Notes on the Readings in Teaching and Learning at a Distance
Edited by Thomas E Cyrs
Chap 5: "Student-Centered Instruction for the Design of Telecourses" by M Winston Egan, Gordon S Gibbs
designed to promote student learning and related outcomes
Student Learning Variables and Design Implications for Telecourses
is clear and understandable
is responsive to the ways in which students learn and communicate
acknowledges students' imterest and motivations
honors the social nature of learning
is engaging
focuses on explicit needs of learners for meaningful and timely feedback
Achieving Clarity Through Organization and Planning
achieve clarity with detailed, precise syllabi and interactive study guides to counter couch potato
phenomenon.
move student from passive to active learning and engagement
provide visual representations of knowledge structures, intricate processes, complex phenomenon.
assist in managing flow of information
extended syllabi designed to compensate for lack of f2f
how to proceed
how to make most of it all
how to prepare for exams
how develop and submit assignments
how to monitor personal progress
success requires extensive planning and collaborative work with other professionals
more than covering material it is about "uncovering" difficult to understand material
lecturettes
work in dyads or small groups
Assessing Prior Knowledge and Orientation to Learning
need to know students: audience analysis
entry level knowledge or skills
motivation for taking course
course related interest and fears
prior experience with telecourses
preferred means for processing information and responding to assignments
information gathering on students:
surveys
pretests
other data sources
Surveys:
What are your reasons for taking telecourses?
What are your personal learning goals when taking a telecourse?
What are your greatest fears about completing telecourses successfully?
What telecourse features (study groups, lists, discussion boards, email, MOOs) significantly contribute to your learning?
Resposes provide:
planning learning experiences
selecting specific teaching strategies
organizing study groups
developing review sessions
structuring telecourse assignments
Stimulating Motivation in Students
intrinsic motivation hinges on student curiosity
their desire to achieve
expectations to success
goals for learning
curiosity is aroused by stimuli taht are novel but not so different
introduce novelty:
ask unexpected questions
provide brief start up activities which link prior knowledge to new content
introduce case studies
interjecting "pair and share": make predictions; summarize new info; end with preview of next.
Developing Learning Communities
since distance learners are not in f2f, creating community crucial
teach one another
clarify course questions
receive academic and social support
extend beyond duration of telecourse
f2f if and when possible in small groups
lists and BB's, discussion boards, MOO's...
email
conference calls
Employing Teacher Immediacy behaviors to Foster Interaction
teacher immediacy essential to good telecourse instruction
invite interaction
suggest approachability
foster positive feedback
learn names
contribute positively to learning
Using Active Learning to Promote Student Engagement
NOT talking head or lecture
active learning: listening, being alert, paying attention.
active in discussions, seeking solutions, responding to stimuli, participating.
promote engagement
consider subject matter
consider capacity of students and instructor
How to:
interactive study guides
debate teams
critical incidents
dramatizations
scenario building
peer review
alternates from lecture
Using Feedback to Promote Learning
Feedback is essential and crucial!!!
accuracy of work prevents inability to learn new stuff