The Education system has experienced a shift occasioned by
the use and growing trend in technology and technology advancement. For many
educators, though necessary, it has become overwhelmingly difficult to manage
this shift as the changes in the system of education are occurring near
lighting speeds. Technology is being developed at an alarmingly rapid rate and
many educators while trying to navigate the virtual space are required at the
same time to balance how they facilitate the teaching and learning process.
The good thing about online
learning is that once the foundational aspects have been set, the management of
technology tools in education becomes easier.
What is online education?
Online Education is the facilitation of the process of
teaching and learning via the internet using technological devices.
Benefits of facilitating education online:
1. Education facilitated online breaks the boundary
of distance. Teachers and students can communicate from remote locations.
2. Online education allows for peer to peer
collaboration. In the virtual space, students can communicate face to face with
the use of technology, they can work on assignments through shared facilitation
of the various platforms.
3. Minimises the use of paper which results in
positive effect in some regard on the environment.
4. There is the possibility for individuals to
communicate across the globe especially in instances such as disasters, lack of
access to travel.
5.
Learning management platforms possess analytic
features which allows facilitators to track students’ interaction with
content/material.
Negative effects
1. In some countries, it can be quite costly to
host classes online. The high costs of electricity bills, internet services are
a deterrent. In such, some students may miss out on the opportunity to learn
via technology.
2. Students with disabilities such as deafness and
blindness are not readily facilitated in this setting.
3. The use of technology devices such as laptop,
computers, tablets may have adverse effects of the body such as the eyes, neck,
hands, and even posture.
4. Online education eliminates the personal/social
aspect of the teaching learning process. Regardless of being able to
communicate virtually, face to face, human beings are social beings.
Individuals are able to sense each other emotions when they are close.
Friendships and bonds are also formed when individuals are close as individuals
are better able to read gestures, and body language. The use of technology to
facilitate learning erodes human relationships.
5.
Not all students have the ability to remain
focused on lessons when they have no to low supervision; as such, some students
could be left behind academically.
6.
Students completing task without fully grasping
the content
7.
Some students have short attention spans and if
left unsupervised, they may not participate in the lessons.
Modes of Teaching and Learning
There are three main modes of facilitating teaching and
learning online; these are synchronously, asynchronously and blended modalities.
Synchronous mode
Synchronous learning mode may be defined as the facilitation
of the teaching and learning process in real time. For this modality, students
and teachers interact at the same time across learning management systems. Synchronous
learning gives students the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification
in instances where they do not understand a concept or topic. This modality
operates like the traditional model, the major difference however is that the
interaction is done virtually. Synchronous learning may be facilitated with the
use of live chats, video conferencing (such as with the use of Zoom), webinars.
Synchronous modes may be used as resource for asynchronous models as lessons
may be recorded and can be uploaded to give students access to the material later.
The downside to synchronous learning is that, similarly to
the physical environment, students are required to learn at the same pace, and
must interface with the same content at the same time.
Asynchronous mode
Asynchronous mode of teaching and learning is the contrast
of synchronous modalities. Instead of live interactions between parties, the
teacher prepares the lessons and uploads the material to the learning
management system giving students the opportunity to access lessons at their
own convenience. This modality facilitates non-linear learning and students may
choose topics based on their preference. Facilitators may use mixed media to
facilitate students. Students also can collaborate on assignments and can
communicate with the use of discussion boards.
Blended Learning
For students to be adequately and optimally engaged so that
they receive the full benefits of online learning, facilitators should consider
a blended approach. The blended approach to learning provides a mixed modality
as it combines both synchronous and asynchronous engagement. It is important
that the human signals of communication be incorporated as much as possible and
to allow collaboration, whilst being given the opportunity to learn in a
nonlinear way, and at their own pace.
The fusion of both modalities works to create the ideal
circumstance in order to maintain and accomplish the objectives of education.
Learning Management Systems
Learning management systems are platforms that enable the
process of teaching and learning online. LMS comprise of a suite of resources
for both learner and facilitator. For the learner, LMS performs as traditional
blackboard and textbook. Students have access to handouts, PowerPoint
Presentations, videos, and a variety of other resources to help them in their
synthetisation of the lessons.
For the facilitator, the LMS operates as an organiser. It
provides the capabilities for facilitators to record grades, generate tests,
view test result scores, keep student register as it possesses features to
track learners and their access to the system. Some learning management systems
also have community sections that allow facilitators access to support groups
and services. Facilitators can contact others like themselves and engage in
discussions or even share lessons, strategies, and other information.
Some of these systems allow facilitators to use a free
version, others only allow for users to activate a trial version for a specific
period of time, to continue use of the system, they would need to purchase the
software or pay a subscription fee. Note that all Learning Management require
users to have an email account in order to join.
Here are a few of the most popular Learning Management
Systems.
BlackBoard Learn
Schoology
Comments
Post a Comment