The Random Thinker

The reading for Week 9 was from Palloff & Pratt, 2001 Lessons From Cyberspace  chapter 7 ‘Working with the Virtual Student’.

One of the key points in this article related to the need for the learner to be aware of, and prepared for, the differences between traditional learning and online learning. One case is mentioned where the learning organisation actually ran a course to teach the learners how to learn online.

The often repeated comment is how the learner must take responsibility for their own learning and that online training relies heavily on collaboration between the learners and less reliance on the teacher. As a matter of fact the teacher is more a facilitator and guide. The article also notes that not all learners are suited to online learning and that research has found the most successful learners are self-disciplined, self-motivated, generally older and have voluntarily sought further education.

The article finishes with a number of tips for successfully working with Virtual Students. These are: 1) Do not assume students will automatically know how to learn online. 2) Provide some form of orientation to students as they embark on an online experience. 3) Construct a course that is varied and addresses different learning styles. 4) Encourage and empower students to take charge of the learning process. 5) Pay attention to changes in participation levels and address them promptly. 6) Stay present and be responsive to students needs and concerns.

Reference

Palloff, Rena & Pratt, Keith, 2001, Working with the Virtual Student in Lessons from Cyberspace, Jossey-Bass.

http://drr.lib.uts.edu.au/file/17282/013966_palloffworking.pdf

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