We have been asked to mull over possible topics for our conference project on the OU H818 course working towards the MA in Open and Distance Education. There is quite a lot of overlap between the 3 themes but I have tried to come up with some possibilities for each. No prizes for noticing that I am interested in practice to do with interaction in the learning process, and looking at ways of making the feedback process more effective.
Inclusion:
- case study on how non-academic students on my teacher-training courses can be supported
- production of a potted guide to accessibility for inclusion in my teacher-training courses
- ......
Innovation:
- using reflective journal posts to improve tutor-student and student-student dialogue
- what are the principles of running effective online tutorials?
- how can collaborative student work be facilitated using digital technology?
Implementation:
- using video casts for giving students feedback
- developing the use of discussion forums to maximise student interaction
- using a studio approach to improve the learning process
Have you any experience of any of these? Any ideas, suggestions or criticisms gratefully received.
Comments
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I learn better face to face. So something like that does sound good. If only so you can rewind back and forth to really get all the points stuck in your head and have a discussion forum. That way you can simulate a kind of online classroom environent. So in answer to that question it should have rewind function and fast forward and possibly a pause so you can stop midway and discuss what you found from it with fellow students. That's probably a bit obvious. Also something to prompt you when to pause and the bits we need to pay particular attention to. I m in the fortunate position I can get to tutorials this year. But last year my tutorials were on a Saturday morning and my partner worked I have a three year old so it wasn't always possible to get a babysitter. I think something like that would really help!
Lame answer I know.
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Sorry read that again miss understood.
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Ruth, I would like to hear some more reasons why you say you prefer to learn face-to-face. Have you had much experience of learning online?
What would be the one thing in classroom learning that you would miss online? Is there any way it could be replicated online do you think?
I would be really keen to hear your ideas!
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This is going to sound daft. Really daft. But I'm going to say it anyway. I think a student learns better if they have a sought of bond with the teacher. For instance I had a really comical,really friendly English G.c.s.e teacher and because I got on with him I really tried, because not only did I want to do well for myself but I knew my grades would directly reflect on the teacher, also because when I did do well he was very encouraging. The point in making is so much is lost in communication when you are writing in just plain text. Plain text doesn't always make humour come across, anger, annoyance, this can lead to misunderstandings people not understanding each other's feelings/ boundaries. So therefore not forming a good tutor/ student bond and potentially making students feel isolated in there studies or perhaps shy of asking questions e.t.c. I've studied online through the o.u and I have studied face to face through my previous college. I have enjoyed both. I do prefer this year how our tutor contacts us over the phone. This makes it a more friendly and approachable service I think. I can't remember what the original question was lol. But the point still remains a smiley face doesn't always do it sometimes. I also think if information is being presented to you in an interesting way you automatically take it in, more then purely reading through a text book.
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Another thing that would be good if the O.u could perhaps run study groups. No teacher would be required. Just set up group meet ups in perhaps a library or something where students could go to share ideas, help each other with areas that perhaps they individually would struggle with. Make it less isolating and more user friendly. Have a set topic for or each one. The students could do group activities, do exercises together. So that if one is stuck they could ask there tutor group friends, like wise if the other is stuck they could help the other. Encouraging team work and creating a less daunting approach to your work.