The human dimension of online instruction.Abstract Online instruction serves new markets" of students distanced from campus or unable to attend campus-based classes. Substantive content can be delivered online and communication online can be effectively achieved, but what are the human variables in an effective exchange in the online arena? The human dimension of online instruction is" discussed from student and instructor perspective. Introduction This investigation focuses on assessments and feedback from students and instructors actively participating in 100% online instruction. Over a six-year period, the author has used both asynchronous Refers to events that are not synchronized, or coordinated, in time. The following are considered asynchronous operations. The interval between transmitting A and B is not the same as between B and C. The ability to initiate a transmission at either end. and synchronous Refers to events that are synchronized, or coordinated, in time. For example, the interval between transmitting A and B is the same as between B and C, and completing the current operation before the next one is started are considered synchronous operations. Contrast with asynchronous. approaches to online content delivery and has utilized various combinations of technology over a sixteen-year period in the classroom. As online instruction continues to expand into academe, researchers have addressed issues ranging from sociological concerns, diversity issues and the digital divide (Selfe and Selfe Jr. 1994) to the cyberspace Coined by William Gibson in his 1984 novel "Neuromancer," it is a futuristic computer network that people use by plugging their minds into it! The term now refers to the Internet or to the online or digital world in general. See Internet and virtual reality. Contrast with meatspace. classroom from elementary to college-level instruction (Palloff and Pratt 2001). The specific limitations of the cyberspace college courses (Rittschof and Griffen 2003) based on instructor surveys and evaluating discussions published in the Chronicle of Higher Education higher education Study beyond the level of secondary education. Institutions of higher education include not only colleges and universities but also professional schools in such fields as law, theology, medicine, business, music, and art. addressed strengths and limitations from the instructor perspective. Input from students, the consumers of online content deliver (Huber and Lowry 2003) continue to enrich our understanding of what it takes to succeed online. Methodology At the beginning of every semester se·mes·ter n. One of two divisions of 15 to 18 weeks each of an academic year. [German, from Latin (cursus) s , this instructor distributes a student data sheet for the purpose of developing an overview of student backgrounds with regard to a specific course, educational background, career goals, as well as previous experience with course content and technology. The course Cataloging Noun 1. course catalog - a catalog listing the courses offered by a college or university course catalogue, prospectus catalog, catalogue - a book or pamphlet containing an enumeration of things; "he found it in the Sears catalog" & Classification is a standard course in Library and Information Sciences programs. The course has both technical components in areas of describing and classifying different types of materials, how to search for items in catalogs and the sociological component in considering a range of libraries, information agencies, information needs for people of all backgrounds, age levels, and interests. As the instructor has evolved this course from face-to-face into 100% online delivery, student perspectives were an essential guide. The initial pool of respondents In the context of marketing research, a representative sample drawn from a larger population of people from whom information is collected and used to develop or confirm marketing strategy. consisted of 25 cataloging students enrolled in a 100% web-based class. The course was delivered synchronously syn·chro·nous adj. 1. Occurring or existing at the same time. See Synonyms at contemporary. 2. Moving or operating at the same rate. 3. a. Having identical periods. b. using an interactive virtual classroom feature available through Blackboard (1) See Blackboard Learning System. (2) The traditional classroom presentation board that is written on with chalk and erased with a felt pad. Although originally black, "white" boards and colored chalks are also used. . The instructor goal was to closely emulate em·u·late tr.v. em·u·lat·ed, em·u·lat·ing, em·u·lates 1. To strive to equal or excel, especially through imitation: an older pupil whose accomplishments and style I emulated. 