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.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Online Distance Education and Learners' Communities

This paragraph introduces the topic of online distance education and communities of learners. It discusses how learning outcomes are centered around identifying flexible learning environments and using technology for collaboration. The role of the teacher has evolved from being a knowledge dispenser to a facilitator, guiding students in their search for information. With technology, learning spaces have expanded beyond the classroom, allowing for virtual or mediated interactions. Students can access vast resources online, enhancing the flexibility of modern education.

05:01

🌍 Online Distance Learning and Educational Platforms

This section delves into online distance learning, explaining that it is not a new concept, and many educational institutions, particularly universities, have adopted it. It highlights various platforms designed for educational purposes, such as Moodle, Google Classroom, and Edmodo, all of which offer tools for facilitating instruction and managing classroom activities. These platforms allow educators to create online lessons, assessments, and discussions, integrating seamlessly into the modern educational landscape. The decision to use a particular platform is often based on the specific needs of the teacher and learning context.

10:03

💻 MOOCs and Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning

This paragraph explains Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and their role in providing flexible, open access to learning opportunities. MOOCs allow people to pursue learning outside traditional education structures. The text also contrasts synchronous and asynchronous learning, where synchronous sessions involve real-time interaction, while asynchronous sessions allow participants to engage at their own pace. These models offer flexibility and promote global collaboration through online platforms like Skype, Google Meet, and Zoom.

15:05

🔄 Blended Learning Models and Their Modalities

This section introduces blended learning, a combination of online and face-to-face instruction. It outlines various models such as face-to-face drivers, rotation models, flex models, online labs, self-blend models, and online drivers. These models differ in how they integrate online and physical classroom experiences, providing a spectrum of learning environments that offer flexibility depending on the course structure and learners’ needs. It emphasizes the importance of planning, infrastructure, and content preparation to effectively implement blended learning.

🌐 Social Networking in Online Learning Communities

This paragraph focuses on the role of social networking in online learning. It defines networking as the exchange of information among individuals with common interests and outlines platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. It also warns about the potential dangers of social media, including cyberbullying, predators, and trolls. The text emphasizes safeguarding personal information and maintaining respectful communication. Steps to protect oneself on social media, such as securing passwords and monitoring privacy settings, are also discussed.

🚨 Cyberbullying and Online Safety Measures

The final section addresses cyberbullying and how to manage online safety. It provides tips for safeguarding oneself when using social media, such as using strong passwords, logging out of public computers, and avoiding interactions with strangers. It outlines how to handle cyberbullying by ignoring, blocking, or reporting abusive behavior. The paragraph stresses the importance of speaking to trusted adults and using the reporting features available on social networking sites to ensure a safe online environment.

Keywords

💡Flexible Learning

Flexible learning refers to a learning environment that adapts to the needs of students, offering options like online, synchronous, and asynchronous modalities. In the video, it is discussed how students can access learning resources anytime and from anywhere, allowing them to participate in education without being bound by physical location or time constraints.

💡Synchronous Learning

Synchronous learning is a mode of online education where learners and instructors are engaged in real-time interactions. In the video, it is exemplified by online chat sessions or video conferencing using tools like Google Meet or Zoom, where all participants must be online simultaneously to collaborate and discuss the lesson.

💡Asynchronous Learning

Asynchronous learning allows students to engage with learning materials and discussions at their own pace, without real-time interaction. The video highlights how tasks or questions are posted for students to respond to at their convenience, fostering a flexible learning environment where students can participate when it suits them.

💡Blended Learning

Blended learning combines both online and face-to-face instruction. In the video, this is explained through different models like the 'face-to-face driver' or 'rotation' models, where students alternate between physical classroom interactions and virtual learning environments, enhancing flexibility while maintaining some traditional elements.

💡Learning Management System (LMS)

A Learning Management System (LMS) is software that facilitates online education by providing a platform for instruction, assessment, and communication. Examples like Moodle and Google Classroom are mentioned in the video, which allow teachers to create lessons, post materials, and conduct assessments in a virtual space.

💡Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)

MOOCs are online courses designed for large-scale participation, typically offering free access to anyone interested in learning a specific subject. The video explains that MOOCs allow learners to engage in self-directed education outside formal institutions, broadening access to education for a global audience.

