28 Online learning

DR. Geeta R Thakur

27.0Learning outcomes

27.1Introduction

27.2 Online learning: Concept

27.3Advantages of online learning

27.4Synchronous online learning

27.5Resources of synchronous online learning

27.6Importance of synchronous online learning

27.7Asynchronous online learning

27.8Resources of asynchronous online learning

27.9 Importance of asynchronous online learning

27.10 Let us sum up

27.0 LEARNING OUTCOMES

After going through this module you will be able to:

Explain the concept of online learning
Explain the concept of synchronous and asynchronous online learning
Distinguish between synchronous and asynchronous online learning
Explain the advantages and limitations of synchronous and asynchronous online learning
State uses of modern resources of online learning 27.1 INTRODUCTION
Since the Internet was developed as a means of communication by educational institutions in the 1970s. Academics have become increasingly aware about the possibilities of online learning to deliver cost effective, easily accessible and ever-current education to all ages and social backgrounds, regardless of time and geography.

E-learning is of two types:

A)Online learning B) Offline learning

27.2 ONLINE LEARNING: CONCEPT

Online learning means the learning process that takes place by using a computer that is connected to the internet. Theinternet is an electronic communication network that connects computer network and organizational computer facilities around the world. The internet consists of the collection of billions of interconnected web pages that are transferred using HTTP and is collectively known as World Wide Web. If you want to surf the Web using browser, i.e. move from one page or one website to another, then you have to be online.

Online education includes 3 things:

A form of distance education
A computer based learning
A ‘many to many’ communication through an internet.

Online learning:

Click here to watch infographic on online learning

27.3 ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE LEARNING

Choose only subjects of interest: General learning courses can’t normally subdivide into minor courses giving more choice to learners. Because of the rather high cost of organizing each learning program, it is not worthwhile often organize learning. In addition, Tele -education could reduce problem of different basic knowledge among learners because they could specifically choose the subject of their own interest.
Receive correct and interesting instruction: Tele-education gives each learner substance of lessons identical in all respects, with the original undistorted through transfer. Every time each learner calls up the substance of the same lesson, the system will demonstrate the same information to all learners. Thus learners could feel confident about the maximum reliability of the substance of lessons received. Furthermore, presentation involving a variety of forms – because computers that could support learning and teaching with lettering Imaging, video and sound could be more interesting.
Encouraging interaction with other e-learners and an e-instructor: Chat rooms, discussion boards, instant messaging and e-mail all offer effective interaction for e – learners, and do a good job of taking the place of classroom discussion. Building an online community significantly influences the success of online programs.
Easily Managed: As the number of student enrolled increases, managing all of their activities using online mode of education is easier. The learners can be distributed course material online, also the process of conducting examinations, managing the profile of the candidates, including their fee details and result declaration becomes easier in an eLearning environment.
Integrating Media and Interactivity: eLearning software provides the benefit of integrating media with interactivity. Various kinds of audio, video, graphics,multimedia and animation effects can be included within course material that enrich the content and make it more appealing to the learners. Benefit of integrating media with interactivity provides a very useful edge to eLearning domain as far as the field of imparting education and training is concerned.
Reduce faculty workload: Instructors and TAs can also save time using products like online examination management system. When the Assessment Designer is used to design quizzes or tests; feedback, grading and analysis can be automated. Time previously spent correcting, formulating statistical deviations, and analyzing specific questions can be used for other things. Even student records can be exported directly into spreadsheets for turnover to the registrar.
Updated information: Students as well as teachers can access the information and other support material. Information through online learning can be updated easily, so they are beneficial in terms of updates and latest information. They can face challenges of the explosion of knowledge.
Concrete knowledge: Online learning provide opportunities to gain concrete experiences through simulation, videos etc. multisensory instructions made through online learning helps the learner to gain concrete understanding of the topic.
Active learning: Online learning ensures the participation of learners in the learning process. Due to the availability of various resources in synchronous and asynchronous mode, online learning provide ample opportunity for learners to be actively involved in learning.
Providing immediate feedback: eLearning courses can assist to provide immediate feedback to correct misunderstood material. The more immediate the feedback the better, because each step of learning builds upon the previous step. If no feedback is given, then the next step may be built upon an incorrect interpretation.
Global environment: Online learning give opportunity to students all over the world to be connected through the internet. Students are connected through social networking, email etc. This widens the perspectives of students which is essential for inculcating global citizenship. The teachers as well as student share their knowledge, experiences and learn with students and teachers across the globe.
Inculcation of social values: Students from different race, creed and community come together in an online learning environment. It broadens their viewpoints, opinion. They develop social values tolerance, patience and cooperation as they become the part of global virtual world.
Automatic marking and reporting: eLearning courses provide you with detailed and up-to-date insight into each learner’s progress, which can include the results of every quiz and assessment, modules completed, or even their progress in terms of fulfilling the different learning objectives. Objectives are specific criteria a user can meet or fail, as they work their way through your course (e.g. ‘basic math’ and ‘geometry’ in a math quiz), which gives you greater insight into each learner’s strengths and weaknesses.

