RSA #3 Challenging the Landscape of Teacher Education Via Online Teaching and Learning

ERIC #EJ829510

Online learning communities are interactive, collaborative and student centered. “In the online environment, all students have a voice and can be required to contribute to discussion” (Miller, 2009, p.5). Online learning communities are very different from face-to-face learning communities. “When teaching and learning leave the classroom, many elements are left behind and new expectations emerge” (Palloff & Pratt, 2007, p.11). In a face-to-face situation a persons’ presence is seen. However, in an online community social presence must be established in other ways. There are advantages and disadvantages to online and face-to-face learning communities.

After completing a study of students in an online graduate education program, Shin and Lee (2009) found that most students were satisfied with the program. However, the students recommended adding face-to-face time also. Combining online learning with face-to-face learning forms a hybrid community. “When a traditional classroom environment and online world are combined, students are likely to benefit from the best of both worlds” (Shin & Lee, 2009, p.33).

Everyone does not believe that a hybrid model is the best way of learning. Palloff and Pratt (2007) stated that, "having periodic face-to-face meetings throughout the term in a predominately online course can actually detract from the online work; what tends to happen is that posting to the discussion will drop off as a face-to-face meeting approaches, and then it will take time to build again" (p.33).

Deciding which type of learning environment is best, should be left up to the learner. Different personalities perform differently. An introverted person may learn best in an online community. An extroverted person may learn best in a face-to-face learning community. There are many people that could benefit from a combination of both in a hybrid community. Technology continues to transform the field of education and the way people learn.

References

Miller, A. S. (2009). Collaborating in Electronic Learning Communities. ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED505959.

Palloff, R. M. & Pratt, K. (2007). Building Online Learning Communities. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Shin, M. & Lee, Y. (2009). Changing the Landscape of Teacher Education Via Online Teaching and Learning. Techniques: Connecting Education and Careers, 84(1), 32-33. ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. EJ829510.