With the growing number of online classes emerging in grade schools, high schools, and in higher education, it is important that people who engage and design web based instruction understand that there may be many issues associated with this approach. However, after careful analysis of potential issues that may arise when involved in instructional design, users can find that there are solutions that may alleviate the headaches that may be associated with this process. With the implementation of such solutions users can create a successful and thriving web based learning environment.
Issue: Seeking a balance between a system generated guide and a human facilitator
Questions: To what extent should the human facilitator intervene for student guidance?
Solution: The facilitator may provide more direct guidance for specific students. The facilitator can use email messages, test scores, participation in order to proactively contact learners.
Issue: Motivating learners with the right question
Solution: Brainstorm in order to determine a topic. Brainstorming can be done with a peer for final selection. The topic can be something familiar instead of creating a new “great” one. Ownership is also very important, if students don’t feel they have a certain degree of ownership towards the question, then they might feel unmotivated to respond to it.
Issue: Engaging learners with various learning activities
Solution: Make sure that knowledge construction is meaningful and that it ensures effective reflection.
Issue: Using scaffolds
Solution: Ask yourself, “what kinds of scaffolds are to be prepared and when will they be provided?”
Issue: Coordinating resources, tools, and community
Solution: Prepare the resources so that users do not have to leave the online environment to find sources elsewhere. Select appropriate online tools at the appropriate time in order for users to create representations of their information. The community should offer learners opportunities for collaboration and interaction with other members this will allow growth and will welcome a process of interaction among users.
Designing a successful online learning environment can be challenging. With proper research done in order to address issues that have been previously identified, users can create an effective and thriving online learning environment from the start!
Sources:
Byung-Ro, L. (2004). Challenges and issues in designing inquiry on the Web. British Journal Of Educational Technology, 35(5), 627-643.
Nancy Rivas
ETEC 523With the growing number of online classes emerging in grade schools, high schools, and in higher education, it is important that people who engage and design web based instruction understand that there may be many issues associated with this approach. However, after careful analysis of potential issues that may arise when involved in instructional design, users can find that there are solutions that may alleviate the headaches that may be associated with this process. With the implementation of such solutions users can create a successful and thriving web based learning environment.
Issue: Seeking a balance between a system generated guide and a human facilitator
Questions: To what extent should the human facilitator intervene for student guidance?
Solution: The facilitator may provide more direct guidance for specific students. The facilitator can use email messages, test scores, participation in order to proactively contact learners.
Issue: Motivating learners with the right question
Solution: Brainstorm in order to determine a topic. Brainstorming can be done with a peer for final selection. The topic can be something familiar instead of creating a new “great” one. Ownership is also very important, if students don’t feel they have a certain degree of ownership towards the question, then they might feel unmotivated to respond to it.
Issue: Engaging learners with various learning activities
Solution: Make sure that knowledge construction is meaningful and that it ensures effective reflection.
Issue: Using scaffolds
Solution: Ask yourself, “what kinds of scaffolds are to be prepared and when will they be provided?”
Issue: Coordinating resources, tools, and community
Solution: Prepare the resources so that users do not have to leave the online environment to find sources elsewhere. Select appropriate online tools at the appropriate time in order for users to create representations of their information. The community should offer learners opportunities for collaboration and interaction with other members this will allow growth and will welcome a process of interaction among users.
Designing a successful online learning environment can be challenging. With proper research done in order to address issues that have been previously identified, users can create an effective and thriving online learning environment from the start!
Sources:
Byung-Ro, L. (2004). Challenges and issues in designing inquiry on the Web. British Journal Of Educational Technology, 35(5), 627-643.