Spotlight on Online Learning

Modern education has been changing in the last decade, and at the forefront of that change has been the ability for students to connect with teachers and learn from anywhere in the world via online learning. With all the changes, both positive and potentially challenging that online learning can bring, we talked to Michael P. Alfano, dean of the Isabelle Farrington College of Education at Sacred Heart University about online learning and the way it is being used in K-12 education.

Q. What are some of the most important things faculty and online education administrators need to consider when choosing an online learning tool, especially for K-12 students who might learn in different ways?

A. From an instructional design perspective, great attention has to be paid to the “fit” between what is being taught online versus the skillset and background of the learner.  If an instructional technology is misaligned to what kids know and are able to do, it is doomed to fail.  Conversely, if there is thoughtful alignment, instructional technology can be an amazing tool to facilitate and extend learning outcomes.

Q. What are some ways to increase student engagement when teaching in an online format?

A. As is the case for any instructional arrangement, the best way to engage students is to take the time and effort to get to know them.  What are their backgrounds, interests, skill sets, and opportunities for growth?  This information can be used to create “fun” multi-media opportunities, which are thoughtfully and proactively aligned, to get kids to actively take ownership over their own learning.

Q. Are there any advancements on the horizon that you expect to change the way online learning is currently carried out?

A.  Instructional technologies are changing so rapidly and in such incredible ways it’s hard to give a precise answer, as what I know is likely already out of date.  In general, I think there is real opportunity to link online learning opportunities to real world applications that encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills of students.  Those skills are what colleges and employers are looking for in applicants. 

Q. What are a few disadvantages of online learning versus classroom learning, and what are some ways to mitigate those? 

A. For me, the biggest disadvantage is that online learning cannot replicate face-to-face social-skill development that is so important to real-world personal and professional interactions.  This can be mitigated by using platforms like Skype, to an extent, but not completely.

Featured

  • i-PRO, NovoTrax Partner for New School Emergency Response Solution

    i-PRO Americas, Inc., which manufactures edge computing cameras, recently announced a partnership with NovoTrax, provider of end-to-end life safety and mass notification solutions, to address gaps in emergency response workflows at K–12 schools, according to a news release.

  • Spaces4Learning Launches 2025 New Product Awards

    Spaces4Learning is now accepting entries for the 2025 New Product Awards! The program’s goal is to honor the outstanding product development achievements of manufacturers and suppliers whose products and services are particularly noteworthy in helping to improve K–12 and Higher Education learning environments.

  • PNSI Global Alliance Launches New Quality Assurance Certification

    PNSI Global Alliance, a network of technology integrators and service providers, recently introduced a new Quality Assurance Certification (QAC) for AV service and support, according to a press release. The two-day, interactive workshop QAC course is designed for Certified Solution Providers (CSPs) to provide them with the most up-to-date and advanced quality assurance knowledge available.

  • Greenheck Launches Optics Sensors for Kitchen Hoods

    Greenheck recently announced the launch of factory-installed optics sensors as an enhanced option for its kitchen ventilation hoods, according to a news release.

Digital Edition