Though some would disagree with me, I believe that an asynchronous model is a great model (given the right circumstances). As an educator, and I think most other teachers will agree, there are few methods that can compete with learning in a classroom setting. Nothing can compensate for interaction with an instructor who can answer questions and give prompt, and hopefully useful, feedback. I do think that online and distant education courses are very effective, they are not for everyone. I think it takes a certain kind of student (one who can pace his/her self and has the drive to lean on their own) to succeed in this type of course. Whereas, in the classroom setting, the instructor is there to motivate the student and offer additional help if needed.
However, I do feel that asynchronous learning is a great model for those who cannot become a full-time student. The asynchronous learning model allows busy students to learn at their own pace so that the class does not become a hassle of inconvenience. Given that all learners do learn at a different pace, learning at one's own pace allows them to devote ample time and attention to subject matter and assignments in order to truly absorb a given unit before having to move on to the next one. To reiterate; I think this is a good method, under certain circumstances, but it should not be a complete replacement for the semester calender that university systems currently use.
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ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you about not being a complete replacement for the semester calender. Universities need to be able to offer a variety of methods of delivery. I am a perfect example of asynchronous learning at its finest in that this particular online masters program is the only way it could happen for me. I have five children, teach full time and would have no way of attending traditional campus classes.
ReplyDeleteGood connection to online courses and PSI, as a lot of online courses do tend to emphasize self-paced learning. Whether that's a good thing probably depends on the context/subject. I know in my evaluation work with the state's virtual school, a lot of those high school students have been asking for more communication-interaction than the courses that emphasize self-paced instruction currently provide. That's a gross generalization for an online school with over 100 courses, but it certainly seemed to be a problem in math and foreign language courses where students seemed to have more problems learning via self-pace without the added support of an instructor or peer to guide.
ReplyDeleteZac and Kevin -
ReplyDeleteThe other issue for me about the entirely self-paced model is that whether it can be as stringent and get at higher levels of thinking. I am not saying it cannot but it seems that there must be interaction and engagement with not just the material but an instructor and other students for this to take place. THOUGHTS????
Zac,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you about the classroom management comment. I used this process to give an army class. I had to make the groups large and was worried that not everyone would be "employed". So I told the group that everyone had to be inolved in the scenarios that were acted out in the class. I was amazed at the creative ways they found to make it happen.