Evaluating Online Teaching
In this article, Robson discusses the barriers to learning. One of her key points is that learning theories are not static. They have changed and are changing as new things occur within the education field.
She discusses the relationship between the students and learning and how technology is combined into this relationship. In this, she notes that the hardware or technology that is chosen in many cases is dictated by the learning theory.
It is noted that now students have a wide variety of technology resources that are available to them, however just because it is available does not mean that all students have the same access to it or the same understanding of it.
She recommends a new learning framework that is meant specifically for an open distance learning course. This framework has many of the same components and other frameworks, they are just organized and connected in a different manner. It does appear easy to use once you have time to look at it and begin planning your course.
She does make it a point that teachers need to always be aware of changes within the learning theories and environment. She suggests that teachers become aware of the changes to learning theory and look at the impact that technology has on education currently and how it may impact it in the future.
Robson, J. Evaluating online teaching, (2000) Open Learning, 15(2), 152-172.