Session 6: Instructional Design for Online Learning

1. What is the nature, of the dichotomy between use of the Internet as a content delivery mechanism or as a communications medium?

The use of the Internet for content delivery is teacher-centered or solely dependant on the author. It assumes the author is the expert and there is no room for discussion. For example, Blackboard, the contents are structured around what the professor wants to include or not include within the course. The students take the information and task given by the professor to find a solution.

On the other hand, using the Internet as a communications medium—discussion boards, blogs, wikis—students are given the opportunity to provide their input. This in turn allows the students to have a better grasp on the subject at hand because they are actively participating in the learning process.

2a. Name of the strategy, a description of how the strategy works and technologies that you would use to support the strategy.

Self-directed learning is self-paced; the student initiates the learning process and learns independently. Because the student is proactively involved in the learning process, he/she tends to retain and make use of the information longer.

2b. Strengths and weaknesses of the strategy.

One advantage of self-directed learning is the student has the flexibility to learn the material at his/her own time and place. With the Internet readily available, information is found right at your fingertips. You do not need to leave your house and go to your local library, just go on the Internet and do your research from the comfort of you home.

One weakness of self-directed learning is obtaining too much information and worst, acquiring irrelevant information. The student will need to learn how to filter out unnecessary and irrelevant information retrieved on the web. Another disadvantage is not having the privilege of the instructors’ actual presence for a quick question and answer. The student will have to ask questions via email, IM, phone, etc... and wait for the instructors’ response.

2c. Description of how you would implement the strategy IN THIS CLASS.

Because this class is totally online and fast-paced, constructing your own weekly schedule will help you be on track. Also, because online classes are self-directed, learning how to filter out information you find on the web is important. If you are unsure about the information you find, you could always email the professor to look it over. EBSCOhost is a good place to start your research online.

3. Discuss the role and the nature of evaluation of student performance in online classes.

The challenges of evaluating students’ work in an online class would be determining whether or not the student actually gained something from the task given. An effective course design should begin by asking what you want the students to learn from the activity. Also, it is important to note that one size does not fit all when constructing your course design. One course design might work for a Math class, but not for an English class. Constructing effective course designs will help you evaluate students’ performance more efficiently.