💡Online Communities of Learning

Online communities of learning refer to groups of learners connected through the internet who collaborate, share knowledge, and support each other’s educational goals. The video emphasizes how online platforms like social networks or LMSs enable learners to create these communities, enhancing both social interaction and learning outcomes.

💡Social Networking Platforms

Social networking platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are used to create personal and professional networks. The video discusses their role in education, where these platforms can facilitate collaboration, idea exchange, and communication among students, but also warns of the risks such as cyberbullying and privacy issues.

💡Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is the use of digital platforms to harass or intimidate others. The video mentions this as one of the dangers of using social networking sites, where individuals can be targeted through online messages or posts, affecting their emotional well-being and safety.

💡Online Distance Education

Online distance education is a method of learning where students and teachers are separated by physical distance but connected through digital platforms. The video explains how this approach has been widely adopted, especially during the pandemic, offering flexibility for learners who may not be able to attend traditional in-person classes.

Highlights

Introduction of online distance education and communities of learners.

Flexible learning environments utilize both synchronous and asynchronous modalities to enhance collaboration using technology.

Teachers are no longer dispensers of knowledge but facilitators who guide learners in exploring and discovering information.

With technology, students can learn beyond the physical classroom by accessing information and resources online.

Online distance learning is not new, with platforms like Moodle, Google Classroom, and Edmodo supporting flexible learning.

Moodle, Google Classroom, and Edmodo are learning management systems (LMS) that facilitate teaching and learning through various features.

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) allow learners to pursue education outside formal institutions, connecting globally.

Synchronous learning involves real-time participation through platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet, where learners and instructors meet virtually.

Asynchronous learning allows learners to participate at their own convenience, posting and replying to discussions over time.

Blended learning combines online and face-to-face instruction, offering flexibility in course delivery.

The face-to-face driver model allows traditional in-class learning with occasional online elements to support the curriculum.

Rotation and Flex models mix online and in-person learning, allowing students to alternate between the two methods.

Online learning platforms provide a range of multimedia formats to support various learning styles and activities.

Social networking platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn can facilitate online communities of learners, enhancing communication and collaboration.

Cyberbullying and privacy risks are dangers in social networking, emphasizing the need for safe practices online.