2. the face-to-face environment, deliver course through specific course modules, and provide a live interactive component for lecture and/or discussion. Students were surveyed regarding their experiences with the virtual classroom experience. These responses were helpful in adjusting future delivery. The broader purpose of this feedback was to develop a profile of the online learner in order to better coach or advise students in their degree planning and to focus on the human dimension of the online educational experience. An informal extension of this initial survey was an open-ended request for student input regarding experience in online Library and Information Science classes in general, including suggestions for instructors and student colleagues. The purpose was to guide, to advise, as instructors continue to learn more from online learners. Rationale for Studying Online Online instruction appeals to students for different reasons. Eliminating commutes to campus and the convenience of studying or working at home or office are two primary considerations. One size does not suit all students in the classroom or in the online environment. Students miss valuable non-verbal cues from instructors and colleagues. The student and must focus on active participation and interaction that is intellectually challenging. Students look to the instructor to engage their learning on different levels. The socialization socialization /so·cial·iza·tion/ (so?shal-i-za´shun) the process by which society integrates the individual and the individual learns to behave in socially acceptable ways. so·cial·i·za·tion n. process that embodies preparing a student to enter a professional field is part of the educational message. Students mentioned that the real-time interactive format provided opportunities for live discussion of the context in which course content would be applied. More access to technology, faster communication with the instructor was a plus. Many students felt that they received a higher-quality educational experience, due to the lack of distractions from the classroom environment. Distractions in the classroom, however, were replaced by distractions at work or at home. Online instruction does not appeal to all, but understanding the human issues involved in teaching online at the outset aided the student in making the choice between online or face-to-face learning environments where there were options available. Despite the appeal of online instruction, students felt that more assignments were given in the virtual environment to compensate for the lack of face-to-face meetings. For this instructor, assignments and examinations remain the same for online and face-to-face classes on the same subject. Establishing Rapport The former name of device management software from Wyse Technology, San Jose, CA (www.wyse.com) that is designed to centrally control up to 100,000+ devices, including Wyse thin clients (see Winterm), Palm, PocketPC and other mobile devices. and Credibility Establishing rapport with the class, students individually and instructor credibility in the online environment was mentioned by several respondents. Courses with minimal instructor involvement support high dropout (1) On magnetic media, a bit that has lost its strength due to a surface defect or recording malfunction. If the bit is in an audio or video file, it might be detected by the error correction circuitry and either corrected or not, but if not, it is often not noticed by the human rates therefore, active interaction presents opportunity for the instructor to assess student competency COMPETENCY, evidence. The legal fitness or ability of a witness to be heard on the trial of a cause. This term is also applied to written or other evidence which may be legally given on such trial, as, depositions, letters, account-books, and the like. 2. levels, class interests and provide a stimulating educational opportunity. Small class sizes and timely responses to student questions aids in the communication process. Providing guidelines guidelines, n.pl a set of standards, criteria, or specifications to be used or followed in the performance of certain tasks. for successful participation in the online class prior to the beginning of a semester were appreciated by all. Students mentioned that where interaction was not managed by the instructor, it was easy to move off topic. The academic and intellectual framework, dynamics of the online experience needed to be established up front and clearly conveyed to participants. Establishing educational goals and objectives and connecting these goals to the professional workplace and career achievement opened channels for meaningful dialog. Excellent communication skills, positive ways of encouraging growth and experimentation, and the use of humor humor, according to ancient theory, any of four bodily fluids that determined man's health and temperament. Hippocrates postulated that an imbalance among the humors (blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile) resulted in pain and disease, and that good health was facilitated the rapport building process valued by students. The student data sheet allowed students to share their educational background and interests, with colleagues and instructor. Pitrowski, Fischer, Reed, Schneider, Kleine and Bemker (2002) suggest encouraging online instructors to participate in online learning experiences themselves. Through this first-hand approach, instructors empathize em·pa·thize v. To feel empathy in relation to another person. with problem areas that students might face as well as navigating (networking, hypertext) navigating - Finding your way around. Often used of the Internet, particularly the World-Wide Web. A browser is a tool for navigating hypertext documents. the online learning site, course materials, and any communication tools used for student interaction. Student and faculty isolation should be avoided by personalizing the online experience and inviting honest and active involvement online. Many students commented that they enjoyed active participation online. Others preferred to listen only, while others valued the written archive of the interactive session. Professional Socialization In transitioning to online graduate psychology instruction (Pitrowski, et al., 2002) researchers examine