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September 2004

Online Classroom September 2004 full issue PDF
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Online Guest Lectures Add to the Learning Experience
One of the advantages of the online classroom is the ability to bring together people regardless of time and location, which can often provide for more diverse learning experiences than would otherwise be possible. In addition to attracting students from anywhere in the world, it is also possible to bring in content experts to provide guest lectures, an approach that June Julian, associate professor of art education at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, uses in her online and hybrid courses.

Tips from the Pros
Simulations can immerse learners in realistic situations without the risks, anxiety, or costs of the actual environment.

Using ‘Knowbots’ for Course Support
When students need information about course management issues such as when and how to submit an assignment, they will frequently e-mail the instructor rather than search for the information on the course site no matter how complete and well-organized such information is. This can be a significant waste of the instructor’s time, time that could have been spent interacting with students on course content.

Technology Should Not Be an Obstacle to Learning
Distance learners usually are not averse to using technology to participate effectively in their courses. They just don’t want it to be an obstacle.

Online Foreign Language Instruction
There are four traditional skills involved in learning a foreign language: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Is it possible to teach these effectively in a mostly asynchronous online environment?

Teaching Hands-on IT Courses at a Distance
As computers become more ubiquitous, the teaching of IT courses is evolving from lab-based courses to distance learning, says Robert Marshburn, associate professor of MIS at WVU Tech.

The Role of Electronic Bulletin Boards in F2F Classes
The authors of the article referenced below argue that the most effective form of education is a combination of weekly face-to-face meetings and web-based computer-mediated communication. However, the time commitment to use the web effectively is often more many instructors are willing to commit, particularly if their institutions do not provide additional compensation.

Study: Web-Based Instruction Can Surpass F2F Courses
In new research published this summer, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater researchers have found, in some cases, the online experience can surpass traditional teaching and learning, especially in areas of reflective learning.

Questions Students Need to Ask Before Taking an Online Course
Because student attrition is a big issue in online learning, it’s up to instructors and their institutions to help students assess whether the online classroom will be a good match for them. To help prospective students determine whether they are ready for the online classroom, have them ask themselves the following questions proposed by the American Public University System (www.apus.edu):