Things that surprised me about virtual
learning…
Although I have participated in
many distance and online courses throughout my college career, I had never
considered the issues of course preparation, copyright issues, or the importance of interactions in virtual learning. One of the first issues I noted about virtual learning was the role of the instructor. Instructors in a virtual classroom are
charged with facilitating learning centric activities. For virtual earners, the instructor should allow students do most of the work and activities. Virtual learners often need to
feel in control of their learning.
Furthermore, instructors should consider that virtual learners often seek out
learning opportunities that will all them to grow or achieve academically or professionally. During the course
designing process, instructors should provide activities in which the virtual learner can discus and share their experiences in relation to
the content. In a virtual learning environment, the learner often
needs a flexible program which accommodates their active family, sports, and work
schedules.
The following is a short video about the 7 Common
Misconceptions of Distance Learning.
According to Simonson, Smaldino, and Zvacek (2015), "[most] educational content resources...are automatically protected by copyright." The issue of copyrights and fair use in the virtual learning environment was something of interest to me. I travel and sing; therefore, I know the importance of having a license to perform someone’s recorded music and work. Just as it is in the music industry, there are licenses which provide permissions for a copyrighted work to be used the virtual learning environment. These licenses allow the owner of the work to be compensated and royalties collected on their behalf. Most of the time, these (blanket) licenses include photocopying and scanning from printed materials including books and journals; use of recorded materials such as radio or television broadcasts; non-commercial research or study; illustrations; and films. If materials are needed for reproduction or viewing in a virtual learning environment, a letter or permission from the owner can be requested.
In addition to the online learning theory and
issue of copyrights, the importance of interactions between participants and
the instructor, and participants with peers was interesting to note. Learning is a social activity; therefore, we learn when we participate interactions and dialogue from others. Again, having participated in many online
classes, I have often felt alone and on my own.
Especially, during distance education courses prior to the advent of the
internet. Most of those experiences would consist of correspondence through the mail. So, interactions between the instructor and participant (me) were
limited. Furthermore, interactions between course participants did not
exist. Interactions between the
instructor and myself as well as my peers and myself increased as courses
became online and virtual based. Simonson et al. (2015) reiterate that students should be engaged in interactions that involve real world problems and issues. In their study, Vuopala, Hyvonen, and Jarvela (2016) revealed that students should be involved in collaborative group interactions.
Things that concern me about virtual learning…
One issue that concerns me
about virtual learning deals with instructors knowing their participants or students well. In the traditional classroom
setting, where the instructor meets regularly with their participants, they get to know their strengths and weaknesses. Instructors who know their students well can
use teaching strategies and methods which best support their individual
learning needs. Without those important
interactions which occur in the traditional classroom, I am concerned students
may go without supports and accommodations which could allow them to master
content.
My second concern is about those who may not be
able to access virtual learning courses because they lack internet connections,
technology, or devices. The majority of
these students would live in rural areas where internet or wireless
connections are unavailable. They may
also lack the resources and finances to purchase data or devices gain the access needed for participating in virtual learning experiences. For example, a student who is excelling in high
school who would like to take a college or advanced placement course may not
have access due to the fact they live in a rural area or low socioeconomic conditions.
Question I still have about virtual learning…
With the Individual with Disabilities Education Act mandating access for students with disabilities, my
question is how do schools, colleges, and instructors modify and accommodate
those students with disabilities in a virtual learning environment?
References
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., & Zvacek, S. (2015). Teaching and learning at a distance:
Foundations of distance education. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing, Inc.
Vuopala, E. Hyvone, P.,
& Jarvela, S. (2016). Interaction forms in successful collaborative learning
in virtual learning environments. Active Learning in Higher Education, 17(1),
25-38.