the transitional process for a specific discipline. Separating the content core from the facts, examining procedures and methods of instruction, to reviewing the professional skills needed in the field. In online instruction, written communication becomes the critical conduit conduit /con·du·it/ (kon´doo-it) channel. ileal conduit the surgical anastomosis of the ureters to one end of a detached segment of ileum, the other end being used to form a stoma on the by which professional socialization is expressed and coupled with field experience. While the technological infrastructure and educational resources need to be in place, techniques for mentoring students and guiding instructors through a transition process are essential. The instructor can provide guidance to students in the organization of the class and through course protocols. Instructors receive valuable feedback from students and guidance from instructors experienced with online settings. Clearly courses in all subject areas have been influenced in varying degrees by the availability of online opportunities. Library and Information Science graduates enter the profession in a wide-range of information settings including libraries of all types, the private sector, hospitals, archives, publishers, the justice system, scientific agencies, and many more. All types of agencies have need for information professionals who work in a variety of venues. One of these venues in the contemporary information agency is working in the virtual environment. In this respect, online education is well suited for exposing students to active information exchange, study, and working in virtual teams. The profession is also service oriented o·ri·ent n. 1. Orient The countries of Asia, especially of eastern Asia. 2. a. The luster characteristic of a pearl of high quality. b. A pearl having exceptional luster. 3. in an in-person way, requiring skill and finesse fi·nesse n. 1. Refinement and delicacy of performance, execution, or artisanship. 2. Skillful, subtle handling of a situation; tactful, diplomatic maneuvering. 3. to work with people of all ages, different backgrounds, interests, and information needs. In this respect, exposure to active interchanges among colleagues while in school is essential. Field experiences provide on-site working experience with professionals working in libraries or other types of information agencies. The contemporary workplace combines in-person and virtual experiences. Where possible the student and instructor roles were reversed. Students used the virtual forum to present their work. Instructional Objectives In examining the four decisions with respect to the nature of learning objectives which include deciding how much information should be part of the learning process, how precisely does the student need to learn this information, how is information best organized for learning, and how meaningful need the required information learning be to the student (Bloom 1956), the online instructor needs to evaluate the what and why, then consider the how. The online environment supports content delivery and content can be tested to assess the acquisition of information and ultimately increase knowledge. Problem-based learning problem-based learning Medical education An instruction strategy in which groups of students are presented with clinical problems without prior study or lectures. See Cooperative learning. , the case study format, and simulations of various types help expand student understanding so that newly acquired knowledge can be applied to a wider range of situations, problem solving problem solving Process involved in finding a solution to a problem. Many animals routinely solve problems of locomotion, food finding, and shelter through trial and error. , and for application in new ways. The process of transferring an in-class instructional experience to an online one warrants adjusting lectures, readings, and closely evaluating instructional experiences and assignments in order to meet educational objectives. Student feedback frequently mentioned that assignments and workload in online courses often exceeded that in the face-to-face classes. Instructor sensitivity to the amount of material provided in online classes, orienting o·ri·ent n. 1. Orient The countries of Asia, especially of eastern Asia. 2. a. The luster characteristic of a pearl of high quality. b. A pearl having exceptional luster. 3. the new online learner, providing informal exchanges in addition to the formal ones, can offset the lack of visual cues missing from face-to-face instruction. Instructional Design Instructional design is the practice of arranging media (communication technology) and content to help learners and teachers transfer knowledge most effectively. The process consists broadly of determining the current state of learner understanding, defining the end goal of A former online learner, Boehle (2000) detailed the "lost in cyberspace" perspective and so clearly articulated her frustrations with online education as follows: Lack of information regarding course structure, unclear learning objectives, unclearly stated time demands, separation of "content expert" (instructional designer) from the instructional facilitator, technological requirements and computer skills. Student skill levels and expectations vary widely when approaching online courses. Efforts to identify and explain these prerequisites in advance are unsuccessful if a student is determined to attempt an online course and not heed guidance. Student diligence