Posted 2:10 PM by George Siemens
A real challenge in teaching online is finding ways to encourage and facilitate student interaction. Conventional communications (discussion boards, email, fax, phone etc.) seem too "soft" to address effectively the dynamics of learning online. I believe an area of significant growth in the future will be the development of new/authentic/dynamic (insert your own adjective!) communication/collaboration tools. What we define to be online communication today is in its infancy, and is inadequate for online learning. These tools are set to evolve as we move beyond simple communication of email, IM etc. (I tell you, you tell me) and begin transformative collaboration online (we develop our understanding together).

One of the most promising software programs I have seen that addresses the needs of online learning is Groove. Groove is a collaborative software program that incorporates IM, discussions, whiteboard, file swapping, VOIP, etc. Individuals are assigned a "shared space" and any changes in files or discussions is automatically updated on all group members computers. An excellent resource for creating an online classroom.

Groove is a peer to peer program (think Napster, but without the central server), designed by Ray Ozzie, the creator of Lotus Notes. P2P changes how computers communicate...today's computing world has been built around centralized servers, with computers drawing on those resources. P2P essentially turns each computer into a server as well...each computer uses and sends resources. Some predict this will alter the computing world, others say it is a nightmare for corporate security...

I have used Groove with three separate classes...I can honestly say it is an AMAZING program...it is simple...has an easy learning curve. Student response has been excellent. I will continue to integrate Groove, and can see this software program becoming a central part of education in the future (Microsoft announced yesterday it is investing $51 million in Groove). Currently it is availabe for FREE (not a bad selling feature!!)...visit Groove Download Site...it's worth exploring...

Posted 2:09 PM by George Siemens
Online learning is not the solution to every problem?!?
Apparently, online learning is not for everyone (Elearning effectiveness)...DUH! That seems to be obvious...online learning is a tool, a part of an overall effective "learning package". Somethings lend well to online delivery, others can only be done F2F.

It is the role of the instructor/instructional designer to determine when resources benefit from online delivery. The ultimate goal is increased learning...online, classroom, blended, etc, are selected based on which best meets the learner's, instructor's and organization's goals.

Quality online development cannot overcome the hurdle of a skill that is mismatched for the medium...i.e...if a task needs to be taught in a classroom because of its complex nature, moving this task online mismatches medium strengths...does that make sense?? It seems to in my head...

Students fail in online courses for a number of reasons....some of which are:
- Technology is not sufficient...i.e. Internet connections,
- The instructor does not provide "motivational feedback"
- The student does not have enough familiarity with the technology/software to use it to its full potential
- The student is not "orientated" to the online environment...students should be informed of how online learning works
- The course was not designed to account for the user's experience
- The course fails to engage/captivate/motivate the student...once again - a design issue

ALL online material should be developed with an eye to the user: Who is the student? Why are they taking this course? What is their experience with technology/software? What are their resources - what kind of computer, Internet connection etc. The answers to these questions should inform design...

Potential students should also be involved in each stage of development...This can prevent costly mistakes in design (or if not prevent, and least highlight these errors early). A well thought out, well designed course can significantly reduce student failure...

So, the organization, designer, instructor, and student all need to work together to design effective learning...can you say collaboration?? Nothing kills effective processes like lack of collaboration...