The on-line learning can be synchronous or asynchronous in nature

27.4.1 SYNCHRONOUS ON LINE LEARNING:

Synchronous means “occurring same time”. In synchronous learning, the instructor and the learner interact with each other and the course content simultaneously in real time even if both are at a distance. In synchronous online learning, communication occurs at the same time between the individuals and information is assessed instantly. Synchronous learning environments support learning and teaching and offer students and teachers with multiple ways of interacting, sharing, and the ability to collaborate and ask questions in real-time through synchronous learning technologies.

Synchronous online learning includes learning from the sources of:

Virtual Classroom
Audio and Video Conferencing
Chat
Webinars
Application Sharing
Messaging instantly

27.5RESOURCES OF SYNCHRONOUS ONLINE LEARNING:

Chat : Synchronous chat rooms allow multiple users to log in and interact. This is a great way to ask questions and to share resources and insights.

Click here to watch a YouTube on how to use chatroom

Video conferencing: A video conference can involve a live feed from a classroom or elsewhere. Alternatively, the conference might transmit a presentation of slides and graphics, with a question and answer session at the end.

Click here to watch YouTube on the use of video conferencing in the classroom Web conferencing: Web conferences tend to be more interactive, and you’ll probably be asked to respond to questions (survey, poll, questionnaire), which will give you a chance to interact. Web conferences usually incorporate chat and they often have a question and answer session at the end.

Click here to watch an example of synchronous online learning through web conferencing.

Click here to watch a YouTube on the comparison of video conferencing and web conferencing.

Internet radio/podcasts: When there is not sufficient bandwidth to broadcast live video of an event, instructors might stream the audio over the Internet. Good opportunities for audio streaming include concerts or political speeches. Ideally, the audio file would be archived for students to access and review later as well.

Click here to watch a YouTube of learning through podcasting

Virtual worlds: Educational “islands” in virtual worlds like Second Life are wonderful places for students to meet “live” and to interact. They’re ideal for learning languages because it’s possible to speak with each other through headsets and VoIP. It’s a wonderful way to practice conversation while being immersed in a virtual place that has the look and feel of another country or culture. While virtual worlds can be very engaging and productive as learning environments There’s quite a learning curve as you learn to navigate the worlds, and to clothe and operate your avatar.

Click here to watch a YouTube on education in second life

Examples from real classroom scenario:

Learning through chat:

Kulm High School in North Dakota allowed teachers to interact with every student in the room at the same time by creating a “chat room” like environment within the actual classroom. Teachers and students interacted through chat room throughout the school day. Teachers were able to push out assignments and collect assignments electronically. The administration reported that discipline was better; grades were higher. Even students were retained what was taught.

http://www.setda.org/web/toolkit2008/student-

engagement/technologytools#Chats.

Example of video conferencing in classroom teaching:

The LIVE-C – Learning through Interactive Video Experiences at ThreeRivers School District in Oregon (Grades 1-12) was designed to bring the world to thegeographically isolated, culturally limited and high poverty students through the use ofmobile interactive video conferencing equipment. Teachers were able to invite inexperts from around the world to enter their classrooms as co-teachers, as well as connecttheir students to students around the globe.

27.6 Importance of synchronous online learning

Student Engagement: Synchronous technology like Videoconferencing, webcasts, and telephone conferences include virtual worlds and chat rooms. In order to successfully participate in these environment, students must be engaged in student-learning. This is the most important learner characteristic of a student for effective learning.
Synchronous Collaboration: In both the traditional and online classroom environments, interaction and collaboration are very important for effective learning outcomes. In an online learning environment the teacher’s role becomes more about facilitating, guiding, and motivating the learner and can be successfully achieved through feedback and collaboration.
Instructional Pacing: Online learning environments provide flexibility and offer students personalized learning opportunities. Students those who are learning online have the opportunity to express their thoughts without judgment or interruptions. Online learning experiences can be developed to provide advanced educational opportunities for the learning needs of individual students.
Real time communication: Synchronous learning allows students to obtain real time feedback on their ideas, clarification of their facts, doubts, collaboration with their classmates using small group discussion room or chat room. It allows guest speakers to address the class remotely on their own computers through virtual classroom, video conferencing.
High motivation and high completion rate: Students who learn using synchronous technologies have higher motivation and completion rate. It has fixed schedule.
Interactive: This online method gives students the chance to interact with their virtual classmates as well as their mentor.
Live: Synchronous e-learning activities take place live, that is, they are not previously recorded, but recorded or pre-produced material may be used during the activity.

