Online Learning
Important factors for organising and supervising online learning.
In all learning processes there are three factors that is important for providing quality learning outcome in an efficient manner:
- Structure
- Support
- Feedback.
These factors are even more important in online learning, and great effort must be done to support them.
A well-defined structure provides the student with oversight of the work ahead. This must be provided on several levels by means of well-developed plans:
- An overall study plan with well-defined learning outcomes
- A plan for the term that outline the process and include major assessment events
- A working plan that lay out the work in detail for each week of the term
There are several dynamic computer-based tools that can aid in the communication of the plan, such as tools integrated in learning platforms like Moodle, Canvas etcetera. Any deviations from the plan must be communicated to the students as early as possible.
The second factor is student support throughout the learning process. An online student is particularly vulnerable since she or he is by themselves. The educator responsible for the subject must normally take the supervisory role for the student in the discipline which is the content of the of the course. Dependant of the study model the educator must have frequent synchronous supervision meetings with the students. If the scope of the institutions online training is comprehensive, it has proved helpful to appoint a dedicated online study advisor for the online students.
The third important factor is feedback on the students' progress in the subject. This was studied in detail in the previous TEFFIC video, so we will limit the subject here to stress the time factor for providing feedback in online learning. Unlike a student that spend the days on campus and have ample opportunity for formal and informal communication with the educators, the online student is limited to the information provided by electronic means. So, a swift feedback on work done, and regular feedback on the progression will improve the conditions for learning quality and reduce risk for dropping out.
In online learning there is an area of opportunities for electronic measurements of students' performance and behaviour. By tracking the student's activities in an electronic tool, it is possible to provide metrics as a base for feedback and advice, both automatically and through the educator. Some tools have this functionality integrated.
To support the factors mentioned above, it is important to select the right tools. This is an area in rapid development, but there is some functionality that it is important to emphasis; a good video conference system with the possibility to synchronous sharing of resources like documents and software interfaces. A well-structured repository of learning resources. A system for supporting assessments.
It is also helpful to demonstrate the possibilities for online cooperation between students by means of tools like Skype, Facebook groups, What's App etc.
After you
have processed this element, take some time to reflect and find solutions to this
task:
Suggest five factors that are important when you design an online learning process.
In our next TEFFIC element we will look at Blended learning.