The pandemic has accelerated a trend that was already taking hold in higher education. And that, surprisingly, might be a good thing.
In 2000, a group of University of Alberta researchers—D. Randy Garrison, Terry Anderson and Walter Archer—adapted the COI philosophy for online learning. Their framework was built on the relatively new ability to have text-based group discussions via the internet, an important point of departure from traditional distance education, in which students worked independently of one another.
“Social engagement is an important foundation for a satisfying, engaging learning experience,” says Marti Cleveland-Innes, program director in the Centre for Distance Education at Athabasca University and a professor at the school. According to a 2009 study published in, the most effective and satisfying courses for students have a synchronous element, ideally via video, so they can benefit from non-verbal communication. Another key factor in online learning is how students are assessed.
Katherine Lyon, an instructor in the University of British Columbia’s department of sociology, and Siobhán McPhee, a senior instructor in the school’s department of geography, are currently researching how good course design can improve student experience and increase their capacity to meet learning outcomes during the pandemic. So far, they’ve surveyed 576 students who are enrolled in UBC distance courses about their learning and well-being.
Veletsianos thinks the increased emphasis on “caring for students and being flexible to their needs” seen during the pandemic may be best achieved in the long term through a learning environment that includes elements of both in-person and distance learning. Cleveland-Innes agrees, though she’d prefer we stop thinking about them as opposing approaches, and instead see all learning as multi-modal and multi-access .
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why the Hubble Space Telescope was finally pointed at a lunar eclipseThe Hubble Space Telescope was able to detect Earth's ozone layer during a lunar eclipse, in an experiment that will be duplicated in an attempt to look for signs of life on distant planets.
Read more »
Quick Shifts: Why Maple Leafs' shocker could catapult to big things - Sportsnet.caWhy the Maple Leafs' stunning comeback feels like a springboard | Bruce Cassidy notices refs cracking down on one type of penalty | Nick Foligno reacts to decisive tripping play | Crazy Draft Lottery thoughts + 8 more NHL goodies.
Read more »
Danielle Smith: Liberals' WE debacle shows why ethics in government matterWe must have absolute faith in the rectitude of senior executives. Right now, we don’t
Read more »
Why Seeing Trans Men Giving Birth Is So ImportantOne father hopes trans and non-binary people feel seen by his childbirth album
Read more »
Three years ago, loopholes in Canada’s gun laws paved the way for a highway rampage in B.C. Why has nothing changed?When Cameron Rose set out for a hike, he ended up in a dangerous faceoff with a man accused of targeting truckers with a rifle. The weapon and the process used to buy it are still legal today, despite Ottawa's promises to crack down
Read more »