Ryan Osweiler EDTECH 521 Week 1 Discussion: What is Online Learning?

Group 2: What are best practices in an online environment? Describe qualities of a successful online environment. A successful online environment allows for constant access to course content and technology tools. The course provides easy means of communication and collaboration. Online learning must be rooted in student-centered, constructivist teaching methods (Rice, 2012, p. 23). Tools used within online learning environments must reflect the above mentioned attributes. These environments must foster a sense of collaboration and active participation so learning is constructed by its participants. What issues must a teacher consider that are specific to teaching in an online environment? Teachers must be aware that not all students may be proficient with tools, learning management system, and communication requirements of online learning. A period of introduction and orientation is necessary. Online learners may be local but often scattered around the country and the world. Collaboration and communication can be difficult when geographic issues present themselves. While these can be worked through, inexperienced students may find it difficult to get used to. Finally, online learning can take a large amount of time to prepare and facilitate. Setting up the course, facilitating discussions, and grading assignments can be time consuming for any teacher. With the resources and tools in a virtual setting, teachers cannot simply run to a copy machine or put a movie in to facilitate learning in this environment. What types of students might be most successful in an online learning environment? How do we ensure that all students are successful in online environments? Long-Goding (2006) found that students who are most successful in online learning environments: (1) prepared to engage in online learning by deliberately choosing the methodology over face-to-face instruction; (2) competent in the use of technology, including the ability to access and navigate the Internet; and, (3) able to learn autonomously (p. 8). Most students have the option to take online courses, although Rice (2012) feels that from the teacher perspective you may very well find yourself faced with the expectation to teach in an online environment at some point in your career (p. 8). For students to be successful in online environments there must be institutional support behind it. Institutions should provide the same level of support to online learners as they do to in person students. This can be difficult due to logistical factors but must be achieved. Not only does this support apply to students, but to instructors as well. Online educators must be given staff development opportunities to learn the how the course works, new tools to use to facilitate learning, classroom/community management skills, and general troubleshooting and technical assistance if needed. References Rice, K. (2012). Making the move to k-12 online teaching: Research-based strategies and practices. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc. Long-Goding, J. (2006). Student success in an online learning environment. Retrieved from http://www.decadeconsulting.com/dc/documents/StudentSuccess.pdf