Researchers need to be as transparent and explicit as possible when researching online learning. The ability to replicate findings is a key step to improving research on online learning. However, the lack of precision and agreement in the language we use to talk and think about online learning makes this very difficult. Given this problem, the focus of this presentation is to present a typology of basic terms describing online learning, and to suggest a way for moving forward on this agenda.
Patrick R. Lowenthal
Brent G. Wilson
Patrick Parrish
1. Context MattersA Description and Typology of the Online Learning Landscape Patrick R. Lowenthal| patrick.lowenthal@ucdenver.edu Brent G. Wilson | brent.wilson@ucdenver.edu Patrick Parrish| pparrish@comet.ucar.edu
2. The Importanceof Context Context plays an important role in education. Front-end analysis Situated learning theories Qualitative and mixed methods of research But with online learning, we tend to talk about it as if it is a single entity.
3. Taken Out of Context Itconfounds research resultsrelated to online learning It confuses practitionersby glossing over key differences in practice. It influences how faculty and instructional designers designonline courses.
8. Come Chat with Us Friday 10/30/09Timeblock: 1:00 PM-2:00:00 PMLocation: Coe
Editor's Notes
The language we use shapes the way we think, just as the way we think shapes the language we use (Lowenthal & Wilson, in press; White & Lowenthal, 2009). This lack of specificity when talking about online learning is problematic because it perpetuates a myth that there is a single type of "online learning."