Categories: Communication Design, Technology, Theory & Rhetoric
Summary:
Fish and Wickersham reviewed the literature for practices that enhance the quality of online learning courses. Their findings are cited below.
Citation-worthy:
"Think differently ... Effective online course deliverty requires more than simply repackaging existing traditional course content. ... Faculty must restructure ..." (Fish & Wickersham, 2009, p. 279).
"Delivering quality online courses is more difficult and time consuming compared to traditional courses [because of challenges in creating quality learning in virtual environments (Almala, 2007; Darrington, 2008; Dykman & Davis, 2008; Li & Irby,
2008; in Fish & Wickersham, 2009, p. 280).
"Adult learning theory, in which the instructor serves as a facilitator of learning rather than a distributor of content [ is a] paradigm shift from traditional content-centered to learning centered courses" (Fish & Wickersham, 2009, p. 280).
"Learning through collaborative discovery ... increases student satisfaction" (Fish & Wickersham, 2009, p. 280).
"The willingness of institutions to invest in technical support and equipment is necessary to implement successful online programs" (Fish & Wickersham, 2009, p. 280).
"Institutions must provide ongoing faculty training and support (Fish & Wickersham, 2009, p. 280).
"Successful online students are likely to be disciplined, organized, self-motivated, and technologically knowledgeable. Unfortunately, many students enrolled in online courses are not tech-savvy. Comprehensive student online training is necessary in order to reduce student frustration levels and to ensure that online technology does not interfere with learning" (Fish & Wickersham, 2009, p. 281).
"Quality online courses adapt to student needs, provide meaningful examples, motivate students, and consist of instructors who express concern for student learning" (Fish & Wickersham, 2009, p. 281).
"Interaction between the instructor and student enhances the effectiveness of the online learning environment contributing to positive student performance, grades, and course satisfaction" (Fish & Wickersham, 2009, p. 282).
"Faculty should continuously evaluate the effectiveness of their online couses" (Fish & Wickersham, 2009, p. 282).
"Faculty should not be alone in the requirement of making the shift from traditional teaching to the electronic mode of educating students. Administration mush share in this responsibility and put their weight behind supporting faculty and students" (Fish & Wickersham, 2009, p. 283).
