Literature Review
Introduction - The importance of discussion in an online environment
The majority of authors of current literature agree that in an online class environment, discussion is a powerful learning experience (Bye, Smith et al. 2009). Discussion is especially useful and productive from the Constructivist view point(Bye, Smith et al. 2009). It allows for the learner to develop knowledge by sharing experiences through continued discussion with other learners. As discussed in the literature, many shy or withdrawn learners require time for reflection on a discussion and may not respond until they have completely formulated an idea or concept to their satisfaction. Online discussion can be considered to be an equalizer between the extroverted learner, who in a classroom environment may attempt and often succeed in dominating the discussion and the introverted learner, who in a classroom is content to allow the more aggressive students control the discussion. These learners deserve an equal opportunity to share in the discussion and often have very insightful contributions to make to the discussion.(Pick 2003)
Facilitator intervention
While most sources agree that the instructor/facilitator has a responsibility to keep the discussion on track and intervene if the discussion should happen to get heated(Wang 2008), there is little or no agreement regarding how often or to what level the facilitator should be involved. While students want to know that the facilitator is reading the discussion posts there is a danger of over participation by the instructor and inhibiting learner interaction(Palloff and Pratt 2003). Bender(2003) also believes that there is a danger in grading the discussion of a particular topic until i...
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Palloff, R. M. and K. Pratt (2001). Lessons from the cyberspace classroom : the realities of online teaching. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass.
Palloff, R. M. and K. Pratt (2003). The virtual student : a profile and guide to working with online learners. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass.
Palloff, R. M. and K. Pratt (2005). Collaborating online : learning together in community. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass.
Palloff, R. M. and K. Pratt (2007). Building online learning communities : effective strategies for the virtual classroom. San Francisco, CA, Jossey-Bass.
Pick, D. (2003). A literature review of asynchronous, interactive Internet-based distance education instruction, University of Oregon. Master of Science.
Wang, Q. (2008). "Student-facilitators' roles in moderating online discussions." British Journal of Educational Technology 39(5): 859-874.
Along with using the World Wide Web for researching purposes, e-mail has become a very commonly used feature. Students and teachers can communicate outside of the classroom any time of day. In addition, this also opens up the idea of an online community center.
The particulars surrounding the relatively new cyber space attendance have been left vague, and there lacks clarification and guidelines. Clear boundaries and expectations have been omitted deliberately. The author uses this device to infuse a sense of individualism into the policy. For example, he does require his students to "fully participate in this class by making connections with other instructors and students through e-mail and threaded discussions on the Internet," [3, Course Description], but he does not stipulate the extent to which these connections be made. Some form of communication is considered valuable, but the amount has been left to student discretion.
...a dominating style of communication. In the classroom, the teacher commonly acts as the moderator of the forum, but in other online communities the moderator is usually a third party individual who may not been interculturally competent.
This article discusses the use of the Internet in the classroom and how it can be used to personalize education. The effectiveness of the Internet in the classroom is evaluated at the Henry Hudson Regional School in Highlands, New Jersey. A faculty member at the school explains that the Internet was introduced to their classrooms to expand limited electives, advanced placement, and foreign language offerings. The use of the Internet allows small schools to provide an education that would not be economically possible without it.
In a K-12 setting, distance learning or traditional learning requires careful planning that must take place in order for the educational process to work for the students. When we look at both forms of education there are still pros and cons to both. Although online learning has made a major impact in the world of education, many people have not accepted this form of education. One of the reason for their concerns is that students cannot get fast answers to their questions about the assignment from the teacher. Another concern is that the students cannot perform effectively in a group collaboration that is taking place online. Also, students may not effectively do their homework from an online program. Lastly, some families do not have the technology at home for online learning.
Friedman, Hershey H., and Linda Weiser Friedman. "Crises in Education: Online Learning as a Solution." Creative Education 2.3 (2011): 156-63. ProQuest Research Library. Web. 25 Apr. 2012.
The popularity and availability of online schooling, also referred to as virtual schools, cyber schools, e-learning, and distance learning, is growing rapidly throughout the U.S. I think the idea of virtual schools is wonderful, especially for those who are home bound or have medical conditions. Students at virtual schools can learn at any time and any place about any number of subjects, which is quite convenient. Students from rural areas can have the wide selection of courses usually only available to students in large suburban or urban schools.
Clark, T. (2001). Virtual schools: Trends and issues: A study of virtual schools in the United States. Retrieved October 18, 2003, from http://www.wested.org/online_pubs/virtualschools.pdf
O'Malley, John, and Harrison McCraw. "Students perceptions of distance learning, online learning and the traditional classroom." Online journal of distance learning administration [Online] 2.4 (1999). Web. 10 Jan. 2014
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,
All of our lives, we have gone through school learning with many other students in a classroom, and using books. But what if things were to change? What if instead of getting up to go to school, we simply had to just turn our computers on. Virtual Education is becoming a new way to teach and learn. Using computers, students can interact with other students and instructors, go to a history lecture with people all across the world, and even dissect frogs.
The object/goal of online courses is for students to learn independently in the virtual environment without the “on-the-spot” help of the teacher. The indications are that involvement is a powerful means in the improvement in most of the aspects of undergraduates’ cognitive and affective development. In theory, the author believes online pedagogy would address the problem of students retreating to self-gratifying internet sites where they spend a great deal of time shopping online, chatting on social networks and playing online games. The author states (paraphrasing) “Until now, little at...
Some of the advantages of digital learning are providing a flexible way of education from anytime, anywhere and any place where Internet connection and computers is accessible. It is also an affordable way of learning which reduces travelling cost for coming to classrooms. Students can take the exams and quizzes over the web; even they can submit assignments over the Internet. Instructors can provide all the materials online which in turn no cost for paper and printing. Ernst & Young University had 35% cost decrease because of virtual learning (Hall, 2000).
"The Teacher's Role in Developing Interaction and Reflection in an Online Learning Community." (n.d.): n. pag. Taylor and Francis. Web. 28 Feb. 2014.
Online learning, also known as distance learning or online learning, has become a new and successful means of receiving an education in a highly technologically enhanced environment (Regan, Evmenova, Baker, Jerome, Spencer, Lawson, & Werner, 2012). Kaymak and Horzum (2013) defined online learning as using Internet technology to gain knowledge and skills through the use of synchronous and asynchronous learning tools. Allen and Seaman (2013) stated that about 6.7 million students attending colleges and universities across the United States were successfully enrolled in at least one online course in 2011. There is an increased interest in online learning that continues to grow as a result of the amplified demands from the work place and the escalating availability of nontraditional educational options and providers (Allen & Seaman, 2008).