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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 distance learning


Online learning is often considered to be a form of distance learning. While in some instances this is true, there are many other instances where online learning is used in conjunction with regular classroom-based learning or face-to-face learning. The result is that many permutations of combining online learning with other methods of learning are feasible. These range from models which provide the learners with ample opportunity for face-to-face interaction with the tutor/facilitator, peers and resources to models where the learner is completely remote.

Similarities

There are many similarities between online learning and distance learning:

  • learners may be remote from:
    • tutor/facilitator all or some of the time
    • other learners all or some of the time
    • learning resources and information to support their learning all or some of the time
    • the learner and the tutor/facilitator need to find ways of communicating synchronously and asynchronously.

Differences

The features of online learning that distinguish it from conventional distance learning are:

  • wider access through the use of new technologies
  • easier access to course materials and learning resources
  • easier contact with the tutor/facilitator and other learners to exchange views
  • easier to share resources and get support
  • easier to collaborate with other learners on group activities and projects

Technology can be a barrier to learning if the learners (or the tutor/facilitator) are unable to use it effectively.

 

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Activity 1.5)


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