in working through navigational issues including searching multiple locations to find course material, software bugs A problem that causes a program to produce invalid output or to crash (lock up). The problem is either insufficient logic or erroneous logic. For example, a program can crash if there are not enough validity checks performed on the input or on the calculations themselves, and the computer , broken links between related materials, require a level of perseverance Perseverance See also Determination. Ainsworth redid dictionary manuscript burnt in fire. [Br. Hist.: Brewer Handbook, 752] Call of the Wild, The dogs trail steadfastly through Alaska’s tundra. [Am. Lit. . Differences need to be identified between communication in a traditional classroom emphasizing oral communication and the online environment where written communication is essential to participating in discussion forums. In this communication dynamic, some students shine and others develop a feeling of isolation and separation. The academic community continues to address these issues offering guidance to student and instructor alike. Ross and Schultz (1999) balance advantages and disadvantages of online course delivery. Meeting individual learning needs and increasing student motivation, saving faculty time once course materials are developed, using technology to foster teaching excellence, and enriching content and course curriculum through a variety of delivery approaches are on the positive side. The authors have defined learning styles such as visual, auditory auditory /au·di·to·ry/ (aw´di-tor?e) 1. aural or otic; pertaining to the ear. 2. pertaining to hearing. au·di·to·ry adj. , kinesthetic kin·es·the·sia n. The sense that detects bodily position, weight, or movement of the muscles, tendons, and joints. [Greek k , social collaborative and detail a Gregoric Style Delineator de·lin·e·ate tr.v. de·lin·e·at·ed, de·lin·e·at·ing, de·lin·e·ates 1. To draw or trace the outline of; sketch out. 2. To represent pictorially; depict. 3. which correlates learning styles with suggested approaches to developing web-based applications See Web application. for online delivery. On the flipside, Ross and Schultz state upfront that a higher-level of technological skill is needed by the student and faculty member. There is also a steep learning curve for both student and faculty, the possibility of technology not working, bandwidth issues, and time intensive demands of developing course materials for online delivery. These findings correlate with informal comments collected from students participating in the online classes I have instructed and in feedback received from a broader range of student responses in the LIS LIS - Langage Implementation Systeme. A predecessor of Ada developed by Ichbiah in 1973. It was influenced by Pascal's data structures and Sue's control structures. A type declaration can have a low-level implementation specification. program. Discipline and Focus Noted consistently from student and instructor, is that the online learner must have focus, be willing to work independently, and to manage individual progress towards content mastery. The time management and disciplinary requirements necessary for active student involvement in online instruction may compete with outside responsibilities. Students from the survey consistently mentioned that organization skills are essential to success in the online learning environment. These include keeping up with course readings, assignment and feedback, communicating regularly with the instructor, networking with other students in the class, and speaking up when additional clarification is needed. Self-discipline, focus, time management skills, humor are all essential. Patience with the technology, the willingness to work with technological problems, learning new software and the humor to keep going when a diagnostic is in order, perseverance is critical. The dogged dedication to effort are required of the student for this potentially 24/7 method of instruction and communication. Guidance for Administrators and Instructors Universities engaged in online education generally involve the academic community in studying the cognitive, educational, psychological, and human components of the online learning experience. Although the above areas span a number of disciplines and applications in the online environment, the Chronicle of Higher Education publishes weekly columns on distance education from a variety of perspectives. The Sloan Consortium (Sloan-C) and the Sloan Center for Online Education (SCOLE n. 1. School. ) publishes a series of reports focused on quality online education, student assessment, instructor training, and the planning side of achieving educational objectives. Many of these guides are available on the Sloan-C site. Regional educational commissions, such as the Western Interstate in·ter·state adj. Involving, existing between, or connecting two or more states. n. One of a system of highways extending between the major cities of the 48 contiguous United States. Noun 1. Commission for Higher Education (2002), look at the technological issues and the quality of the online educational experience versus the traditional method of teaching courses. There appears no shortage of material to guide the planning, technological, and delivery components of the online instructional experience for student and instructor. Contributions to our understanding will come from all levels. Academic performance outcomes concern all levels in the educational