Within this new
age of online learning, educational theories old and new have developed to better
adapt to the worlds usage of technology. Through new online learning theories and
styles, educators are presenting information in a different format than paper
books and handwritten tests. In his article “Theories and Frameworks for Online
Education: Seeking an Integrated Model“ Anthony Picciano discusses how these
theories of learning are being used in an online setting. Picciano explains how
the community of inquiry theory, developed by Garrison, Anderson & Archer (2017,
p.173) is used in online classrooms. Community
of inquiry theory is based on collaboration between student and teacher, focusing
on the presence of social interaction, cognitive activity, and teacher facilitation.
Through class discussion boards, videoconferences, and blogs, the community of
inquiry has become a popular theory for online and blended classes (2017,
p.173).
Another theory of
education called connectivism has emerged since the onset of online learning. Pioneered
by George Siemens, connectivism is described as a learning theory that acknowledges
the vast amount of information available to this generation through internet
use. Through connectivism, learning is conducted through diversified opinions, ability
to recognize connections between subjects, and a desire to know more about the
world. Connectivism is often used in higher level online courses where knowledge
is built upon and recontextualized in different ways (Picciano, 2017, p.175).
The final theory, online
collaborative learning, was developed by Linda Harasim. Her theory uses the
internet to create courses that encourage collaboration and the building of
knowledge (2017, p.175). The teacher of the course acts as both the facilitator
of the conversation and as an active participant in learning. This theory is
built from the theory of constructivism and is harder to implement in online
courses because of the need for teacher guided discussion. This method is preferred
for small groups where learning is shared and built upon together.
Alongside learning
theories, there are different formats used in online classes. Two common
formats used, synchronous and asynchronous, vary based on the amount of teacher
instruction. According to Hrastinski in his article “Asynchronous and
Synchronous E-Learning” (2008), synchronous learning is when an instructor directs
the online, virtual class functions like a regular classroom session. In
asynchronous learning, the student works on classwork given to them by an instructor
and continues their work at their own pace. Students manage their own due dates
and are responsible for their own learning of the material (Hrastinski, 2008).
There are many advantages
and disadvantages to online learning. According to Axmedova and Kenjayeva in
their article “Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Learning” (2021) the main
advantage of online learning is the amount of diverse internet material educators
can use to teach their students. Students are also able to view lessons from anywhere
with an internet connection, making learning more accessible (Axmedova & Kenjayeva,
2021, p. 49). Some disadvantages include less social interaction with peers, and
the increase of screen time, that is reported to cause health issues (2021, p.49).
Online education has grown by leaps and bounds in the 21st century, with
the development of new online learning theories and strategies to help students
learn at their own pace. There are many pros and cons of online learning that
make this new facet of education worthy of continuous development.
References
Axmedova & Kenjayeva (2021)
Advantages and disadvantages of online learning. Retrieved January 31, 2023, from
https://geniusjournals.org/index.php/ejhss/article/view/240/209
Hrastinski, S. (2008, November 17).
Asynchronous and synchronous e-learning. EDUCAUSE. Retrieved January 31,
2023, from https://er.educause.edu/articles/2008/11/asynchronous-and-synchronous-elearning
Picciano, A. G. (2017). Theories and frameworks for online
education: Seeking an integrated model. Retrieved January 31, 2023, from Online
Learning, 21(3), 166-190. doi: 10.24059/olj.v21i3.1225
You have a very well written essay, your citations are perfectly done. I am noticing that you've kept you opinions of each out of your post, what do you think of each learning theory? Is there one you believe is better or one you think is not effective?
ReplyDeleteHi there! This is an excellent question. Personally, I prefer the community of inquiry learning model, as it provides a course with a sense of community that is difficult to create in an online setting. While I think connectivism and online collaborative learning do have their place in learning theory in specific settings, the community of inquiry theory is truly my preferred method. Learning is meant to be shared and built upon together, after all! (perhaps i should edit my post in the future to reflect my opinions as well! good idea.)
DeleteThank you for your great question!
Have a good one,
Ms. H