Article on the topic how good is online teaching?
Answers
Online Teaching and its effectiveness
Key benefits of teaching online
Students can work at their own pace within a given framework and the online learning and teaching engagement process can be broken into smaller more frequent portions of time, with an opportunity for reflection in between.
Answer:
Explanation:
→ Why is online teaching important?
→ The Internet has significantly changed how we communicate with one another as well as how we access, share and facilitate information. The issue is no longer one of how to use technology to teach, but one where teachers acknowledge the way the world is already developing, and understand the significance of online literacy and the role that collaboration and online engagement plays in student learning and their future workplace environment.
→ Software and technology changes very rapidly, and it can be difficult to keep up with these developments. It is important therefore to focus on understanding effective pedagogical strategies for online teaching rather than the technology itself.
→ Key benefits of teaching online
⇒Increased flexibility of time:
⇒Learning and teaching can occur at times that are more convenient and productive for both students and teachers. Students can work at their own pace within a given framework and the online learning and teaching engagement process can be broken into smaller more frequent portions of time, with an opportunity for reflection in between.
⇒Increased flexibility of location
⇒ Learning and teaching can take place in any location (home, office, while commuting, coffee shop) and can include students and teachers from diverse geographical locations
Context
⇒ Online education gives learning a new relevance to contemporary society and professional and industry practice
Information sharing
⇒Online education provides opportunities to access and share information more easily and readily. Teachers and students are able to join online communities of practice based on their area of interest rather than their geographic location.
Online resources
⇒Online education provides access to a greater depth and breadth of resources and information
Diverse and enriching experience
⇒Online education can enhance the student learning experience by providing opportunities for cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural and/or cross-campus collaborations. This learning experience can occur at a local, national or international level, and can be enriched by increased interaction and engagement, peer feedback, and group work skills
Access, equity & disability
⇒Online delivery provides a mechanism for equal opportunity amongst students and teachers living with a disability, or who have accessibility difficulties that restrict their ability to attend a face-to-face class
Digital information literacy
⇒Online learning develops digital literacy skills that are increasingly required in contemporary society and workplace environments
Administration
⇒Online education can streamline some administrative aspects of teaching.
→Key restrictions, limitations or considerations
⇒Access to technology
⇒In some instances students and teachers may be limited in their regular access to reliable or appropriate technology. Several people may be sharing a computer or mobile device within one household, or may rely on using computers on campus or in a public place (eg public library, Internet cafe, etc). Students or teachers may also only have limited access to required software
Access to the Internet
⇒Not all students and teachers have regular or reliable access to the Internet. In many cases Internet access may be limited to dial-up speed, or there may be a capped monthly usage on their Internet which can restrict their ability to access or engage with information
Ability to use technology
⇒Some technologies and tools require training. In some instances, technical training may not be readily available to students or teachers.
Isolation
⇒ Teachers without peer support for their online initiatives, it can be a lonely and isolating experience
Information overload
⇒In many instances, the amount of information, ‘how to’ guides, help and resources provided online can have a tendency to become overwhelming and confusing if not properly managed. It can be difficult for students and teachers to discern which are relevant or important.
What is quality online learning?
Does your online course reach the same level or better with an equivalent face-to-face course? There are two quantitative critical performance indicators:
Completion rates are at least as good if not better for the online course.
Grades and measures of learning are at least as good if not better for the online course.
On a qualitative level, learning in your online course will lead to new, different and more relevant outcomes.