Online Learning
First, learning online is NOT the same as learning face to face. Different learning principles apply, and online learning is not always a substitute. In many respects, online learning can work much better than face to face learning, whilst in others there is no substitute for human face to face interaction. The two work best in partnership.
Because online content is always available and a learner can navigate however they prefer, it should be possible to achieve 100 per cent of the learning outcomes. There is no need to have a fixed place and time for assessments. The computer will never tire, so a good course will provide enough interactivity and depth to appeal to all learning styles. Progress can be self-assessed or controlled and recorded through online or vigilated assesments. Online courses can be a great preparation for a face to face assessment, or as preparation for a group learning activity. You can also build highly complex interactive case studies and simulations online.
There is an enormous amount of published material on the subject, and we have assembled some of it on our resources page to provide you with some leads on the subject.
At udutu we have heard the analogy to the earliest days of television, when the movie industry thought the new device was like having a movie screen in the living room, and wanted to program accordingly. The reality was that television evolved into a very different form of entertainment with different guiding principles, while still capable of providing movie entertainment when it was required.
In the same way, online learning must compete for short attention spans, and a lack of social pressures to keep a learner in place when the subject matter is not engaging. The established theories of teaching and learning that evolved in classrooms cannot simply be applied without adaptation. While much about learning theory still holds true in this medium, it is important to bring an open mind to the process.
Engagement is the key. Interactivity and a richly engaging course makes learning fun and effective. At udutu we have spent a great deal of time and energy creating tools to help you build interactivity and engagement into your courses. We'd like you to try them.