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