Testimony to the Kerrey Commission on Web-Based Education

Abstract

Online learning today, is of two basic kinds (although there are grades in between): one is a self-study, or “broadcast” model in which materials, maybe quite sophisticated multimedia, but self-study materials nonetheless, are posted on the web, and these are perused and studied by learners at their own pace. This model can also be thought of as a form of online publishing. I remind you that self-study, mainly through books, but more recently augmented by videotapes or broadcast TV, has been available for over a century, and unusually disciplined individuals have been able to learn and earn credentials on their own.The second model, the “interactive” model is one where “classes” begin on a particular day with a cohort group, are taught by a faculty member who interacts with individuals or the cohort through group e-mail tools, generally referred to as group conferencing software. Interaction with the instructor is not occasional or incidental, rather it is regular and continuous, as is interaction among students. The student/faculty ratio is about the same for these online classes as that for equivalent campus classes. The “class” also ends on a particular day, i.e. the “term” is completed. This interactive model is the basis for most of the grants made by Sloan, because we believe it most closely parallels the learning environments associated with quality learning.

Online Engineering Education: Learning Anywhere, Anytime

“…1) Blending methodologies: Blended learning is sometimes defined as an optimal combination of face-toface and online education that improves learning and the satisfaction of instructors and students at a reasonable cost [62]. Blended education is touted as a means to (1) conserve classroom utilization, laboratory time, and effort, (2) create convenience by time shifting student and instructor learning, (3) improve learning through practices such as bringing distant experts into the classroom, or (4) organize groups of learners located in many different places [63]. Presently, it appears that blending is viewed as a means to bring online education into the core educational activity of college campuses.…”

Access to Education With Online Learning and Open Educational Resources: Can They Close the Gap?

“…The differentiator for online learning is that transmission occurs through the internet connected computer while continuing the distance education construct where students and faculty do not need to be in the same place at the same time. The Sloan Foundation's asynchronous learning network (ALN) model primarily uses the internet to facilitate something close to the way traditional college courses have been taught for decades [1]. In the late 1990s, the industry began using terms like e-learning and online learning to describe a richer environment than just ALN [2].…”

Collaboration Online: Sloan-C Resources

“…ALN increases the potential for collaboration among people with diverse perspectives, who can now much more easily collaborate from widespread locations and contexts. Thus, the networks in ALN emphasize not just technological networks, but networks of people [3,4].…”