Transcripts

good day everyone so we are in module 4

lesson one and we will discuss about

online distance education and

communities of learners

so here are the intended learning

outcomes so students are expected to

identify flexible learning through

online communication synchronous in a

synchronous modality

third describe flexibility flexible

learning environment that enhances

collaboration with the use of Technology

tools

so what this flexible learning

environment learning nowadays is viewed

differently the present generation of

Learners has access to information at

their fingertips the teacher is no

longer seen as the as basically the

dispenser of knowledge but rather as one

who expertly directs the Learners to

take their own track in searching for

answers to question raised inside the

classroom

then they bring this back to the class

for further discussion until perhaps

resolutions are agreed

they can search the web and discover the

breath of information related to the

lesson and they even have the patience

to stay in front of the computer for an

unusually longer time in search for more

articles and multimedia materials that

simplify of a challenging topic

and that is why they can sometimes learn

more than what this can find in the four

corners of the classroom

every chance or Corner becomes a

learning space it is clear that learning

takes place anywhere and this adds to

the concept of flexibility in the

learning environment

so with technology students can possibly

continue to join class sessions even if

they are not physically around the

learning space becomes virtual or

mediated

the library is not only a physical

structure where they can read published

books but has also become virtual next

is online distance learning

so online distance learning Is Not A New

Concept some schools higher education

institution in the country and

educational agencies such as the

Southeast Asian Ministers of Education

Innovation and educational technology

provide this mode of learning and it

allows flexibility in learning to a

certain extent so I believe that mostly

of the schools special universities are

using or applying the online distance

learning

next is the different platforms so these

are free programs designed for

educational purposes it has features

that are patterned after the

instructional activities of a teacher in

a physical classroom when you use this

you can actually hold a lesson post

questions for discussion hold an online

chat discussion give assessment

activities and provide references or

links to other online materials features

relevant to instruction and facilitating

of learning

so the first example is modal module was

created by Martin dogumas founder and

CEO of modal

modal stands for modular object-oriented

Dynamic learning environment which is an

open source software it is a learning

management system or LMS that supports

teaching and learning

next one is Google classroom and Edmodo

which is very common platform used to

date

classroom is a free service for teach

teachers and students students it is an

LMS platform that is accessible through

your Google account you can create

classes and perform your rules and

function as a facilitator of learning in

2018 Edmodo was created by net Borge

Jeff O'Hara and Crystal hotter

so

according to Martina 2015 she compared

Edmodo in Google classroom in her blog

although she discussed several

commonalities there are apparently

differences but with technology

things evolve in so short a time what is

clear is that they created Ops that can

integrate well with class classroom

activities the decisions lies the

decision lies in this teacher who will

determine what works best in her

teaching and learning context so both

are amazing tools that can be explored

next is ecology

iscology is another LMS founded in 2019

by Jeremy fredman Ryan Wong and team

Trinidad

and Bill Candler you can actually create

your own online distance education

learning system using any of these

platforms next is mock another recent

modality to learning is the massive open

online course or mock it is a model for

delivering learning content online to

any person who wants to take a course it

allows one to pursue learning even

outside of University or higher

education formal structure

those who are working can enroll in

mocks with no limit on attendance as

long as you're willing to learn you can

engage in an area of discipline and

learn it allows interconnectedness

among peoples in the world to discuss

and share recent developments in the

common field of Interest

so next is the synchronous and

asynchronous I think we all heard about

this when the pandemic comes because it

was implemented on to us

on how we are going to attend our class

in a flexible learning mode the

activities can be done in two ways first

is synchronous and second is

asynchronous

an online chat or real time is a

synchronous session course participants

meet in a virtual classroom and discuss

a topic in the lesson

so when wherever they are situated in

the world they agree on a scheduled

session and log in to join the live

class the LMS has these features

so the teacher called us the online

tutor facilitate who facilitates the

discussion and ideas are posted in an

actual live class one cannot lecture and

take all the time in explaining it is in

this mode the course participants are

made to be engaged in the flow of

discussion that is that of discussion

that is why the online shooter has to

plan out the instructions guide and

facilitating the discourse

so using Skype or any platform like

Google meet or zoom in holding a live

class is another example member of the

class log in in their Sky account at a

given time to join the video

conferencing

another important feature is the

asynchronous

session this is when questions are tasks

are posted in course participants answer

the question or post the reply at any

time most convenient to them they can

still participate in the discussion by

replying to the post one advantage is

that you can take your time when

replying the elements mentioned in this

lesson

has a feature that can allow on a

synchronous session so what are the

example we use in our University

so the best example we use is the u-step

the Google classroom

um what else uh

uh email or Facebook page so that is one

of the example that we use in doing our

ascendular session

next is Blended learning

another way of handling flexible

learning is by combining modalities of

instructional delivery Blended learning

is a combination of a learning

activities were in a part of the lesson

is delivered online while the other part

is handled in actual physical

setting of a classroom

so here are kinds of the Blended

learning

first is the modal one

which is the face-to-face driver

in the face-to-face model the teacher

delivers the curriculum most of the time

and utilizes online learning at a

certain time

with a purpose or augment of of provide

an alternative experience instruction is

provided in a computer laboratory or

assigned tasks are uploaded online

number two is or model 2 is rotation in

a particular course or subject students

rotate on a fixed schedule between

learning online and one on one-to-one

self-paced learning environment and

being inside the classroom with a

face-to-face teacher this is the model

that is between the traditional

face-to-face learning and online

learning so best example for this is

when your when your instructor is

um

one wants you to do the wants to meet

you virtually on the first week and then

second week

he will or he or she will meet you uh

physically in your school or university

and then the third week you will meet

again in Virtual and next we will meet

again in

um physical uh learning

so it will rotate

next is model 3 or Flex this model uses

an online platform that delivers most of

the course support the learning is

provided needed through an on-site

support or by an online tutor who

facilitates the tutorial or small group

sessions sessions can be arranged into

synchronous or asynchronous course

participants may work on their tasks at

any convenient time as long as it is

within the confines of the course

duration

number four

online lab

online lab model uses an online platform

in delivering the course but located in

a physical classroom or computer

laboratory since the lessons are in

modular format and available in the

online program the teachers

a teacher's assistant

supervised these classes however they

may not provide the needed expertise of

learning six assistance for there more

students who are enrolled in online lab

model of Blended learning may be

enrolled in a traditional classroom

courses at the same time and therefore

have block schedules

number five or model 5.

