What is the most appropriate way to use the Internet for teaching and learning?

This paper outlines some ways in which the Internet can be used for effective teaching and learning. The focus of the discussion will be the range of structured group activities, and the use of the Internet for collaborative learning, rather than simply the transmission of information via the world-wide web. Some very rich learning environments can be developed for both on-and off-campus students, using well-established and inexpensive technology.

Introduction

Learning Networks pays little attention to the more technologically advanced areas of the Internet. It does not concern itself with the multimedia aspects, such as Shockwave and Java, which require network bandwidth not currently available to students off-campus.

Instead, the authors argue that the key advantage for learning is the opportunity for collaboration. They advocate the use of Email and Computer-Mediated Communications to create the richness of an on-campus experience for off-campus students. Some very rich learning environments can be developed for both on-and off-campus students, using well-established and inexpensive technology, but the key factor is the types of activities generated for the student by the teacher.

Harasim et al. (1995) identified a range of activities which can be categorised as Teacher Centred and Learner Centred activities.

• Teacher Centred

  • Electronic Lectures
  • Ask an Expert sessions
  • Mentorship
  • Tutor Support

• Student Centred
  • Access to Network Resources
  • Informal Peer Interaction
  • Structured Group Activities

Let us look at the types of online learning activities identified by Harasim et al. and how they may be used in practical teaching situations.

Types of Online Learning Activities

Teacher Centred

Ask an Expert and Mentorship
This mode deals with class interaction with a subject area expert on a given topic, or a professional in a given subject area. It gives quick access to current and relevant information, and provides ongoing feedback to an apprentice (student). This approach can add relevance and currency to the student's experience of the course.

Tutor Support
Tutor support can be complementary to face-to-face and online classes. It uses a one-to-one approach between tutor and student. Online tutor support can be efficient, because of its asynchronous nature. Tutors don't have to post 'office hours' when they have to be present in case students wish to ask questions. Students don't need to wait until their tutor is available, but can send a message at any time. Tutors can the respond daily to student queries, but at a time convenient to them.

Student Centred

Informal Peer Interaction
A particular disadvantage that off-campus students have is in the social dimension of university life. The Internet allows a range of informal interactions which can bridge this gap. For example, students can have social interaction through a Virtual Cafe, electronic penpals, Special Interest Groups, and individual Email contact.

Structured Group Activities
"Learning Networks" identifies a range of structured group activities which can be undertaken, and argues that these are the most powerful way the Internet can be used for learning. That is, instead of a teacher-centred approach, a learner-centred approach is taken. Students are expected to construct their own understanding of the material, and learn by doing.

Structured Group Activities

Small Group Discussions
In small group discussions, students work in small groups to analyse a particular topic. This mode is suitable for active discussion in a large class, or where there are particular special interest groups.

Learning Partnerships
In this mode, students are grouped into pair, or dyads, and work together on an assigned task. Dyads are useful early in a course because they provide peer support and act as icebreakers. Students realise that they have contact with another person with similar problems and fears. After coming to grips with the dyad, students can progress to larger groups.

Student Work Groups (Learning Circles)
Learning circles are used for student collaboration on major tasks, such as a research project. The optimum size is 3 to 4, and this mode requires students to clearly define tasks, decision making, roles and timelines.

Group Presentations
The most effective learning comes from teaching others. So students are set the task of researching, writing and presenting a paper online. This activity combines some of the other modes.

In the example given in "Learning Networks", a learning circle may work together on writing a paper for presentation. The paper is online for one week. A dyad has responsibility for moderating the discussion. Each day they restate the status of the discussion and refocus it. Other students have the task of responding to the paper. Finally, another two students have the task of writing a synopsis of the discussion as a whole. Each group is marked on their role in the discussion.

Role Plays
Online role plays can be used to apply theoretical knowledge in a simulated environment, such as in management and business. They can also be used to discuss philosophical issues.

Debates
Related to role plays, but more formal, are online debates. These discuss contentious and controversial issues according to formal debating rules, and can be a powerful learning tool.

Conclusion

However, this approach goes contrary to the traditional view of a teacher, who is expected to transmit their knowledge to the student. Some paradigms need to be challenged here!

References