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SLN: Providing Online Support for Learners - an introduction        

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  Introduction
  Resources
  Assessment
  Part A - an overview
    What is online learning?
    Activity 1.1
    What is online support?
    Learning in the 21st century - Thoughts and predictions
    Activity 1.2
  Part B - Methods of assessing online learning tools and techniques
    Tools and techniques to support online learning
    Categorising online support tools and techniques
    Choosing and assessing online support tools and techniques
    Activity 1.3
    Assignment 1
  Part C - The differences in approach and practice of supporting learners online
    Comparing online learning to other methods
    Comparison of online learning and conventional classroom-based learning
    Activity 1.4
    Comparison of online learning and distance learning
    Activity 1.5
    Characteristics of a good online learner
    Activity 1.6
    The impact of online learning on the role of the tutor/facilitator
    Activity 1.7
  Part D - The strengths and weaknesses of online learning
    What are the strengths of online learning?
    What are the weaknesses of online learning?
    Activity 1.8
  Part E - Strategies for integrating online support techniques into a learning programme
    Activity 1.9
  Part F - Strategies for evaluating the learner experience in an online environment
    Introducing evaluation
    Evaluating the learner experience
    Evaluation tools
    Activity 1.10
    Summary
   

Activity 1.1 - sample answer for instruction 1

 

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step-by-step route: study section 1

Part C - The differences in approach and practice of supporting learners online

Comparison of online learning and conventional classroom-based learning


In a comparison between classroom-based learning and online learning, the following differences and similarities can be found. As online learning models vary, the following lists may not apply to every situation. The following observations can generally be made with regard to online learning:

Differences

- Learners are often physically distant from the tutor/facilitator(s) and other learners (at least some of the time).

- Learners can engage in online learning at any time from anywhere so long as they can access their online learning tools (e.g. Internet access).

- Tutor/facilitators can engage in their learners' online learning at any time from anywhere so long as they can access their online learning tools.

- Learners need to be able to use computers in an appropriate way in order to optimise online learning.

- Tutor/facilitators need to be able to use computers in an appropriate way in order to optimise the online learning experience of their learners.

- Global information and communication resources can be easily accessed using the Internet.

- Learners are able to communicate synchronously and asynchronously with tutor/facilitators and other learners.

- Online learning tends to be learner centred even although it may still be tutor/facilitator-led and it is essential that learners know how to learn independently, are self-motivated, and take responsibility for their own learning.

- It is more difficult for the tutor/facilitator to assess the learners' understanding and progress - therefore, active steps need to be taken by the tutor/facilitator to keep in touch with the learner.

- It is easy for an online learner to feel isolated and become de-motivated and consequently more effort is required from the tutor/facilitator to ensure that the learner is active and continues to progress.

Similarities

- Learners may rely on the tutor/facilitator for instruction, guidance, feedback, evaluation and support.

- Learners have an opportunity to communicate in real time with tutor/facilitator(s) and other learners.

- Learners have course materials to work from.

- Learners have an opportunity to collaborate with each other on projects, tasks, etc.

 

 

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