Self-directed online learning versus online courses
Emerging technologies are making it increasingly possible
for learners to engage in a form of self-directed independent yet
socially-networked learning within a broader learning community. Whereas teachers once were the key ‘provider’
of information and pointing students to resource, learners now are able to find
research, responses to the research, opposing views, and other questions for
consideration as easily and as quickly as the teacher. Hence, emerging technologies are also
changing the role of teacher – not only to that
of networked learner alongside students,
but the teacher is also an important guide in assisting students to
develop critical thinking skills in both evaluation of sources as well as
through asking students guided questions to help with information synthesis.
I am a self-directed life-long learner; I love how the web
makes it possible for me to gain insights.
I also value the networks I have developed with many I do not know. However, while networking makes it possible
to access resources and communicate with people from different walks and
different countries, I wonder what some of the ‘cons’ to our networked learning
society might be. I also wonder how ‘online
learning’ impacts motivation.
A shift in what has always been a ‘passion for learning to increasing
anxiety about learning is happening for me after enrolling in online
classes. While learning about different tools,
including Jing and Delicious, invigorates me, it is simply my determination to
learn that keeps me going to my computer to again struggle ‘alone’ with tutorials to make
meaning from assignments and learning. I
miss the ‘classroom’ community – learning, sharing, and celebrating ‘together’
in the moment with humans. So what will I do to address this in on-line courses
I teach? What tools might I use to mitigate
feelings of isolation? Does a one-time
online Skype conversation with an instructor have a lasting impact throughout
the course? How might the online
discussions be more meaningful? Still musing….
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