27.7 ASYNCHRONOUS ONLINE LEARNING:

As synchronous means “not occurring at the same time”. It is a type of two ways online communication that occurs with a time delay. It allows both individual of communication to respond at their own convenience. It is the learning in distance in time lag. Asynchronous learning utilizes ‘time lag’ communication to deliver material. It is a type of formal learning in which students and teachers have regular interaction but the interactions are not real time. Interactions occur with a time delay. This delay can be of hours, days, or sometimes weeks.

Asynchronous online learning includes learning through Email, Discussion forum, News group, Blog, Self-paced online courses, Discussion forums & groups, Messages boards.

27.8 RESOURCES OF ASYNCHRONOUS ONLINE LEARNING:

Virtual Libraries/Repositories of Documents, Presentations, Graphics, Audio Files, and Video:There is a treasure of articles on web which you can download or read online. Sometimes you need to subscribe the e-journal or even website for this purpose. There are many ready presentations, (e.g. www.slideshare.net) illustrative graphics like infographics and lesson plans (e.g. www.lessonplanet.com ) available on web. Plenty of videos are available on youtube.com, schooltube.com.

E-mail: E-mail is a basic resource in all online learning. It’s a great tool for asking questions, keeping in touch, and receiving materials, updates, reminders, and even assessments. Some online courses use e-mail as the main way to interact with your instructor and peers.

Click here to watch an example of how to use e-mail in the classroom

Discussion Boards:The discussion board is another important aspect in the online learning structure. It is a great way to discuss in an ansynchronous manner, respond to questions and to share documents and links. It’s also a good media to ask questions and to clear up queries.

Click here to watch an example of asynchronous online learning through discussion board

Click here to watch an example of synchronous online learning through web conferencing.

Click here to watch a YouTube on the comparison of video conferencing and web conferencing.

Click here to watch a YouTube of learning through podcasting

Click here to watch a YouTube on education in second life

Examples from real classroom scenario:

Learning through chat:

http://www.setda.org/web/toolkit2008/student-engagement/technologytools#Chats.

Example of video conferencing in classroom teaching:

27.6 Importance of synchronous online learning

Student Engagement: Synchronous technology like Videoconferencing, webcasts, and telephone conferences include virtual worlds and chat rooms. In order to successfully participate in these environment, students must be engaged in student-learning. This is the most important learner characteristic of a student for effective learning.
Synchronous Collaboration: In both the traditional and online classroom environments, interaction and collaboration are very important for effective learning outcomes. In an online learning environment the teacher’s role becomes more about facilitating, guiding, and motivating the learner and can be successfully achieved through feedback and collaboration.
Instructional Pacing: Online learning environments provide flexibility and offer students personalized learning opportunities. Students those who are learning online have the opportunity to express their thoughts without judgment or interruptions. Online learning experiences can be developed to provide advanced educational opportunities for the learning needs of individual students.
Real time communication: Synchronous learning allows students to obtain real time feedback on their ideas, clarification of their facts, doubts, collaboration with their classmates using small group discussion room or chat room. It allows guest speakers to address the class remotely on their own computers through virtual classroom, video conferencing.
High motivation and high completion rate: Students who learn using synchronous technologies have higher motivation and completion rate. It has fixed schedule.
Interactive: This online method gives students the chance to interact with their virtual classmates as well as their mentor.
Live: Synchronous e-learning activities take place live, that is, they are not previously recorded, but recorded or pre-produced material may be used during the activity.

27.7 ASYNCHRONOUS ONLINE LEARNING:

Asynchronous online learning includes learning through Email, Discussion forum, News group, Blog, Self-paced online courses, Discussion forums & groups, Messages boards.

27.8 RESOURCES OF ASYNCHRONOUS ONLINE LEARNING:

E-mail: E-mail is a basic resource in all online learning. It’s a great tool for asking questions, keeping in touch, and receiving materials, updates, reminders, and even assessments. Some online courses use e-mail as the main way to interact with your instructor and peers.

Click here to watch an example of how to use e-mail in the classroom

Discussion Boards:The discussion board is another important aspect in the online learning structure. It is a great way to discuss in an ansynchronous manner, respond to questions and to share documents and links. It’s also a good media to ask questions and to clear up queries.

Click here to watch an example of asynchronous online learning through discussion board.

