Deakin University
This Australian University is very innovative in its learning practices as it offers numerous online course options, and i can notice both positive and negative issues with this form of online learning. Instead of the students attending lectures and seminars they receive course material through the internet. They also have access to study methods which include online conferencing, tutorial and tele-tutorial groups. The university also offers the 'iLecture' facility which enables students to download lectures in audio or video format. They also have access to Deakin's library services, which enables students to search the library database online and have books sent to their residence.
I can see that this is a positive way of learning as it is keeping up to date with society's change in new media technology and it will provide the students relevant technological knowledge when they leave university and go into a career. Most companies now expect their employees to be equipped with up-to-date knowledge of the recent technological advances so this form of learning will prepare them for future life. I also think it is a helpful tool for students in live in more rural places and maybe can't get to the university that often. The online tutorial groups and lectures will help students stay to the courses deadlines and provides a more interactive way of learning.
However, i do think there are some negatives to this way of learning too. Even though it is very interactive i don't believe you can learn as well just through a computer screen compared to the real life 'classroom' experience. You don't have the facility of a teacher being there face-to-face and having that real life interaction. It is quite an individual and therefore i think a lonely way of learning and i always work best in a seminar room with the other students around me.
What do you think? Which way of learning do you prefer?
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3 comments:
i agree with the point about most companies wanting a very in depth knowledge of technology and there fore this will definatly set people on the right foot. I do also agree with the fact that it could be quite a lonely way of learning, but like i said in my blog, it is good that they actually do have a weekend in which they can meet up with there colleagues and get to kow the people they have been talking to online. Because for some people this mighjt be the only time that they can actually get out of the house and into the university.
Yes, I can also see the advantages and disadvantages. I can see how it would be very useful for those who live in very sparse areas and therefore would find it difficult and time consuming to all make their way to a common place everyday. But I also think technology can be so unreliable and I would prefer to have hard copies of all my work and links. What do you all feel about this?
I also feel it would diminish social skills as when we actually have to attend a physical place to learn, the fact you get to see your friends and interact with others makes it fun so I agree with Lauren's comment about being lonely. I know I would definitely feel very unsocial and alone. But also I like semianrs as we all learn from eachother, if I was studying by myself constantly I would find it very difficult to learn and fully undersatnd things, as sometimes it is discussing as issue with your peers that gives you greater understanding.
Lauren,
I was interested to read your comments on Deakin University here. I think you present a balanced argument looking carefully at the negative and positive aspects of distance learning in this way. I think the comment you make about it being a 'lonely' way of learning can certainly be true unless people make full use of things like forums, sharing emails and build up a sense of community with fellow students in that way. I think there are also other ways of people learning to use technology....and also from experience much technology use in the work-place is quite specific to the job itself and generally trained there and then. I think the comments that follow in the discussion about the lack of social interaction/discussion with peers is a true concern. There is the worry of technology not working too. However, it must be a positive factor that education reaches a more diverse audience.
All the best
Emma
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