Module II
The statement that people are more apt to be open because of the anonymity of online collaboration as compared to Face-to-Face (F2F) learning, (Seimans, 2008) literally caused me to reflect on my initial reason for joining the online community
In the traditional classroom, it is either the intimidating presence or personality of the instructor or classmates that dictate what a person does or does not communicate. Oftentimes opinions and ideas, among even the most prolific thinkers have been stifled or repressed for that very reason.
Online instruction not only adds the element of protection that anonymity provides, that which F2F cannot offer, but allows for richer and more diverse collaborative opportunities on a global scale. These are the three elements Siemens refers to - global diversity, communication, and collaborative interaction, all of which are the dynamics that contributed to the success of online learning.
Siemans (2008) explains that growing acceptance of distance education is fueled by an increase in online communication (Skype,Twitter,FaceBook,Wiki, YouTube,Bloglines, Moogle). Distance education also saw an increase due to practical experience with new technology tools, and a growing comfort with online discussion forums. Gloal diversity according to Siemans(2008) is now a common trend; it also benefits corporations by allowing them to interact with different offices around the world.
Reaching a point of agreement with Siemans was without question for me. Being an introvert through my youth and most of my adult life, had it not been for online learning, I don’t think I would have truly understood the true meaning or need for collaboration. Having to interact with people from different ethnicities, backgrounds, and schools of thought from all around the country, online learning gave me an entirely new perspective on different ways to know, learn, and share.
The elements of online learning include technology that has taken millions of people out of the confines of the traditional modes of communication through such technologies as Wiki, Skype and Video conferencing. Webcams and hand-held video are also tools that assist in capturing moments in real-time, many often viewed on YouTube, FaceBook, and Twitter. Web 2.0 technology has taken communication to a level unprecedented in history. Online learning has and will continue to evolve as as evidenced by the surge of applicants in virtual courses.
Seimens, George. The Future of distance Education. Video posted to http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=3649019&Survey=1&47=2625189&ClientNodeID=984645&coursenav=1&bhcp=1 viewed September 23, 2009.
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I too feel that online learning communities foster and encourage the need for collaboration among students and instructors. We can really learn so much from each other and our experiences as educators and professionals. Online Communication and Collaboration offered through Distance Learning has been a very enlightening and positive experience for me.
ReplyDeleteKaren, Sharing in an online environment is easier and I believe the anonymity allows people to be more honest. Many people, in a F2F class will seldom participate, share pesonal stories, or request help when not understanding something. By taking online courses, with discussions, blogs, wikis etc, you must collaborte and communicate each week. I sometime feel I spend more time posting with cohorts from my courses than I would if I were in a traditional school room.
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