There has been much discussion about whether distance education can provide students instruction that is equal in quality to traditional education. Do you think an equivalent experience is possible via distance delivery? Why or why not? I believe if the right tools are used a course delivered in a distance learning format can provide instruction that is equal in quality to a course presented in the traditional face-to-face format. Face-to face classes consist of content delivery, peer interaction, instructor feedback, assessment, and grades. Distance learning courses can provide the same course components. Content can be delivered using PowerPoint, videos, podcasts, and many other tools. Just like the instructor provides material and explanations while lecturing in a face-to-face class, the podcasts and etc. used in the distance learning program do as well. Peers can still interact in a distance learning course. Instead of discussing topics in the classroom, discussion boards and blogs may be used. Chat rooms and programs such as Blackboard Collaborate provide a synchronous format. The only problem with distance learning format is the delay in instructor feedback. Students need to be reminded at the beginning of the course that there will be a delay in receiving answers to any question; students need to keep in mind that they do not need to wait until the night before or the day of exams to ask questions. Use of instant messaging systems or a simple phone call may shorten the delay. Assessments may still be given with the assurance students are not cheating by using moderators. Timed exams may also be given. If the student is trying to look up answers he or she will not have time to finish the test. It is very easy to return grades to students in a distance learning format. Assignments may be submitted and graded with in the delivery software, and made available for students to see. As long as the distance learning course has all of the same components of the face-to-face course, students receive an education that is up to par with a face-to-face course. Distance learning courses do have their problems. The students need to be motivated to do the work and realize that they must approach a distance learning course differently than a face-to-face course. I have known students to do fine in a face-to-face course but lack the self-motivation required to complete an online course. I had a co-worker who had a student tell her that she did not have time to look up the answers while taking an exam. Students need to realize that an online course is not meant to be easier than a face-to-face course; an online course requires the same or more amount of work. But then again, there are also students who fail from lack of motivation in face-to-face classes as well. The instructors also need to realize that they cannot set up the course and walk away. The teacher needs to be there to answer questions and provide feedback to the students. In conclusion, traditional learning formats and distance learning formats can provide the same quality of education if 1) the students are motivated and willing to put in the time and effort required to succeed and 2) teachers utilize the tools available to the in an effective manner and stay involved in the course. Below there is a link to my Intro to Hemostasis online lesson that has an example of an online quiz and a discussion forum using Nabble. Click on the Quizizz link and enter the code 065173 to experience a quiz with instant feedback. Rubrics can be very useful in letting students know what is expected of them. Below you will find an example. I hope these examples help with any future online classes you may teach.
2 Comments
Demetric DyAnn Williams
7/15/2016 07:52:23 pm
Hi Anna:
Reply
Mary
7/26/2016 12:56:30 pm
I think you hit the nail on the head in your last paragraph, it is up to both the student and the instructor to make an online course successful. If the student is not self-motivated they will fail and if the instructor is not willing to put forth the effort to develop the tools needed to create the same level of instruction as face-to-face courses, the course will not be effective.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorAnna K. Swann, M.S., MLS (ASCP)CM Blog Roll
Xavier Agee
Marsha Belton Alexandra Bosarge Anthony Eya David Galvin Chantanna Gholar Ginger Keen Andrew Lamier Mingyu Li Callie Martin Adrienne McPhaul Tammy Oatis Mary Warden Demetric Williams Jerid Woods ArchivesCategoriesCopyright © 2016 Anna Swann. Last updated March 17, 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Anna Swann is prohibited
|