Social Networking:Many online courses now incorporate social networking in order to enhance collaboration and learner interaction. In many learning management systems, social networking is built into the units. Social networking programs that are often incorporated include blogs, wikis, Facebook, Orkut, Bebo, Twitter, Flickr, Youtube, Youstream etc.
Click here to watch a YouTube on social networking for education
Wikis and Collaborative Documents: Collaborative documents allow students to edit each other’s work and to collaborate. One can see how people edit and contribute, and can add their thoughts and ideas. A “wiki” is a place that allows to build a definition or a series of explanations . one can create own wiki and learn through collaboration. or can learn through others’ wikis. e.g. Wikipedia
Click here to watch an example of synchronous online learning through wikis.
e-Portfolios:E-Portfolios demonstrate your skills and your knowledge of a special topic. Students combine text, images, presentations, video, audio, links, and a discussion space.

Click here to watch a YouTube on e-portfolios

DVD/CD-ROM: Some courses provide textbooks that come bundled with DVDs for video and media content. Students can read the materials offline.There are many educational CDs and DVDs on various subjects and topics.

Example of blog in classroom: In Tennessee high school, ninth grade journalism students used a blog to publish high school news daily.

Example of wiki in classroom: In Perth Amboy High School, students collected and conducted tests on water samples for the “Raritan Watershed” project. They compiled data electronically and exchanged information with other schools online. The results were discussed on wikis, and multimedia presentations were prepared to illustrate results and conclusions. After implementation, 30-40% of the students received higher score.

http://www.setda.org/web/toolkit2008/student-engagement/technologytools#Wiki

In an asynchronous learning environment, students are able to actively participate in their own learning, get the opportunity to interact with their peers, get peer feedback, and reflect on the status of their personal learning goals and outcomes. In many learning environments there are learning activities and expectations that require students to create, synthesize, explain, and apply the content or skills being taught Asynchronous technologies support learning and allow more time for student reflection, collaboration, and student-to-student interactions.

Asynchronous communication and learning is a more popular learning type because many of the learning tools are free, require minimal hardware, and are used at the student’s pace.

27.9 IMPORTANCE OF ASYNCHRONOUS ONLINE LEARNING

Asynchronous Collaboration:

A sense of community is necessary to sustain the educational experience over time and this can be achieved through collaborative learning communities. This facilitation can be successfully achieved through asynchronous collaboration, allowing students to thoughtfully consider learning objectives because they have the time to critically synthesize their learning.

Individualized Pacing:

With these tools, the teacher can assess what students understand and adapt future course assignments to facilitate a higher level and more in-depth understanding of the content. With the help of asynchronous tools, students learn at their own pace.

Sharing of information:

In asynchronous learning participants may engage in the exchange of ideas or information without the dependence of other participants, involvement at the same time. Students can have an access to prepackaged training based on requirement and convenience.

Flexibility:

Asynchronous learning allows participants to post whenever they want to and saves the posting so that the individual participants can view them later at his or her convenience. It fit into every one’s schedule. e-learning. In fact, many people take online courses because of their asynchronous nature, combining education with work, family, and other commitments.

Overcome geographical barriers:

It is an ideal delivery mode for individuals in different geographical locations and time zone and when their work schedule is busy.

Effective:

It is a more leveler because all participants have an equal opportunity to contribute and those who have trouble in speaking up due to language differences.

Thoughtful contribution:

Asynchronous E-Learning makes it possible for learners to log on to an E-Learning environment at any time and download documents or send messages to teachers or peers. Students may spend more time refining their contributions, which are generally considered more thoughtful compared to synchronous communication.

Anytime:

It is the most commonly used e-Learning, wherein the content is available 24/7, and the teachers, students, end users can access it through an intranet or internet.

Useful for distance learning: For distance learning, with a multitude of learners in geographically distant locations, it can be very cost beneficial. An asynchronous learning module is consistent and easily updated and maintained. That means it can have a long shelf-life, which can result in a low cost per student.
Self-paced: Asynchronous learning is very beneficial for learning purposes as it gives anindividual the liberty to read and study at one’s own speed and pace.

Limitations:

Lengthy discussion:
No timely feedback
No strict deadlines
Lack of continuity

27.6 LET US SUM UP

The technologies associated with synchronous and asynchronous learning can improve the quality of student-teacher interactions, foster increased student engagement, and improve learning outcomes. There are strengths and weaknesses to both designs. Some students like a synchronous online learning environment because they need face-to-face instruction. For other students, an asynchronous online learning environment provides more time to consider all sides of an issue before offering their own educated input. Both learning types have very unique benefits and limitations of online learning.

you can view video on Online learning

REFERENCES

http://www.rau.ro/websites/e-society/lucrari/adrian%20lado.pdf
http://www.elearners.com/online-education-resources/degrees-and-programs/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-classes/#sthash.1mC29qnT.WBlFF6c1.dpuf
http://www.timelesslearntech.com/asynchronous-learning.php