Communication is vital and very important as it pertains to the online learning environment. Communication has evolved through many factors such as the use of ace to face talking with one another to the use of various online tools that are currently used today such as web cam, and email.
In the online classroom, there are some tools that are used to facilitate learning among learners. These tools include email, web cams, the use of chat rooms, and the exchange of phone numbers in order to communicate through phone with one another. Email is a great tool that is used between the instructor and the students and between student to student. In today’s society, most people generally check their email daily since they are mostly on the computer on a daily basis. The use of web cams is also used on the online classroom settings. With the web cams, the instructors and students are able to see each other in conversation. Chat rooms are also great tools because the students can converse with each other online at the same time. This is a tool that was used during my last course and some courses within my master’s program, we were able to set up plans on how to complete assignments and set up deadlines as well. The exchange of phone numbers is always a good form of communication. This can be used within any kind of environment whether online or face to face.
As stated by Dr. Siemens, people have reached a point where they have a comfort level with distance education (Siemens, 2008). There are many different types of communication tools available and they are able to use the ones that they are most familiar or comfortable with, especially if they are not a very tech savvy person. Communication in the online environments allows for individuals to communicate with each other from different parts of the world (Siemens, 2008). Students do not just communicate from people within the same state, but they can communicate with people from all over the United States and in other countries as well. The ability to communicate with people from a variety of places allows for students to see and understand the diversity in the content that they are learning about (Siemens, 2008).
Laureate Education, Inc. (2008). Principles of Distance Education, Baltimore.
Blog Postings
http://langstonnotes.blogspot.com/2011/12/module-2-assignment.html?showComment=1325309162482#c5823722556074796785
Blog Postings
http://langstonnotes.blogspot.com/2011/12/module-2-assignment.html?showComment=1325309162482#c5823722556074796785
I have been taking distance education courses for over five years now. I have always found it interesting that when I communicate with people that I am taking the class with, or the instructor I seem to always use technology to communicate with them. More specifically I use email or Skype. I would never think that call a person that I am taking a class with on the phone. Isn't it strange how I make the separation in my brain: online people I communicate with electronically. Do you find that you do the same thing? Or am I the only one who does that?
ReplyDeleteWith today's technology we can be really good friends with people we never physically meet. For example, I joined AFWing Moms when my son was going through Air Force Basic Training. There are three of us who continue to "talk" on a weekly basis even though the rest of the group has moved on. This having been said, we are able to discuss the same topics from the prespective of people living in three different regions of the country. This is the same with online classes. Students can share experiences that might offer new insight for a local issue.
ReplyDeleteHello Sarah,
ReplyDeleteYes I also tend to link taking online courses with using the electronic form of communication as well. Like you stated, it seems that you link them the same since it links with technology usage. You know the online form of communication is good, but sometimes it's good to always put a voice with an actual face.
Exactly, it is great to be able to communicate with other people who are all across the world. It is so amazing to share insights, knowledge and network with individuals who are so many miles away. It just makes you think about how great online communication is.
ReplyDeleteSchquetta,
ReplyDeleteCommunication is the heart of online learning. In order to learn from the instructor and other students you have to communicate. Communication allows collaboration by exchanging ideas and other information to reach a common goal. I'm glad you have mentioned several tools used to help the communication process. Whatever tools a person decides to use is not as important as the communication itself.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI agree that communication is one of the most important skills that the adult learners need to develop in their online learning classrooms. That may be the only way to make sure that they are successful in an online classroom. I know from personal experience it is difficult for me to use all of this new technology.
Michelle