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Common Myths of Online Learning
Common Myths of Online Learning
Learning is the process of acquiring new understanding and skills. When student make sense of a problem or concept, they develop an understanding of what they are learning. This type of learning can happen in the classroom, online, or in any environment. We can give students real learning experiences online through direct instruction, collaborative tasks, discussions, and practice.
Infographic: Busting Myths of Online Learning. Source: Digital Learning Now. This covers basic misconceptions of online learning, as well as ways in which distance learning can support our students.
Podcasts/Reading: The 10 Biggest Myths About Synchronous Online Teaching. This website offers podcasts with a written summary that dives deeper into some of the most common myths.
5 Myths About Online Learning (Wisconsin Virtual Academy)
Myths About Online Learning (Maryland Virtual Academy)
*Both of these are infographics created by the above schools. While they are both more or less advertisements, they also cover some of the basic misconceptions people may have when it comes to virtual learning.
Interview: Top 5 Myths of Online Learning. Interview with Dr. Jill Langen of Baker College Online stopped by to debunk a few myths about cyber learning in higher education.
*This focuses on college, however it does cover most of the same myths as above, just in a video format rather than an infographic.
Attendance in Real-Time needs to be Mandatory
Attendance in Real-Time needs to be Mandatory
If we use Universal Design for Learning and include multiple means of engagement in our instruction and activities, we help students develop intrinsic motivation that takes the place of passive compliance. If we are grading for mastery of standards rather than completion of work, we allow students to achieve mastery at their own pace, without the need for every student to be present in every real-time event. Additionally, equity considerations demand that in this time of COVID, we accept that each family's situation is unique and it isn't always possible for a child to be online at a specific time. We want to emphasize compassion and give students grace when needed. We can encourage attendance without making it punitive.
I Can Replicate my In-Person Classroom Online
I Can Replicate my In-Person Classroom Online
You can't, and you shouldn't. Our online platforms and instruction look different than our physical classrooms, and that's okay. In working with young children or adolescents, we can't expect students to be online for our normal blocks of time or even to learn the exact same way. We need to flex between asynchronous instruction, where students might watch a video or read something independently, and synchronous meetings, where we pull small groups together live to discuss. In this environment, there can be more effective ways for students to develop skills than to watch us teach in real time every day.
Students are Motivated by Grades
Students are Motivated by Grades
Research indicates that very few students are actually motivated by a low grade to try to improve that grade. When considering grading for mastery or standards-based grades, grades are a communication of student proficiency of a specific standard or group of standards. Students should be active participants in the learning process, and should be given opportunities to reflect on their progress towards understanding a concept. By involving them in their learning, students are intrinsically motivated to do well.
An excerpt from Rethinking Grading by Cathy Vatterott. The first section lists three beliefs about grading that you may or may not share. (2015)
"Setting the Stage for Intrinsic Motivation". Blackburn and Armstrong, ASCD Express, August 2017. This short article explores two factors that can help students make learning its own reward.
Doug Reeves describes toxic grading practices and how to avoid them. Originally intended for in-class practice, but applies well to online learning as well (6 minutes, 2008).
7 Creative Ways to Motivate Virtual School Students, 2011 article posted by Connections Academy.
Teaching Online Means Lecturing in a Live Meeting
Teaching Online Means Lecturing in a Live Meeting
It is very difficult, and usually ineffective, to engage a whole class of learners in direct instruction over Zoom or any other video platform. Pre-recorded videos of direct instruction give students the opportunity to pause, rewind, and replay as needed to support their learning. Virtual conferencing, regardless of which platform, is a great tool to use for collaborative tasks and meaningful discussions. We go deeper into this idea in the Pedagogy and Practices Module, so refer back to that module for tips and resources.
Flipped Classroom. This video discusses the what, the why, and the how, of flipping the classroom. In a 100% remote learning environment, the teacher could use the online video conference time for questions, clarification, and deeper discussion, rather than lecturing.
3 Ways to Use Video Conferencing with Students Learning Remotely Some ideas from Catlin Tucker's blog.
A Lengthy Study on Online Learning (Optional)
A Lengthy Study on Online Learning (Optional)
If you are interested, this is a 30+ page study on online learning. It's helpful to read the abstract/summary, but you are welcome to read the entire study as well.
Module Assignment
Module Assignment
Complete one of the options below. When finished, copy your work into your portfolio for submission. (Here is how to create a portfolio.)
Option 1: Take this formative assessment. (If you already have a GoFormative account, you can sign in with that. If not, you can just enter your name and join as a guest. To copy this to your portfolio, you could take a screenshot and paste it in, or just copy and paste the text.)
Option 2: Think about a different statement you have heard about distance or online learning, perhaps from a parent or community member or colleague. Create an infographic or text document in the "Myth/Fact" format, using supporting evidence to evaluate whether that statement was a myth or a fact.
Option 3: A parent sends you an email objecting to online learning, using one or more of the myths above. How could you respond to that parent? You can write this explanation, record a short video (no more than 2 minutes), create a drawing or graphic, or use some other tool.
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