modes?
The advantages of MOOC
classes are:
How would you learn differently or better from this experience?
What has been your experience with hybrid, online, or MOOC classes?
I have taken a lot of hybrid
courses and few MOOC course. Personally I feel like the hybrid class is harder
than online course and in class course. Hybrid class is combination of both in
class and online class. Although there are a lot of benefits, hybrid classes are not
perfect for everyone. They require strong time management skills and can be
tough to fit into a schedule if your in-class time is just once a week. Here
are some challenges about hybrid courses I have faced when I was taking hybrid
class. I felt like hybrid classes have more work. Even though you don’t go to
class every day you expected to finish your work every day. I felt like I am in
two places. When I am in class it seems so easy but when you come back from
class do your homework it feels like too much. Personally I feel hybrid classes
are too fast and unorganized for students like me. Hybrid courses require more
responsibility and commitment. Time management is just as important to hybrid
classes as it is with courses that are taught 100% online. You will need to set
aside at least an equivalent amount of time to your face-to-face sessions to
complete the online components in order to keep up and be prepared. If you have
trouble setting a schedule that allows you to get everything done or you’re a
master procrastinator, think hard about if hybrid classes are right for you. I
have taken few MOOC courses like in website like solo learn, U-demy, khan
academy, ilectureonline. Most of the online courses are available to everyone
and it’s free. You can take anywhere in world the MOOC courses. It doesn’t matter
where you are. It is flexible and less pressure than. The only you have to keep
in mind is time management.
How might using virtual reality programs or online simulations enhance this learning process both online and in class?
What is virtual reality?
Virtual reality is the term
used to describe a three-dimensional, computer generated environment which can
be explored and interacted with by a person. That person becomes part of this
virtual world or is immersed within this environment and whilst there, is able
to manipulate objects or perform a series of actions to determine what happens
in the environment.
Virtual reality usually has
these characteristics:
Believable -You feel like you're
in your virtual world through what you see and hear.
Immersive - As you move your
head around, what you see changes as well, just as it would in real life.
Computer-generated - VR worlds are
usually created with complex 3D computer graphics that change in real time as
we move.
Interactive - You can interact
with different objects in the scene, whether it’s pressing a button or opening
a door.
Virtual reality has a big impact on today's learning process. It's helping students to learn in class and online. Here are some positive sides how virtual reality is helping student in class and online:
Virtual reality has a big impact on today's learning process. It's helping students to learn in class and online. Here are some positive sides how virtual reality is helping student in class and online:
VR Can Stop Classroom Smartphone Distraction
According to the study, results of which were
published in the Journal of Medical Education, students spent a fifth of their
time in the classroom using their mobile devices for the activities not
relevant to their school work. The research findings showed that the students
checked their smartphones 11.43 times on average during their lessons. If these
smartphones were used for VR technology, the
problem could potentially be solved. Students would not be able to waste their
time on smartphones because they would use their devices to engage with VR
software.
Eliminates Language Barriers
Language differences can be challenging in
today’s multicultural societies. If students want to study in a foreign
country, they need to achieve fluency in a foreign language to be able to
understand the material if they are taught in another language. With virtual
reality, language translation can be built into the software and there will be
no language barrier that can prevent students from achieving their educational
goals. VR visualizations can be experienced in any language.
Outstanding Visualizations
VR video simulations allow students to explore
different realities and have an alternative learning experience that is
impossible in the traditional classroom. Wearing VR headset, students can
experience high-quality educational visualizations that have a positive impact
on the whole learning process. VR can help students easily understand complex
concepts, theories, and subjects. They are able to digest and retain complex
information at a much higher rate.
An average person can remember only 20% of
information that they hear and 30% of information if they see it. But if they
get this information through personal experience, they remember up to 90% of
it. VR technology creates an immersive experience that helps students learn
effectively.
Research has proven that immersion of students
in the virtual world enables them to learn better. Such learning activities
don’t feel like work and students enjoy the learning process that increases
their motivation.
Social Integration of Students
Students achieve better results in a positive
learning environment when they can connect with their peers. Virtual reality
can enhance social integration of students with different learning needs and
styles.
Students who commonly struggled to become a
part of a group were accepted by their peers because they had strong technology
skills. These are the findings of Dr. Connor Galvin who evaluated virtual
reality learning program that involved 20 schools. This technology can ensure
positive outcomes for children experiencing problems at home, with learning
difficulties or from ethnical minorities.
Virtual reality changes the way we learn,
teach, and communicate. The learners are engaged during the lessons because
there are no outside distractions as this technology is immersive in nature,
inspires creative learning, and promotes curiosity.
Now we are witnessing as more and more
progressive schools all around the world start using the VR technology within
their classrooms and curriculum. With VR, teachers can teach different subjects
in new and exciting ways, making learning process fun.
Virtual reality has the potential to transform
education. It offers endless possibilities for higher education institutions as
well. It can be a powerful tool in supporting STEM education.
VR is used in architectural design and allows
students to view their own designs in real time. It is also a great learning
tool for medical students who can use it to simulate real-time surgeries.
Universities can use this technology to create virtual tours for recruiting
students.
The use of virtual reality in higher education
is likely to increase over the next few years. Virtual reality is unlikely to
replace old-school face-to-face teaching methods, but this technology will
continue to be used to enhance learning experiences for students.
