Perhaps online learning has changed a bit since I last took a course. I was surprised, and pleased, to discover that online/blended learning yielded better learning outcomes than those in a traditional brick and mortar institution. I wonder what is causing this. The reason I am surprised is because with my online learning experiences, a couple of things happen. First, it is always a race to check the box, finish the task, get it done as quickly as possible so I can continue with the rest of my life. Second, I find the most useful aspects of learning the time spent in a classroom, where I have the opportunity to set aside time to digest new information, interact with my fellow students and then continue the learning process.
How can that be replicated online? Are these institutions doing something fundamentally differently? Does it help to have clear outcomes and tasks established so that attendance does not equal productivity? I am now thinking back to conversations I have had with my PhD friends, who struggle with their students to complete any assignments, to pass tests, to write essays. Is there something to completing a task and marking it done that this generation in particular appreciates? Is there something to knowing where you are in the learning process and being encouraged to continue to completion, rather than just get to the end of the semester?
I particularly enjoyed the video of Paul Callota (?) from Rhode Island and his ideas about allowing students to all learn at individual paces. If students are ready to move on, let’s do it! If they are not, let’s give them more time to understand the concepts. This is fantastic. If students learn the material, grasp the concepts and then are able to apply them in an unrelated context, that is the most important thing. Whether that occurs online or in a traditional classroom is irrelevant to me. I have always valued a physical classroom over the online environment because I have not benefited as much from the online environment. Perhaps this generation is different. Perhaps online learning (in a civilian context, outside the military) has improved since my last encounter. I’m excited now to see where we go in this course.
Beth's Digital Public History Blog 