M4-L1: Online Distance Education and Communities of Learners

Summary

This lesson delves into online distance education and its impact on creating communities of learners. It discusses the shift from teachers as knowledge dispensers to facilitators guiding students in their digital explorations. The lesson covers various learning platforms like Moodle, Google Classroom, and MOOCs, emphasizing their role in flexible learning. It also explores synchronous and asynchronous learning, the rise of blended learning, and the importance of online social networking for educational purposes. The script concludes with a cautionary note on the safe use of social networking sites.

Takeaways

• 💻 Flexible learning enables both synchronous and asynchronous modalities, allowing students to collaborate and learn at their own pace.
• 📚 Teachers are no longer just dispensers of knowledge but facilitators, guiding learners to explore and find information independently.
• 🌐 Online distance learning has become widely used in higher education, with various platforms like Moodle, Google Classroom, and Edmodo supporting this approach.
• 🛠️ Technology tools such as LMS platforms enhance collaboration, offering features like live classes, discussions, assessments, and online resources.
• 📱 Online distance learning provides flexibility and has become a common approach in education, especially with platforms that support massive open online courses (MOOCs).
• 🔄 Blended learning combines both online and face-to-face instructional methods, offering models like face-to-face driver, rotation, and online labs.
• 👩‍💻 Synchronous sessions involve real-time communication, often through platforms like Skype, Zoom, or Google Meet, while asynchronous sessions allow more flexibility for students to participate at their convenience.
• 🔐 Social networking and online communities have become integral to learning, but it's important to be aware of dangers like cyberbullying, online predators, and safeguarding personal information.
• 🛑 While social networking can enhance learning, it's crucial to use it safely by securing passwords, logging out of public computers, and managing privacy settings.
• 💡 Blended learning models can vary from fully online courses to those with occasional face-to-face sessions, depending on the course structure and the needs of the learners.

Q & A

What are the intended learning outcomes of the lesson on online distance education and communities of learners?

The intended learning outcomes include identifying flexible learning through online communication (both synchronous and asynchronous) and describing a flexible learning environment that enhances collaboration through the use of technology tools.

How has learning evolved with the present generation of learners, according to the script?

Learning has evolved because the current generation of learners has access to information at their fingertips. The teacher is no longer just the dispenser of knowledge but a guide who directs learners to take their own paths in seeking answers. Students can independently search the web and discover more information beyond the classroom, making learning more flexible and self-directed.

What is the significance of flexibility in the learning environment?

Flexibility in the learning environment allows students to access information and learning materials from anywhere, making learning possible beyond physical classrooms. Technology facilitates this by enabling students to join classes and access learning resources remotely, thus creating virtual learning spaces.

What are some of the learning management systems (LMS) mentioned in the lesson?

The LMS platforms mentioned include Moodle, Google Classroom, Edmodo, and Iscology. These platforms support online teaching and learning by providing tools for lesson delivery, assessments, discussions, and more.

What is a MOOC and how does it contribute to flexible learning?

MOOC stands for Massive Open Online Course. It is a model for delivering learning content online to anyone interested in taking a course. MOOCs provide flexible learning by allowing individuals to pursue education outside of traditional university structures, making learning accessible to anyone willing to participate.

What are the differences between synchronous and asynchronous online learning?

In synchronous online learning, participants meet in real-time through virtual platforms like Skype or Zoom for live discussions. In asynchronous learning, participants complete tasks or engage in discussions at their own convenience without the need for live interaction, often using LMS features like forums.

What is blended learning and what are some models mentioned?

Blended learning is a mix of online and face-to-face instructional delivery. Models of blended learning mentioned include face-to-face driver, rotation, flex, online lab, self-blend, and online driver. Each model varies in how online and in-person learning is integrated.

What is the role of technology in blended learning environments?

In blended learning, technology plays a crucial role in supporting both the online and face-to-face components. It allows for flexibility in accessing learning materials, facilitates communication, and enables various instructional delivery methods to be combined effectively.

What are some examples of social networking platforms used for educational purposes?

Examples of social networking platforms mentioned in the context of education include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr, Myspace, and Flickr. These platforms allow for communication, collaboration, and the sharing of information.

What precautions should students take when using social networking sites for learning?

Students should keep their account passwords private, log out when using public computers, regularly check privacy settings, avoid accepting invites from unknown individuals, use respectful language, and report any instances of harassment or cyberbullying. Additionally, they should avoid meeting online contacts in person without taking precautions.