Theories of online learning

     The first theory I wish to speak about is the online collaborative learning theory that was proposed by Linda Harasim.  This newer theory focuses on knowledge building, collaborative learning, and internet use as a tool for new knowledge.  The three main phases in this learning theory are idea generating, idea organizing, and intellectual convergence.  The design in this theory is that students will work together and bounce ideas off of one another until they reach their final conclusion, whether that is in agreement or disagreement.  However, the most important part of the online collaborative learning theory is that the students use the internet as their main resource to help formulate their final work.  This learning theory discusses the importance of allowing the internet to be a helpful tool and allowing the students to use each other's knowledge to make their final decision on the topic.

    The second theory I will speak about is connectivism.  Connectivism tells us about how the instructor needs to explain to the students the knowledge they learn about on the internet is an ever-shifting flow of information.  Where the students are able to recognize that the information being presented to them on the internet could differ from source to source.  The main spokesperson for connectivism, George Siemens, has explained the importance of having programs that can regulate the flow of information and data being shown to students.  Having this program in place will help sort through the possible false data and the data that is known to be true.  Instilling connectivism will be particularly important in classes with large enrollment numbers and where the main objective is to create and seek out knowledge rather than break down the knowledge.

    The third theory I will touch on is the community of inquiry.  The community of inquiry discusses how the presence and participation of the student and the instructor together.  Having a social, cognitive, and teaching presence between both parties is what will allow for the best success in blended and fully online classes.  The best teaching model for this theory is the use of discussion boards, blogs, and online lectures or calls.  Having the students know that the instructor is as active as the students are is the best course for success.  However, it is important to note that only using one or two of the presences will not be as helpful as trying to do all three. 

    Asynchronous learning and synchronous learning have their own benefits and downsides.  Asynchronous learning is where the learning and teaching do not happen at the same time, essentially, the students learn at their own pace, it includes a lot of online lectures and discussion boards, and questions and feedback are given to the student until a later time.  Synchronous is where learning and teaching happen simultaneously in front of the instructor.  With synchronous learning students learn the same content at the same time, this can include breakout groups, live discussions, and questions and responses given at that moment.  Choosing between these two learning styles can solely depend on individuals needs, whether that be needing help at the moment or being okay with learning by yourself.

    There are a lot of things to consider when choosing to take an online course.  Some of the advantages of choosing an online course are the flexibility of when you can work on the course, bringing your education home for those who can't get to campus, can help teach you to be more self-disciplined, and promoting more interaction between students.  Choosing to do an online course is a wonderful choice for those with full-time jobs, those with children, or those that just simply can't carve out the time to get to campus for a couple hours every day.  That shouldn't go without saying that there is a fair share of disadvantages to online courses.  Some examples are it's easier to procrastinate, requires you to be an active learner and need to engage in what you are learning, might give you too much freedom, and need to be responsible for your own learning.   All in all, as long as you are aware of what you are personally able to handle, choosing between in-person and online classes should be relatively easy.