4.2 ON-LINE LEARNING
Basic characteristics of on-line education,
fast - immediate connections/delivery in some cases
not scheduled - material can be reviewed and questions answered at any time
location independant - connection from any location, even home
high connectivity - a very large number of people, and information are readily available
individualized - sequence of material, depth of material, additional review, etc. can be adjusted by the student as needed
Some important concepts when planning on-line courses are,
- bring the students into a learning neighborhood.
- create appropriate challenges for the content and format.
- context for all material must be clearly defined.
- set out a clear start and end to the work.
When creating on-line courses,
- analyse material for suitability, some is not suited to distance, and solutions should be found.
- set objectives for modules (if this mode is used).
- try to make best use of tools available.
- don't forget support, technical, library, etc.
- set up and maintain records of interactions in the class. (comments, discussions, etc.)
- set up an ongoing evaluation system, including feedback.
From the faculty standpoint, factors for success are,
- faculty control of the course (ownership)
- don't let technology replace the value of learning
- good technical support all round.
4.2.1 Relevant WWW Sites
Internet oriented training tools
http://www.clark.net/pub/journalism/awesome.html
Internet Resource Directory for Educators (IRD)
ftp://tcet.unt.edu/pub/telecomputing-info/IRD
Open University
http://hcrl.open.ac.uk/ou/ouhome.html
Distance Education Resources
http://ollc.mta.ca/disted.html
University of Minnesota Adult Education Resources
gopher://aded.coled.umn.edu:70
University of Utah Adult Education Resources
gopher://gopher.cc.utah.edu:70
State University of New York
gopher://adam.cc.sunysb.edu:70
University of Georgia
gopher://gopher.PeachNet.EDU:70
4.2.2 References/Bibliography
Ellsworth, J.H., Education on the Internet, Sams Publishing, 1994.
