Technology allows for the opportunity to connect education to the outside environment and to generate an interactive learning environment that can connect education to the work environment as well. The World Wide Web gives an opportunity to retrieve information and can help create an active and motivated student. Anderson (2008) suggests the use of “net-based audio graphic session” so that the students and professors can build a relationship online and so that both can learn more about each other (pp. 349). It is difficult to build the same level of collaborative environment online that can be found in a traditional class due to the social factors that are missing for both the student and instructor. However, the visual cues are being replaced by emoticons, video chats such as Skype, IM and other forms of computer-mediated communication which are instrumental in creating a collaborative environment. Furthermore, Siemens (2008) remarks that although information is available online, it is presented in a fragmented way, unlike textbooks where the information is collected in an organized manner (pp 13). This is a valid point; the instructor can generate a class library where information can be posted pertaining to assigned topics, a list of suggestions or even a suggested list of technological tools. For example, when I taught an Adobe Flash class, I reviewed and posted a suggested list of YouTube tutorials in order to create a better learning environment. The students were not distracted by searching endlessly for tutorials and were not derailed with futile, unqualified information. Additionally, Siemens (2008) made a strong analogy with regards to the role of the instructor as a “curator” in online education who brings together resources for the student to create an effective learning and teaching environment.
The strategies proposed by Terry Anderson (2008) focus on creating a learning environment where not only are the learner’s needs are accessed individually, but where the growth of critical thinking skills and social presence are nurtured and developed by the establishment of a supportive pedagogical environment as well. Anderson (2008) suggests: “community of inquiry model” which are the “cognitive presence,” “social presence” and “teaching presence” (pp.344). Additionally, Anderson (2008) states that in order to develop and support critical thinking in the learner, the content of the learning has to “work within the epistemological, cultural and social expression” (pp344).
Moreover, time management is an important factor on the part of the instructor as it incorporates a timely assessment of learning and communication with the students. Anderson (2008) states that the educator must maintain his presence throughout the discussions in order to support the generation of collaborative learning environment (pp. 349). Additionally, Anderson (2008) emphasizes that the instructor must be comfortable using new and developing technologies in an innovative environment and that his pedagogical skills must reflect an understanding of a collaborative or independent online learning environment (pp.360).
Furthermore, an effective online instructor has to devise, implement and modify a student’s activity according to the class dynamic and to not be confined to the same conventions or to a long-established package (Anderson, 2008, pp.346).
Siemens (2008) echoes Anderson when stating that an instructor’s role is to be present as an expert or a “curator” who presents a “map,” in order to provide clear instructions and enhance the education of the student by navigating the student to new resources or learning devises of which the student might not be aware (pp.16). Thus, the instructor cannot be only an observer, he must be an active participator. The goal of the educator is to prepare the students for “active engagement” (pp.14). In order to do so, an effective instructor has to create opportunities for the learner to express his standpoint in a more engaging form, thereby allowing him the space to reflect on the reading and to emphasize his point-of-view (pp.15).
Resources:
Anderson, T. (Ed.). (2008). The theory and practice of online learning (2nd ed.). Edmonton, AB: Athabasca University Press.
Siemens, G. (2008, January 27). Learning and Knowing in Networks: Changing roles for Educators and Designers. Retrieved October 19, 2009, from Presented to ITFORUM for Discussion: http://it.coe.uga.edu/itforum/Paper105/Siemens.pdf
I looked at your graphic organizer and saw that you incorporated the roles of the instructor, student, and the content. I included the functionality of the learning management system because it can have such an impact on the actions of the intructor. In my own experience, I marvel at what the lms allows me to do with respect to performing the roles you indicated in the instructor column. I think the two are closely linked. For instance in your role of navigator, my manipulation of an lms in my environment allows me to withold folders with assessments until students have completed review exercises. The tools available to instructors really allow them to act as curators.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post Orit. I thought your graphic was well done. How did you get it inserted in your blog and still maintain the format?
ReplyDeleteSandy
Great style of Map!
ReplyDeleteWhen you refer to the idea that "an effective instructor has to create opportunities for the learner to express his standpoint in a more engaging form", it is a reminder that teaching strategies is an ever evolving process and we cannot simply sit back and think that our techniques will hold us in good stead for ever.
Ginger Harper
Sandy, Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt’s an image, I did it in Photoshop.
Gregory, the technological tools are there, but they can only be accommodating if the instructor is resourceful and understands how to use them to his and his students' advantage, as was shown in your example.
ReplyDeleteOrit
Hi Ginger,
ReplyDeleteYou are right, as instructors we cannot use only one method of teaching because technology is constantly evolving and our students along with it. As instructors, we also have to be innovators!
Orit