Higher education course designers are missing the challenge to allow for synchronous interactions via audio, video, or even text.
In a 2011 article that looks at how few colleges and universities provide "real time" interaction (less than 25%), SLIDE was built on the assumption that conversation and interaction aids in the learning experience and thus the process. Of the the three types of interactions (Moore, 2009) student to content is probably given the most attention, followed by student to instructor. Student to student interaction seems to be less emphasized.
The study as discussed in the article accentuates the benefits of blended learning on both the students and the teachers. While even weekly face to face meetings provide the most benefit, even video-based interactions show positive results. Not surprisingly, it's the relationships that are establish that increase the likelihood of achieving learning objectives.
Reference
Stewart, A. R., Harlow, D. B., & DeBacco, K. (2011). Students' experience of synchronous learning in distributed environments. Distance Education, 32(3), 357-381.
Keesha: You may me right. Did you know that the University of Maryland’s School of Engineering and the Arnold E. Seigel Learning Center was created to provide Distance Education and Technical Services (DETS)?
ReplyDeleteAccording to the DETS website facilities at the Learning Center include(s):
Video fiber circuit access, fiber optic video circuit access in 6 studio classrooms ranging in size from 17-122 students. Each room is fully equipped with the latest technology which provides a full HD, widescreen experience to our customers. Professors have spacious work stations which allow them to control many features in the room including computers, HD monitors, computer annotation equipment, audio, and lighting. Sliding white boards expand to give up to 12 feet of writing area. Students enjoy fully adjustable seating which have the ability to turn for small group discussions. Each two seats also have power outlets to support the variety of portable devices used by students today.
There is also a video on YouTube by Academy Award winning director and past Chancellor of the Open University, Sir David Putman which aside from being fascinating and provocative shows how he is able to teach a graduate level film class from the comfort of his home in Ireland.
On the other hand, whenever research is done regarding distance learners, the number one reason cited for taking courses online is the convenience of shifting time to balance work/life/study commitments.