self

blend the self-blend model is a system

provided with a school where the

students can choose the course they

would like to have in addition to their

typical brick or mortar classroom

classes this model is always remote a

major difference from the online lab

number six or model 6 online driver the

online driver model used utilizes a

platform in a teacher that delivers the

curricula students remotely work on

their program and most of the time

if ever there is a face-to-face

component it is in mode it is mode

optional or even if it is required for

the student to go to the physical

learning environment such as school then

it can be extracurricular activities

augmenting the curriculum

so planning and managing Blended

learning experience are very similar to

planning and managing a brick and a

mortar school with courses and subjects

integrating technology

it needs to be system-wide as the school

makes a plan develop guidelines for

students to follow for the use of

technology in the Blended format and

provide a resource guide

a lot of preparation is needed and

designing a in designing a blended

format technology has to be prepared the

back end in front and infrastructures of

Blended learning have to be put in a

place as well as the content in varied

multimedia formats

so online communities of learning or

social networking what is networking a

network is defined as the group of

individuals who communicate and connects

on a regular basis if an individual has

a personal network of people one can top

of the potential contacts for social

educational or professional purposes

so networking is the exchange of

information and ideas among people with

a common profession or a special

interest usually in an informal social

setting networking often begins with a

single point of Common Ground

professionals use networking to expand

their Circles of acquaintances finds out

the job of opportunities in the fields

and increase their awareness of news and

Trends in their fields or the greater

world

so these are the examples of the social

networking platforms versus Facebook

Twitter LinkedIn Google YouTube

Pinterest Instagram Tumblr Myspace

Flickr and Bibo

the dangers of using social networking

sites just as there are benefits of

having an account in a social network

site or you seek in in a teaching and

learning context there are ways to

consider as well

first is making friends with strangers

who may actually be a predator or a

cyber bully

youngsters gets bullied by others who

may not even be connected as friends in

a social networking website

there are also throws who actually

instigate conflict misunderstanding or

emotional response by eliciting anger or

ill feelings from other users through

social media

they post messages that are inflammatory

or controversial

getting hooked on internet and may learn

to ignore the real world

their ability to socialize is

incapacitated as they devote ours or

days on gaming or using the computer

manifesting

abuse to themselves

safeguarding oneself when engaging in

social networking sites

first is social networking account has

password and login details secure

password and keep them private

second log out every time you use public

computers

third regularly check privacy settings

of social networking websites so that

only direct friends or those

particularly known can see the post

fourth online posts are received and may

become a permanent reputation

as you use the internet you leave

additional footprint which can be traced

back to you

fifth do not accept invites from

contacts unless you know them personally

or you know are you sure of their

identity

six seriously consider the effect of

possible posts on others before deciding

to do so if both examples are facts

picture and videos could be considered

offensive or humiliating another person

then you refrain from posting or

uploading it

lastly using appropriate language is

essential the tone when communicating or

sending social networking messages

should be respectful

if better be safe than sorry you should

accept friends and connections when you

are sure of the person's identity

personally meeting someone you only met

online is discouraged even if the

sincerity of having personal meeting

looks convincing it would be better if

you will be accompanied

when there is an indication of

harassment or abuse

it is advised that you report this by

clicking the report button of abuse

it is better skill still to talk to

friends or trusted adults about the case

and lastly bullying takes place even in

social networking websites

cyber bullying uses the site's messages

updates and other functions to harass

intimidate humiliate taunt or pick on

the individual

when this happens you can do the

following actions

for a

ignore the behavior or by not responding

at all B Block the person C click the

report button of abuse or D talked what

does worthy adult about it

so that's all our lesson for today

um I am with my report mate

Andy Greco Jasmine Camille and you're

surely mobile and bamji and that's the

topic about the online distance learning

and communities of learners

thank you so much for listening and God

bless