Between teaching for six years across 5 grade levels and 3 content areas, and completing the online EDTEC masters, I think I've been exposed to enough of the education world - both in person and virtual - to be able to outline a few major features that would most definitely be mandatory in my own unique system should I have the means someday to build one.
1. Assessing the learner’s abilities prior to enrolling in an online or virtual learning environment. Evidence needs to be obtained that will support and validate the high probability of student success rate in a virtual learning environment. Areas such as prior education, computer savvyness, current employment, and aptitude should be major factors in deciding to enroll a student, not just whether or not they can write a tuition check.
2. “Assessing prior learning of specific skills and knowledge domains relevant to the learner’s personal and career aspirations.” What is it that the student wants to do and why? Why are they selecting this online learning institution over others? Valid personal and career objectives should be provided, much like a portfolio, to gain enrollment.
3. As for the actual system, live streaming video feeds of all students DURING class will be mandatory. As the instructor, I want to know that the student is “there” paying attention to the course and not watching TV or doing something else. Having a live feed will provide this assurance.
4. Web browsing lock - when logged into the system, all web browser capabilities will be locked by the system, meaning students may not be able to surf the web, check Facebook, or play games while class is in session. If the instructor wishes for students to view a particular website, s/he may “push it out” to them to be viewed.
5. Live, real time quizzes for providing instant feedback. This can be created on the fly at any time by the instructor for times s/he may feel the students are unengaged as a means of ensuring they are paying attention.
The other standard features continue to be improved, but I think the accountability of online students should be a major issue addressed in future technological improvements to LMS systems. Too many higher education systems are more than happy to collect tuition and federal funding from students they know will most likely not succeed, probably drop out, and be ineligible for a refund. Both sides should be know that they will be held accountable for completion of the courses and liable for the expense and time associated with online learning.
- Login to post comments