Using technology such as the web to create a rich learning environment may not be as easy as it seems. While we try to instill lifelong learning in our students we as teachers need to remember trying new technology may take some learning on teachers’ parts as well. Research shows both sides of web-based learning, resources to facilitate online learning, and ways to develop educational software for online learning, which teachers may need to discover in order to effectively use web-based learning.
A study in Taiwan challenged the traditional ideas of education when only teachers teach and only students learn. In this study researchers found that not only can teachers teach on the web, but any user can share information with other users, the same way a teacher might. Results from this study found that people who teach excellently on the web are not necessarily accredited teachers (Chan, 2002). At some times web users are both teaching others and learning from others. This study also found that teaching online varies greatly from teaching in the classroom. Some issues discussed were the quality control and standards for learning environments and the fact that not all instructional outcomes can be met by Internet learning (Chan, 2002). Researchers also pointed out an array of challenges faced when teaching on the Internet and characteristics of online teachers. Some characteristics include the most obvious of being comfortable using the computer and Internet, also the enjoyment of sharing ideas and thoughts with other people, self-motivated and self-disciplined. The most surprising characteristic was that most are students in the physical world, about eight out of fifteen (Chan, 2002). The main point found from the study w...
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...n along with their students about the new technology, not only are our students lifelong learners, they and we need to be lifelong teachers. At some point teachers may need to allow their students to teach them a thing or two as they might know more in one area of technology than their teacher.
Works Cited
Batanov D.N., Chookittikul W., & Dimmitt N.J. (2002). Developing an educational software framework for distance-less learning. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 18, 188-198.
Chan T.W., Lin C.B., & Young S.S.C. (2002). A preliminary evaluation of a web-mediated ‘school for all’. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 18, 209-218.
Krull G.E., Mallinson B.J., & Sewry D.A. (2006). Describing online learning content to facilitate resource discovery and sharing: the development of the RU LOM Core. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 22, 172-181
Wilson, B., and Lowry, M. “Constructivist Learning on the Web.” In The Strategic Use of Learning Technologies. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, no. 88, edited by E. J. Burge, pp. 79-88. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000.
Research has provided at least partial support for this belief. Multiple studies have shown that instructional technology enhances learning (e.g. Clouse, 1991-1992; Phillips & Soule, 1992). An early study of technology-supported instruction, conducted by the Educational Testing Service, found that students learned more quickly in a web-based environment, compared to traditional classroom settings (Ragosta, 1982).
Wallace, RM. (2004). A Framework for understanding teaching with the internet. American Educational Research Journal, 41(2), 447-488.
As discussed above, the literature showed that more studies are needed on learners use of technology and their preferences, on the skills they bring to the course and on their perception of experts; what I mean hear is not any expert but teacher(s), irreplaceable in such online learning environment of “freedom and chaos” where there is no certainty that if “one connect one will learn”.
While many teachers embrace technology in the classroom, some hesitate to change their curriculum. Some teachers complain using technology causes more headaches than it is worth. These teachers feel comfortable with their traditional methods and do not embrace change. As the world becomes more interconnected, opportunities for communication and collaboration among peers greatly increases. Teaching these skills to students prepares them for life after school. According to Siemens (2004), the need for students to analyze and evaluate information surpasses the need for students to memorize facts. In order to teach these skills, educators must be willing to adopt new methods for teaching and administrators must support the transition from traditional to modern teaching methods.
Argues that we must do more to ensure that computers are fully integrated into all our schools. Suggestion that there is no limit to the possibilities of computers; Topic of distance learning; Ways that the Internet can make schools more effective; Call for schools to develop innovative budgeting to acquire the funds for te...
The coming era is mostly the time of web based learning, since it is flexible as well as cost effective. However, it is necessary that it is implemented in a controlled manner to keep things smooth and beneficial. Currently there are several issues with web based classroom environment concerned with the lack of interaction between students and teachers. With the passage of time, the phenomenon is improving and the system is becoming more interactive. Teachers need to update themselves on these lines. A teacher is required to be good in his or her own field of specialty as well as with technology to an extent that can make interaction between students and teachers worthwhile. This is very much vital to retain the motivation, interest, questioning and interaction with the students. (Albert & Thomas, 2000)
McGreal, R. & Elliott, M. (2004). Technologies of online learning (e-Learning). In Anderson, T. &
As technology evolves, and the world develops, everything in life changes. These changes sometimes are positive and sometimes negative. Sometimes inventions related to technology such as online education may create controversy between people, not knowing if it is good or bad. Online education or in other words, Web Based Learning has a lot of demand in the academic world, as people still do not know whether it is actually useful to students and their teachers, or whether it is just going to worsen the academic process. Even though online education could be useful, it sometimes has negative consequences, including confusion in learning and educating, less instructional support, and social isolation.
Today’s generation is like no other. The nation as a whole has completely evolved from past times, with technology being one of the greatest improvements. Traditionally, schooling takes place in a classroom setting, but, with the many modifications in our world’s system, we are able to assimilate more modern means of education, such as online learning. However, with many changes comes differences and requires adjustments. The online learning system has proven to be just as effective as traditional learning, with some minor differences, however, nothing of great significance. A few of those insignificant differences include online learning being convenient, especially for the non-traditional students,
This is the age of globalization where the world is connected through World Wide Web(WWW).The e-learning initiatives have connected
Digital learning is defined as learning through digital devices such as computers, tablets, or smart phones over the Internet. It is also known by other names, such as virtual learning, online learning, e-learning, distance learning, or continuing education. Digital learning was first introduced as “Computer Assisted Learning Center” in 1982 [1]. The first online course was introduced by “Computer Assisted Learning Campus” in 1994, in which students can take courses over the web [1]. Michael Chasen and Matthew Pittinsky founded Blackboard in 1997. In 1999, Blackboard, SmartThinking and e-campus became popular among different universities around the world. Between 2002 and 2008, there was an increase in students taking online courses by 187% [2]. In the year 2009, total number of students who were taking web-based curriculum was 5.5 million [2]. This statistic shows that the online learning trend is on the rise each day.
When people think of web-based learning, they tend to picture a man talking you through the computer. That is what I believed until my sister decided to get her master degree online. She worked like a dog; writing papers, attending mandatory chats online, watching videos, and implementing lessons into her classroom. It was not the easy ride that I believed. The emergence of powerful computers has rekindled the hope that machines might act as teachers and make learning easier. Each person learns in his or her own way. No matter what, people need to actively participate to absorb knowledge. Web based learning has a history that isnπt just sitting back watching the computer monitor.
Students nowadays, are so focus on technology and how they can put their hands in technology. As a future teacher I believe that, the best way to capture my student’s attention is by providing them with tools that can motivate them to learn. With the use of technology, I may approach teaching differently by encouraging my students to use on-line resources. Using on-line resources, would be beneficial for the students, because they would be able to explore many on-line resources. The students would be encouraged to use the on-line materials, I as a teacher would encourage them to use. Such as Internet Workshops and WeQuests. As a future teacher I would want to use Internet workshops and WebQuests, because I would want to increase my student’s motivation to
In total the Internet has not only increased the amount of learning possibilities in the classroom but it has created infinite amounts of learning opportunities for students and teachers.