Are the lines becoming blurred?
I’m wondering if the lines defining synchronous and asynchronous learning are becoming more blurred —at least in practice. There are synchronous activities (e.g., video, text chats, teleconferences) that are recorded and made available to those unable to attend so they can view and benefit from in asynchronous mode. On the other had there are asynchronous activities that are moving closer to the synchronous ways, like virtual libraries that have a live chat or video available if librarians are needed, or the social networking topic that became viral and has everyone’s attention resulting in an unplanned live chat. I had an interesting conversation with an engineering educator that suggested learning in the future could be “virtually-synchronousâ€, meaning that with more computing power and more refined artificial intelligence algorithms a class can by conducted “real time†at any time by the real life instructor or by the real-life instructor’s avatar. So you could log on and take a class at any time and the class would be a true simulation (e.g., with other students participating, questions answered) of what would have happened if everyone were together at the same time. This got me thinking, but the truth is that regardless, what we know about synchronous and asynchronous learning will still prevail. I’m not sure I can accept the premise that technology dictates learning modes. Technology is relevant, but the primary objective is learning.
Ron,
WOW! what a great post. I think you make a great point, learning knows no time or boundaries.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ron, I found this post very thought-provoking. Wow!
I especially liked your summation: "Technology is relevant, but the primary objective is learning." How true.
The idea of having my avatar available for students 24/7 delights and frightens me. How much of my job is answering the same questions. I wonder how I could set up a voice recognition help line for students? OK, I did I see you're having trouble with logging in. The first thing to do is ....
This is the delight part.
Frightens because I put a soul into teaching, and I've read and watched too much sci-fi. Could I embue my avatar with bits of my soul? Goodness. I think I just got an idea for a story.
Blurred lines...what a thought. Thanks!
Ron, adaptive learning technologies may already be a step in the direction you are suggesting.
Behind the scenes AI maps out a learning path for students, with those predictable questions and mini-lessons canned and made available at those predictable trouble spots.
Is learning merely a click away, or must you still put on the sandals and walk to the agora?
Online learning is a type of higher education, as is that obtained by attending the traditional ivory tower; there will always be a difference, and it depends on what the student is seeking from their higher education.
The traditional liberal education birthed in the cathedral church schools of medieval Europe and advanced at our our own colonial colleges will never be obtainable online - it is about the inputs.
I agree with Margarette, Ron....WOW!
I never thought about this, but you are correct these lines are becoming blurred as you described, however I am very intrigued by having my own avatar speaking for me when I am not available. While reading, and typing, this I realize I kind of do as I have videos that share how to use APA and save files. They are short but always available to my students.
It is an exciting, and scary, new world! I see how far online learning has come since I began over 6 years ago and wonder what is in store over the next 6!
Thanks for sharing!
Karen "kam" Maiorano
Lines have always been blurred with every step of advancement.
The more we can incorporate technology, the better, of course having a reasonable educator/manager managing the process.
But I guess it all boils down to the bottom line, and that is a good leveler. What is efficient will be discovered, and if there is something that does not work, that too will become apparent. Let's hope too much doesn't get lost while discovering how to use the latest and greatest with technological advancements.
Human interaction is how we thrive.
Margaret,
Nice post! I agree with you. We have to balance what works with what is "sexy". New is always sexy. We have to take the time to analyze or assess if the technology works they way we expect it to work.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ron,
I think you are spot on. Technology is a wonderful thing, and it can do great things for us and the students, but at the end of the day students have to want to learn, and teachers have to want to teach. Without that, none of it matters.
Dale,
Technology is only as good as the users. If the users aren't interested in using the technology to facilitate learning, then technology is a useless tool.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Ron - to be the lines are blurred and the online chat has become less and less attended by students over the years. The online chat should be something that is either enhanced or made totally optional for students and faculty. I have not had a student attend an online chat almsot all year. JOhn
John,
Interesting. Students seem to want the control of when they want to learn (good or bad). Chat ties them down and students many time choose to take an online course as they feel they are in control. It is not always a good thought process.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
