Online Learning Part 2

What is Online Learning?

 

History

In tracing the roots of online learning, it is first necessary to put forth a basic understanding of what sets online learning apart from other forms of learning. For the purpose of this article, online learning is learning that takes place via the Internet when there is a lack of physical presence between the learner and instructor due to geographic separation. Given this perspective, evidence of learning at-a-distance is seen in a 1728 advertisement for a Boston mail-based correspondence course for

learning shorthand. Recognized formal education at-a-distance can be found as early as 1858 at the University of London and in 1873 through the Society to Encourage Studies at Home in Boston. Early forms of technology-enhanced distance learning are found in the early 1900s with the use of new technologies such as the radio, slide projector, and motion picture. Starting in the 1940s, television provided another medium for distance learning. The first noted use of computers that formed an organized and connected system of learning was PLATO (Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations) in 1960 at the University of Illinois. With the conception of the World Wide Web in 1989 by Tim Berners-Lee and it being made publicly available in 1993, modern forms of online education began developing.

Current Practice

Today’s online learning occurs through the use of digital devices such as personal computers, laptops, tablets, or mobile phones that are connected to educational content, events, and activities via the Internet. Depending upon personal choices, needs, and resource availability, web-based learning is available in a variety of formats from instructor-led massive open online courses (MOOCs) to self-paced personalized web-based tutorials. Online learning usually involves gaining access to rich learning environments, experiences, and events which might otherwise not be possible in a typical classroom. 

At the level of primary grades, online learning is usually limited to teacher-led activities in the classroom or parent-monitored web-based activities at home. At the secondary level, online learning options become more varied and with increased individual access. For higher education and adult education, learners typically have open access to a variety of digital technologies which allow full access and use of web-based learning resources. 

Today the term online learning is often incorrectly used interchangeably with e-learning. In actuality online learning is a subset of e-learning, which actually encompasses all forms of teaching and learning through the use of educational technologies whether via the Internet, a network, or a standalone system. This broad expanse of e-learning includes multimedia learning, computer-based training (CBT), virtual learning environments, and mobile learning.

Final Words

In summary, online learning involves achieving intended learning outcomes using a digital device that has access to web-based educational content, resources, events, and activities.

Reflection Point - “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” ~W. B. Yeats

Learning at-a-Distance Primer

Distance Education (1728 - present) - Web 1.0

Utilizes a course-centered approach to teaching in which subject matter is prescribed to the student. Distance education had a major boost with the advent of television and videotape technologies. Currently the delivery of content is very often via websites, readings and viewings of video-based materials and lessons. Exchanges between teachers and students are often via mail, e-mail, and phone conversations. Communication and learning are primarily unidirectional, from the instructor. This is still in use today.

 

Online Education (~2003 - present) - Web 2.0

Learning is produced through student-centered methods of education. Websites and learning management systems along with web-based meeting applications are frequently implemented. Interactions between teachers and students are most frequently via e-mail and learning management systems (such as Moodle and Blackboard). Communication and learning are typically bi-directional between the teacher and student, with some interaction between students. This method is currently being used.

A Virtual Reality Education (~2009 - present) - Web 3.0

Embraces a community and context-centered philosophy through which there is the observation, discovery and synthesis of knowledge and skills via participation and shared learning. In addition to e-mail and learning management systems, participation and learning occur online via social learning and social networking tools (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), collaboration tools (such as Wikipedia) and virtual environments (Second Life), thus incorporating the benefits of engagement, interactivity, and virtual presence. Communication and learning are multi-directional, with the majority of this occurring among students. The needs for personal flexibility and mobility are addressed.