W12: Online teaching and training

Notes on MEI 12
Multimedia in English Instructions 多媒體輔助英語教學
Date: 5/7/2012
Instructor: Chin-Wen Chien 簡靜雯
Topic: E-learning: Online teaching and training

Key words: . 
E-learning

. Distance learning: Distance education or distance learning is a field of education that focuses on teaching methods and technology with the aim of delivering teaching, often on an individual basis, to students who are not physically present in a traditional educational setting such as a classroom. It has been described as "a process to create and provide access to learning when the source of information and the learners are separated by time and distance, or both."[1] Distance education courses that require a physical on-site presence for any reason (including taking examinations) have been referred to as hybrid[2] or blended[3] courses of study.

. Open learning

. Online learning

. Blended learning: Blended learning in educational research refers to a mixing of different learning environments. It combines traditional face-to-face classroom methods with more modern computer-mediated activities. According to its proponents, the strategy creates a more integrated approach for both instructors and learners. Formerly, technology-based materials played a supporting role to face-to-face instruction. Through a blended learning approach, technology will be more important.

For example, consider a traditional class meeting schedule. Say that the course would normally meet Monday-Wednesday-Friday, from 1-3pm. If the institution were to apply a blended learning approach, the course may change so that it meets once per week instead of the usual three-session format. Learning activities that otherwise would have taken place during classroom time can be moved online.

In other circumstances, a greater reliance on technology within the classroom may occur. Activities may be structured around access to online resources, communication via social media or interaction with distance learners in other classrooms or other learning environments.

There are many different approaches to blended learning. It can take on many shapes or forms, depending on the teachers and learners involved. As of now, there is no consensus on a single agreed-upon definition for blended learning. The terms "blended," "hybrid," and "mixed-mode" are used interchangeably in current research literature.[1]

. Virtual learning environment

. Learner management system

Task 3
Today we talk about the e-learning and online learning, evaluating some websites and finding out weather these websites are good for students' need or live up to teachers' need. Obviously, it's tons of website around the world, but sometimes it's hard to use find out proper website to facilitate students' learning. To make our teaching more easily, I was always wondering how to make it efficient and effective. Eventually, I got the idea. We can get what we want is because the websites resources are not what you are going to teach or the topic is different from the one on your textbook, so if teachers are able to collect them in a good order or to write down some comment or note, websites are just a click link. Whenever we encounter any difficulty, the best way to solve lie in the core of the problem. What if we can do it quickly and effectively, more and more instructors can enjoy the benefits of free learning resources rather than making material their own. It's so time-consuming. Besides, as we know, Internet resources are easy to get but there are some tips I think we should bear in mind:
1. Clear Instruction (Step by step)
Though
2. Helpful worksheet
3. Time and Pactience



Visiting an Online Learning Course
In a group of 4, visit any online learning course
and discuss the following elements:
. Title of the course:
. Content of the course:
. Goals of the course:
. Technical requirements:
. Required tasks/assignments:
. Type of interaction:
Task 4 Advantages or Disadvantages of Online Courses
After visiting this online course, your group can
brainstorm any advantages or disadvantages of
online course.