Online Teaching: Strengths and Weaknesses A Review on Introduction to Online Teaching of Technology –Based Courses by Lee Chao (2008) Fransisca Endang L 23 September 2014
Background Media and methods would impact teaching and learning (Kozma, 1994) 1990s gaining momentum of the use of Web as a teaching and learning tool Computer-Based Training (CBT) vs Web-Based Training (WBT) CBT has started long before the internet was founded (Hall, 1970) Online courses are growing rapidly > 100,000 distance education courses are offered today e.g. D:\Online Course\joining_nicenet-newuser.pdf
Developing an online computer lab Complex? Yes Various technology needed Carefully designed Personnel to manage the lab Training for users In language teaching is it needed or not?
WWW functions in teaching and learning Post teaching materials Manage online courses Support collaboration activities Perform hands-on practice (Hands-on: human interaction, often with technology . It implies active participation in a direct and practical way.)
e-learning What is e-learning? general technology-based teaching and learning (Lee, 2008) Teaching and Learning Qualities: Online VS Traditional Which one wins? Sloan Consortium (2005) online instruction is equal to or even better than the traditional instruction
E-learning is not the best in all aspects gain here, but at the same time lose somewhere
Present and future e-learning Chat rooms Online discussion Blogging Virtual classroom + FB + e-class + etc?
Strengths Far-Reaching Availability Greater Flexibility Cost Efficiency More Maintainability Learning Enhancement
Far-Reaching Availability once it’s created, it can be accessed globally traveling to campus is not required; students may also take classes at the time that is most convenient for them.
2. Greater Flexibility no classroom is necessary Can use weekends and holidays to catch up with their classroom work Can go through the same lecture as many times as possible Instructors can give lectures any time
3. Cost Efficiency Saving on travelling No need to build new buildings Physical lab can be replaced by virtual labs and simulation
4. More maintainability Grading process is easier Students can tract assignment record online Communication is easier
5. Learning Enhancement Students learn how to use technology which will be useful in e.g. job hunting Students may use their own styles in learning Students can learn using their own pace (+)
Weaknesses Lack of Face-to-Face Communication More dependent on Technology Increase of Work Load for Instructors More effort needed from students E-learning is suitable for independent learners.
Weakness ≠1 Lack of Face-to-Face Communication No direct assistance when something goes wrong Question and answer sessions won’t be as effective as traditional one
Weakness ≠2 More dependent on technology Requires highly reliable servers Security constraints Lack of adequate equipments
Weakness ≠3 Increase of work load for instructors Time consuming for material production process 40%-50% more preparation time (Brown, 1990) than traditional teaching Time consuming for updating constantly
Weakness ≠4 More effort needed from students Slow down the learning process 20%-40% more time to learn than traditional classes (Kroder, Suess, and Sachs, 1998)
How to overcome e-learning weaknesses Requirements for students Well prepared Well organized Self-disciplined The fact is most students are not ready for a lot of independent works ..\..\OnlineCourse\rubrics_compare_20100106.pdf Requirements for instructors High demand for e-learning Strong support from administrators Faculty is resistant to e-learning. Reasons?
Reasons for a faculty member’s resistance to e-learning Not familiar with the e-learning technology or lack of computer skills Concerns about students’ performance in an outline course Lack of time to develop online courses Not enough support from administrators and computer service personnel Less favorable course evaluation which may hurt their annual performance evaluation Administrative obligation Ideological reasons