Online learning
has some similarities to face-to-face instruction but I feel it requires a
different approach to be successful.
Typically, in class, I use partner collaboration, individual lessons,
project-based activities, and group discussion to introduce and practice
concepts. In an online course, I think I
would take a different approach because it is going to naturally be more
individualized. To keep instruction as
active learning, the student needs to read, digest, and apply the
knowledge. In an online instruction,
this would require different types of projects requiring more technology than
hands-on projects.
Currently, I use
project-based lessons in my Montessori school.
There is a focus on hands-on lessons with tangible objects and
visuals. However, in an online course,
either I would have to implement more field experience where the student would
be placed into interactive setting or the experience would have to be created
via technology.
I have taken
online courses that provide lectures with power points that you have to read
and power points that have a narration as you read. Personally, I like the
narration better because it has a more “face-to-face” feel to it. Also, I feel you retain more when you are
reading and listening at the same time. Having two sources of input can help
with understanding.
Online learning
is an interesting approach to teaching and will require the same types of
considerations of best practices that go into traditional classrooms. How can students receive differentiated
instruction? How can they collaborate
with peers? How can they have in-depth
and meaningful learning? All of these
questions are important to think through specifically for online learning and
not just transfer what we do for the classroom.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteGreat Post. So many people don't realize how difficult it can be to transition to an online class. I currently lecture or explain topics to my students by using a flipped classroom approach. I use screencast-o-matic to record what I am doing on the computer, I teacher computer classes. At first I would simple record myself talking while I was showing the students my screen. Then, one day I tried using the webcam and recording myself so that my students could get a more personalized approach, they LOVED it! They said it made them feel better to know WHO they were listening to. So this summer I am re-recording all of my lessons with the webcam on.
Also, great questions. The best part about technology is there are so many resources out there. Google has been the most valuable resource for me. It allows my students to store documents in one location and access them anywhere, they can collaborate using hangouts or docs, and I have a discussion board where they can ask questions or respond to one another.
Hi Ashley, I hope you’re enjoying your summer!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your teaching styles are similar to mine, and you have some great ideas on how to modify these techniques to best fit an online classroom. There are so many great online tools that can simulate situations, take you on virtual field trips, introduce you to new things, etc… In fact, my students in my regular classroom have been so engaged using such online tools, that I can only imagine the outcome if all lessons were so great!
I’m glad you mentioned that online learning “will require the same types of considerations of best practices that go into traditional classrooms.” This is so true. I think the misconception is that teaching online is a piece of cake and that you don’t have to work as hard, but in reality, it’s just the opposite. With online learning, students are missing out on building meaningful relationships with their peers and hands-on learning experiences. As teachers, we have to figure out how to foster these experiences through online learning.
Great post!