The Accessibility of Online Courses with Digital Literacy Cameron Cregler Educational Technology Graduate Program University of Kansas United States

Globalization: The Catalyst

Why is there a poor perception of Online Courses? In 2012, 5,452,100 students were enrolled in at least one distance learning post secondary course (Enrollment in Distance Education Courses by State: Fall 2012, 2013)Enrollment in Distance Education Courses by State: Fall 2012, 2013 “A survey of the general public conducted by the Pew Research Center using a nationally representative sample of 2,142 adults found that only 29 percent believe online courses are as valuable educationally as courses taken in the classroom.” (Bell & Federman, 2013, p.169)

What is Digital Literacy? Defined by the American Library Association Digital Library Taskforce: “Possesses the variety of skills – technical and cognitive – required to find, understand, evaluate, create, and communicate digital information in a wide variety of formats.” “Is able to use diverse technologies appropriately and effectively to retrieve information, interpret results, and judge the quality of that information.” “Understands the relationship between technology, life-long learning, personal privacy, and stewardship of information.” “Uses these skills and the appropriate technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, colleagues, family, and on occasion, the general public.” “Uses these skills to actively participate in civic society and contribute to a vibrant, informed, and engaged community.” (ALA Digital Literacy Taskforce, 2011).ALA Digital Literacy Taskforce, 2011

Technologies used in Online Learning Common Technologies Used in Online Courses: Telepresence tools Course Management Tools Collaboration Tools

Basic Computing Skills File Management Proficient in Collaboration tools including etiquette Document Creation and Presentation The ability to effectively research online catalogs and databases Skills Needed in Online Course Learning

Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants Digital Natives Used to using internet technologies. Usually have an active online profile(Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and YouTube). Does not necessarily translate into useful skills for navigating online learning environments proficiently. Digital immigrants Not necessarily new to adopting online technologies May encounter more setbacks to online instruction due to less likely having the natural affinity/skill to use the technologies implemented in online instruction.

Digital Foreigners While they may have interacted with web and mobile technology, are still less likely to actually adopt it in daily use. Usually has practically no online profile. Less likely to own a smart phone, tablet, or even a home computer. Digests most, if not all, of their information through more traditional formats (physical publications, television, and radio). Tend to be centered in inner city neighborhoods and rural districts.

Institutions Can Drive Online Learning By Increasing Digital Literacy

References  Bell, B. S., & Federman, J. E. (2013). E-learning in Postsecondary Education. The Future of Children, 23(1).  Grinder, S. (2014, June 2). Enrollment in Distance Education Courses, by State: Fall Retrieved October 7, 2015, Retrieved from  Hollins, N. and A. R. Foley (2013). "The experiences of students with learning disabilities in a higher education virtual campus." Educational Technology, Research and Development 61(4):  Kirk, C. P., Chiagouris, L., Lala, V., & Thomas, J. D. E. (2015). How Do Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants Respond Differently to Interactivity Online? Journal of Advertising Research, 55(1),  Terras, M. M. Massive open online courses (MOOCs): Insights and challenges from a psychological perspective Psychological perspective on massive open online courses. British journal of educational technology, 46(3),  Tsai, H.-y. S., & Tsai, H.-Y. S. Broadband Internet adoption and utilization in the inner city: A comparison of competing theories. Computers in human behavior, 51,  Visser, M. (2011, September 14, 2012). What is Digital Literacy? Retrieved from