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PolskiUNIT 2. What does online learning involve?
Now we’ve had a look at what sort of things you can study online, let’s take a look at what exactly it involves. No two courses are the same, and not every tutor will use the same online learning tools. Some prefer to use synchronous methods (all fellow students learning simultaneously) and others prefer asynchronous ones (people learning when they’re available, rather than all together). That said, here’s a quick rundown of some of the main things to expect.
2.1. Pre-recorded lectures
This is what many people think of when you mention online study. Sitting at your desk, watching someone stand in front of a whiteboard and give a traditional lecture. This teaching style is everywhere – if you’ve ever watched any TED talks, you’ll be familiar with it. Pre-recorded lectures are great for asynchronous learning as the teacher can record the talk, upload it, and then students can watch it whenever they’re available. Since MOOCs are open to a global audience, this is one of the teaching methods those courses use a lot.
Pre-recorded lectures can also be video snippets of a teacher talking directly to the camera, or narrating over something on their screen, rather than a separate whiteboard. If you’re learning how to program, a lecture might involve recording their code editing software as they talk through what they’re doing.
2.2. Live video calls
While many degrees involve lectures, they also build in seminars and one-on-one tutorials. This is where live video calls come into play. They require everyone in a class to be available simultaneously, so aren’t as well suited for MOOCs – but are excellent for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Video conferencing allows students to communicate both with each other and their teacher in real-time. It’s great for arts and humanities subjects, where discussing the arguments is a vital part of education. It can also help students feel more connected to one another, which is very important for what can otherwise be an isolated course
One-on-one calls are also a nice way for tutors to provide feedback or go through more complicated aspects of the course. Many students worry that distance learning can lead to a lower quality experience, but video calls are a great replacement for in-person tutorials. Many teachers even have an online equivalent of office hours, where you can chat with them about whatever you need.
2.3. Discussion forums
Discussion forums are kind of like the asynchronous version of video calls. They’re a place for students to discuss the classwork and related topics. They can also help with socialising, especially if you have a dedicated ‘off-topic’ board.
They’re worth having, even if you have video conferences – they’re great for students who might need more time to gather their thoughts, or are simply a bit too shy to speak up. They can also reduce tutors’ workloads, as other students will often answer minor questions that get posted. That, and the fact they can be referred back to whenever necessary, makes them a beneficial learning tool.
2.4. Online resources – eBooks, journals, etc.
Even with these new technologies, you still need access to books. Most courses will do one of two things. Either they’ll directly provide you with everything you need (usually through a learning portal), or they’ll give you access to their online collections. This can include ebooks, journals, video tutorials, and other online resources.
It’s also easy enough to google your topic area and find curated reading lists and other online resources – though this should be done alongside the recommended course materials, not instead of them!
2.5. Learning platforms
Most online courses will have some kind of central learning platform. This is usually where discussion forums and e-resources are hosted, and where you can submit finished work. Universities often use tools like Canvas (not to be mixed up with Canvas Network, a provider of short courses) and Blackboard, but there’s a range of options available.
Having a central learning platform is really helpful for students, as it means there’s a one-stop-shop for any questions or concerns they might have. Think of them as the virtual equivalent of the campus – they’re the place everything is hosted, and you need to know your way around!
2.6. Practical Assessment
Answer the questions:
- What type of learning activities do you plan to use?
- Do you think that recorded lessons are better than live video lectures?
- Think of the structure of your students and if they want to communicate it is better to make live classes, but if they are shy and non-talkative, you may pre-record lessons and upload them! Or you can do both…
- If you need their opinion, just make a pool and send them to see what they think!
Write it down and look for the opportunities!