process. Clearly the student will retain a vocal role in the feedback loop for instructors and administrators of online instruction. Conclusions Know thyself The Ancient Greek aphorism "Know yourself" (Greek: γνῶθι σεαυτόν or gnothi seauton) was inscribed in the pronaos (forecourt) of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi - according to the Greek periegetic . The human side of enterprise is critical to the success of online education over the long term. Student and instructor benefit from recognizing the strengths and limitations of online instruction and challenges from the outset. It is possible to get "lost in cyberspace" but through well-organized instructional design, active communication, and promoting systematic delivery of content, validating val·i·date tr.v. val·i·dat·ed, val·i·dat·ing, val·i·dates 1. To declare or make legally valid. 2. To mark with an indication of official sanction. 3. learning outcomes while fostering open communication, the human dimension of online instruction can be addressed. The appeal for online instruction will likely continue to grow in all areas of the curriculum and society. Exposure in the formal educational process is good. One size does not fit all and appealing to as many of the senses, providing conversations that socialize so·cial·ize v. so·cial·ized, so·cial·iz·ing, so·cial·iz·es v.tr. 1. To place under government or group ownership or control. 2. To make fit for companionship with others; make sociable. the student to their discipline and the types of employment situations in the field will remain a learning opportunity for all involved. Integrating the human dimension into the online learning experience can be accomplished. Universities are increasingly focusing on student orientation to online classes, seeking input on what it takes to be successful in the virtual forum. The feedback is invaluable to instructors and approaches to designing instructional materials. The human dimension impacts the instructor. The dialog between student and instructor is an essential conduit to the successful learning experience. To insure Insure can mean:
References Blackboard. www.blackboard.com Last accessed: Sept. 28, 2004. Bloom, Benjamin S., Editor. Taxonomy of Educational Objectives The Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, often called Bloom's Taxonomy, is a classification of the different objectives and skills that educators set for students (learning objectives). . Handbook I: Cognitive Domain cognitive domain, n area of study that deals with the processes and measurable results of study, as well as the practical ability to apply intelligence. . White Plains, N.Y.: Longman, 1984, c1956. Boehle, Sarah, "My Exasperating Life as an Online Learner." Training, Vol. 37 (2000) Huber, Herbert E. and Jean C. Lowry. "Meeting the needs of Consumers: Lessons from Postsecondary Environments." New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education continuing education: see adult education. continuing education or adult education Any form of learning provided for adults. In the U.S. the University of Wisconsin was the first academic institution to offer such programs (1904). . No. 100 (2003) Palloff, Rena M. and Keith Pratt. Lessons from the Cyberspace Classroom: The Realities of Online Teaching. San Francisco San Francisco (săn frănsĭs`kō), city (1990 pop. 723,959), coextensive with San Francisco co., W Calif., on the tip of a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, which are connected by the strait known as the Golden : Jossey Bass, 2001. Piotrowski, Nancy A., Fischer, Bruce, Reed, Linda Whitely, Schneider, Steven V., Kleine, Shelly and Mary Bemker. "Transitioning to Online Graduate Psychology Instruction." Academic Exchange Quarterly, Vol. 6, No. 1 (2002) Rittschof, Kent A. and Bryan W. Griffen. "Confronting Limitations of Cyberspace College Courses: Part I--Identifying and Describing Issues." International Journal of Instructional Media. Vol. 30, No. 2 (2003) Rittschof, Kent A. and Bryan W. Griffen. "Confronting Limitations of Cyberspace College Courses: Part 2--Developing Solutions." International Journal of Instructional Media. Vol. 30, No. 3 (2003) Ross, Jonathan L. and Robert A. Schuttz. "Using the World Wide Web to Accommodate Diverse Learning Styles." College Teaching, Vol. 47, o. 4 (1999) Selfe, Cynthia L. and Richard J. Selfe Jr. "The Politics of the Interface: Power and Its Exercise in Electronic Contact Zones." College Composition and Communication. Vol. 45, No. 4 (1994) Sloan-C. Elements of Quality Online Education: Into the Mainstream. Edited by John Bourne John Bourne (born July 27, 1943) is a Welsh artist and painter, and a member of the Stuckists art movement. Life and art John Bourne was born in Staffordshire. He spent much of his childhood in Northern Ireland. and Janet C. Moore. Volume 5: The Soan-C Series. Needham, Mass.: Sloan Center for Online Education (SCOLE) (2004) Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. "Balancing Quality and Access: Principles of Good Practice for Electronically Offered Academic Degree and Certificate Programs." http"//www.wcet.info/projects/balancing/principles.asp Last accessed: May 31, 2004 Deborah J. Karpuk, San Jose San Jose, city, United States San Jose (sănəzā`, săn hōzā`), city (1990 pop. 782,248), seat of Santa Clara co., W central Calif.; founded 1777, inc. 1850. State University, CA Karpuk, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Library and Information Science. |
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