A Reflection on the Great Debates

There are problems and barriers related to online learning that do not always allow a positive experience. Cultural differences and self-directed learning are just a few of the barriers to OLCs mentioned in this debate. There will be cultural differences in just about anything that we do. However self-directed learning creates a culture of differences because of the various styles of learning in which case an OLC may have a harder time of adapting. Vicki provided research indicating that online learning is not always appropriate for the more dependent learner. Similarly, Bonnie brings up the point of online collaboration. Collaborating with others is not always an easy feat whether it be online or face to face. I agree with Bonnie and the suggestion that teachers need to feel comfortable in guiding collaborative work and "turning over the reins to the learners..." (Palloff & Pratt, 2005, p. 36). A point that Ron brings up is instructional design for dual enrollment students. I know this is an up-and-coming trend here locally for high school students and I applaud the forward thinking in education with technology. However there is a disconnect with high school students in OLCs compared to the more mature post-secondary students. For high school students OLCs nees to be a blended learning environment instead of solely online because this type of learning has not yet been developed. And equally discerning problem that Angela brings up is online cheating. With technology readily available to most people it makes cheating a lot easier. Angela reflects that cheating comes down to instructional design. However she makes no suggestion on how to instructionally design a course that will deflect online cheating. All of these barriers to OLCs can be exacerbated by technical difficulties or the lack of technical availability.  With these kinds of difficulties it is no wonder that some people prefer face-to-face learning as Maria suggests. However if we take a step back and look at all of these barriers to online learning communities these problems also arise in face-to-face learning. In f2f classrooms there are still cultural differences, technical difficulties, collaborative learning issues, cheating and time management conflicts. Sometimes a student does not always have the choice in the type of learning environment they will be subject to, but the choice is ours in how we will produce a successful outcome. Just as teachers will adapt the various learning styles in a f2f environment, OLCs must do the same. "The key to creating a positive experience is to identify the students' needs and then incorporate activities that address their various learning styles... This means getting to know the learner as soon as possible through the use of profiles and introductory activities that provide insight into who the learner is..." (Conrad & Donaldson, 2004, p. 19).

References

Conrad, R. & Donaldson, J. (2004). Engaging the online learner. San Francisco, CA: Jossy-Bass.

Palloff, R. & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborating online: Learning together in community. San Francisco, CA: Jossy-Bass.