In a recent blog post by Darren Draper, a Technology Curriculum Specialist for a school district in Utah, he reflects on predictions and comments made by teachers and ideas shared by David Wiley, a respected authority on Open Source Content, and Connectivism guru, George Siemens, on content delivery options.
“…the delivery of education via online courses will change the entire landscape of course development and control of the curriculum. Each academic field will supply its experts to help create the courses in that field. Once these courses are created, the notion that a teacher at a local school should be creating their own course no longer makes any sense whatever. (p. 19)”
Based on our discussions on computer based training (CBT) versus web-based training (WBT) we have narrowed the concepts to show the main differences being the manner in which information is delivered, processed, and produced. In CBT platforms students interact mainly with the computer as discover through learner controlled instruction and allows for the student to receive feedback that would normally be provided by a teacher. In a WBT platform the learning environment can provide an opportunity for myriad styles of learning and interactivity through simulations, web conferencing, video/audio tools, and online discussion groups.
The best case scenario using either option is designing a platform that is accessible to every student where they are and in the mode that best meets their needs. A curriculum that is well designed must be accessible not only in the classroom through direct teacher instruction but via computer or web-based for easy access for those who could benefit from its use.
References:
Alessi, S. & Trollip, S. (2001). Multimedia for learning: Methods and development. 3rd ed. MA: Allyn & Bacon
Drape’s Takes Bog post. (2008) Retrieved October 1, 2008 from http://drapestakes.blogspot.com/2008/10/hacking-curriculum.html
6 comments:
> A curriculum that is well designed must be accessible not only in the classroom through direct teacher instruction but via computer or web-based for easy access for those who could benefit from its use.
I couldn't have said it better myself. In my opinion, a blended approach to online learning is most effective. While computer-based learning may be great (and be able to accommodate a variety of learning styles), many students still greatly benefit from that warm-bodied teacher standing three feet away.
Agreed. The question then becomes, how far forward do we reach to provide our students with meaningful cutting-edge educational resources while still keeping them nestled in the comforts of tradition?... Should we resist crossing the threshold between one or the other? Should we always play it safe?
The foundation of scholarly effort uncovers new facts and perspectives over time that can change the interpretation of events -knowledge is not static. In my estimation, the statement by Wiley is likely only true when dealing with hard science and math or where the concept dependent social phenomena is agreed (Sayer, 2000).
I can think of more than one instance where the who, what, and when of course design is important:
1) When topics are time sensitive -perhaps dealing with a political debate.
2) When content is culturally sensitive -obviously there are situations where an understanding of a particular culture has to be taken into account.
2a) This is true of the course, but also can be true for the learner.
3) When it is important for the learner to be aware of location -culturally, physically, or contextually in order to understand events and happenings in a much localized area.
These noted it seems that there can be situations where a teacher creating their own content can be important and useful, and therefore makes sense.
I liked what you had to say about curriculum being accessible to all learners. It is easy to confuse teaching with learning. Students often struggle when they are presented with material all in the same manor.
You mentioned a lot of important points when comparing CBT's to WBT's. Your specific observations really put the nature of each of these programs into perspective. One of the aspects that you mentioned is the one in which you describe how the student-centered learning provides the student with the ability to proceed and go through the learning process on a more independent level. This is one of the things that many students lack or have anxiety about, especially when they have to keep up with a group that may have totally different ways of thinking and learning styles. Sometimes these styles fail to be met and by utilizing these programs allows a student to feel more successful on their own level.
Heather
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