Nature of Online Learning

We find that online education is currently in a major state of growth. What will online education look like in 30 years or 10 years? We don’t know. However, one thing is for certain is that online education is here and prevalent across businesses and education.

the e-learning revolution

Impact of the Recession

The recession has caused a growth in online education and the demand of accredited high-quality courses as the American workforce seeks certifications and degrees to advance their economic position. 

The intensified focus on this mode of learning has also caught the attention of the department of education, with developing regulations to weed out the imposters and fortify online education as a feasible alternative to the traditional classroom. 

these numbers will continue to change as the economy changes

What is it like to learn online?

The belief that the student can be successful in this environment is a self-fulfilling prophecy.  

E-learning self-efficacy has emerged as a significant predictor of barriers. An inverse relationship exists, meaning that high self-efficacy leads to a perception of fewer barriers.

Courses must be actively involved in strategies that can improve students’ self-efficacy.  

really, it's not this bad

Flipped classroom model

Online learning enables student-centered teaching approaches. 

Often in the online learning environment the flipped classroom model is deployed. 

Every student has their own way of learning that works best for them. For example, some learn visually while others do better when they “learn by doing”. 

The inversion occurs when the traditional classroom teacher’s role of delivering lectures and assigning homework becomes the person leading group activities while assigning lectures and readings as homework.

The model has concept engagement taking place in the active classroom. Students within this model should demonstrate self-initiated participation.

this method of instruction can also be used in the traditional classroom

The Commitments

The online learning process is normally accelerated and requires commitment on the student’s part.  

Staying up with the class and completing all work on time is vital.  Once a student gets behind, it is very difficult to catch up.  

Basically, the student needs to want to be there, and needs to want the experience.

How to advise students to be successful learners in an online course?

1. Be able to communicate through writing.
2. Be self-motivated and self-disciplined.
3. Be willing to "speak up" if problems arise.
4. Be willing and able to commit to 5 to 10 hours per week per course.
5. Accept critical thinking and decision making as part of the learning process.
6. Be able to think ideas through before responding
   

some tips to share with students to be successful

Future's so bright I gotta wear shades

Distance education is currently in a state of major growth. Venture capitalists have pegged online learning as the next gold rush and expect the phones to start ringing with businessmen wanting to sell you everything they can. I gathered some thoughts on the future and sharing some items that attention should be brought towards. 

keep digging john, there is some online education in there somewhere

Regulations

Accreditation and program approval will be based more on educational outcomes. Some predictions that by 2025, there will not be one national accreditation system, although the U.S. Department of Education will provide a basic safety net for quality.

Distance educators must plan to accommodate this emphasis on accountability if they are to maintain accreditation and meet consumer demands.

now i have this song stuck in my head ....

Technological devices are becoming more versatile and ubiquitous

One of the most apparent trends affecting distance education is the advancement of technology.

Infrastructures are growing stronger as computers double in speed while decreasing in cost, and high-speed network connections continue to expand.

New technology will transform higher education as we know it today, one example being the changes caused by broader use of e-readers and smart phones.

and they all make phone calls!

Technological fluency becoming a graduation requirement

The networked world is dominating the economy, increasing the power of the individual, and changing business models, no one can afford to be without computer competence!!

Higher education is beginning to list the fluent use of technology as an outcome skill.

some good thoughts on learning

Lifelong learning is becoming a competitive necessity.

Alvin Toffler wrote, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who can’t read and write. They will be those who can’t learn, unlearn, and relearn.”

How well can higher education respond?

some good parting thoughts here

Land ho!!

Be the instigator of innovation and design

There is an increasing need for learning and teaching strategies that exploit the capabilities of technology. While many studies have shown no significant difference when comparing online with traditional courses, applying traditional teaching strategies at a distance often causes frustration! Distance learning research should focus on delivery strategies that help solve the capacity constraints, economic concerns, and higher-education consumer needs. 

Perhaps the biggest challenge is the lack of vision and the failure to use technology strategically The challenge is understandable, given the complexity of the issues involved. Institutions needs to understand where distance education fits in its vision of the institution's future and in its mission. 

land ho!

Flexibility and portability in program structure

Students are shopping for programs that meet their schedules and circumstances. Don't be afraid to investigate the unbundling of courses, credits, services, and fee structures. Seek efforts to expand access to more students, alleviate capacity constraints, capitalize on emerging market opportunities, and serve as a catalyst for institutional transformation 

Instruction is becoming more learner-centered, non-linear, and self-directed. Higher education that offers distance education are often perceived as modern and technologically competent, thus creating a competitive advantage. 

student centered learning

The distinction between distance and face-to-face education is disappearing.

Digitally enhanced courses provide students in traditional classrooms with more opportunities for independent study. Even in a conventional ‘face-to-face’ system, students spend much of their time working on their own. 

face to face interaction

Academic emphasis is shifting from course-completion to competency.

Related to the shift toward accountability, there is a slight shift from theoretical and seat-based time to outcomes-based or even employer-based competency.

competent that I can