Does learning occur differently in online classrooms?

1. Does Learning take place
differently in Online and
Blended Classrooms?
by Behn C. and Suzi V.

2. Learning takes place in a different
physical space.
Traditional Classroom Online Learning
-Desks/Tables -Home?
-Computer Lab -Coffee Shop?
-Gymnasium -Public Library?
-Science Lab -Wherever there is wifi?
-Library

3. Learning takes place with a different
set of peers
Traditional Classroom Online
- Classmates -Virtual classmates?
- Grade level -No classmates?
- Same Age -Peers may be spread
- Teacher across countries
- SEA -May have multiple
teachers and experts in a
field
- Connected Globally

4. Learning takes place with different
learning tools
Traditional Classroom Online
-Physical Books -Web based apps
-Pen and Paper -Video
-Some Technology -Games
-Library -Mouse (Primary Tool)
-Gymnasium -Computer dependent
-Finger tips and touch
screens

5. Learning takes place with different
expectations for behaviour
Traditional Classroom Online
-Ability to work well with peers in -Ability to self-regulate
the classroom
-Ability to navigate websites and
-Ability to arrive on time and stay document storage devices
organized
-Ability to e-mail, or use social
-Ability to use communication media to communicate with
skills, ask questions, and interact teachers and peers
with others in appropriate ways
-Ability to post and receive
feedback in online forums
-Cyber-Etiquette

6. Learning takes place with different
access to resources
Traditional Classroom Online
-Library -www
-Some computer based -OER's
-Teacher assigned -Accessible whenever
-Open from 9am to 3pm you are online
-Prezi, Youtube, TED
Talks, Wikipedia,
Storybird...
-Online Libraries, ebooks

7. Learning takes place with different
learning activities
Traditional Classroom Online
-Pen and Paper Tests -Online Tests
-Some Computer based -Discussion Boards
projects but still based on -Blogs
teacher's understanding -Podcasts
and use of technology -Videos
-Lecture -Networked learning
-Notes -Research information,
-Class/Peer Discussion gather and identify
pertinent information
-Ongoing collaborative
learning
-Digital Portfolios

8. Concept of Online Learning by
Stephen Downes
-Learning is centered around the interests of
the learner
-Learning is immersive - learning by doing
-The computer connects the student to the
rest of the world
-Seeing connections between fields, ideas and
concepts.

9. Theory of Independent Study
Charles Wedemeyer
-Focus on the individual rather than the group
-Opportunities for everyone to learn
-Equity and Access to learning
-Self Direction and self-regulation

10. Theoretical Understandings
Connectivist Theory
-Learning and working in a networked environment.
-Student is at the center of learning with the teacher as a
guide or mentor
-Independent Learning with a willingness to network with
other learners.
-Technology is altering (rewiring) our brains. The tools we
use define and shape our thinking.

11. A quote by George Siemens, 2004
"Connectivism presents a model of learning that
acknowledges the tectonic shifts in society where learning
is no longer an internal, individualistic activity. How
people work and function is altered when new tools are
utilized. The field of education has been slow to recognize
both the impact of new learning tools and the
environmental changes in what it means to learn.
Connectivism provides insight into learning skills and tasks
needed for learners to flourish in a digital era."

12. One Final Thought
-Traditional vs Online: Learning happens on an individual
spectrum. One student may learn better in a traditional,
blended, or fully online environment and student success
is what needs to be maintained at the heart of the
debate. Not trying to put a value judgement one one vs
the other.
-Learning occurs everywhere on the spectrum, what is
different is the modality.

13. References
● http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/connectivism.htm
● http://www.slideshare.net/Downes/the-future-of-online-learning-
and-personal-learning-environments
● http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Wedemeyer
● http://oltd501.weebly.com/10/post/2012/09/charles-wedemeyer-
theory-of-independent-study.html
● Chapters 1 and 2 in Anderson’s The Theory and Practice of Online
Learning: http://www.aupress.
ca/books/120146/ebook/99Z_Anderson_2008-
Theory_and_Practice_of_Online_Learning.pdf