This is a companion website for the Authentic Learning eDesign course that commenced in January 2012.
Online learning
Over the past few decades, the computerisation of work has resulted in many jobs becoming much more knowledge intensive, and the rapid expansion of modern technologies are “changing the ways we produce, consume, communicate and think” (Collins & Halverson, 2009, p. 5). Yet, many universities continue to use traditional teacher-centred information delivery modes (Maor, 2003) that focus on delivering theory via lectures, and assessing students through the end of semester exams.
This approach no longer seems appropriate for educating students in the 21st century as McCombs and Vakili (2005) explain;
… In the 21st century world, content is so abundant as to make it a poor foundation on which to base an educational system; rather, context and meaning are the scarce but relevant commodities today. This alters the purpose of education to that of helping learners communicate with others, find relevant and accurate information for the task at hand, and be co-learners and partners with teachers and peers in diverse settings and learning communities that go beyond school walls (p. 1582).
A more student-centred learning approach that includes pedagogical techniques such as online collaboration, case-based learning and problem based learning (Kim & Bonk, 2006) that encourage students to become self-directed, independent learners can better prepare graduating university students for the twenty first century workplace.
Collins, A., & Halverson, R. (2009). Rethinking education in the age of digital technology. New York: Teachers College Press.
Kim, K.-J., & Bonk, C. J. (2006). The future of online teaching and learning in higher education: The survey says... EDUCAUSE Quarterly Magazine, 29(4), 22-30.
Langwitches. (2010). Shouldn’t we harness the power...[image]. Retrieved 17/11/2010 from flickr website: http://www.flickr.com/photos/langwitches/4503608734/in/set-72157623451312417
Maor, D. (2003). Teacher's and students' perspectives on on-line learning in a social constructivist learning environment Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 12(2), 201-218.
McCombs, B. L., & Vakili, D. (2005). A learner-centered framework for e-learning. Teachers College Record, 107(8), 1582 - 1600.
Reeves, T. C., Herrington, J., & Oliver, R. (2002). Authentic activities and online learning. Paper presented at the Research and Development in Higher Education: Quality Conversations: 25th HERDSA Annual Conference, Perth, Western Australia. http://www.herdsa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/conference/2002/papers/Reeves.pdf
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