Online Learning Theory
The online learning format is an exciting, fast growing new medium in pedagogy. Also known as e-learning, online learning allows learners to utilize their time and space to most effectively engage in coursework in a comprehensive way previously only available through 'real-world' classroom environments. But, along with the benefits of flexibility of access, there is a heightened need for sound instructional design. Ring and Mathieux (2002) suggest that online learning should have high authenticity, high interactivity, and high collaboration in order to meet participants' learning needs.
Many have defined online learning simply as a means of delivering instruction via a computer, however, I think Ally (2008) best defines online learning as:
[t]he use of the Internet to access learning materials; to interact with the content, instructor, and other learners; and to obtain support during the learning process, in order to acquire knowledge, to construct personal meaning, and to grow from the learning experience. (Ally, p.7)
This definition highlights the importance of collaboration and support, knowledge acquisition, and constructing personal meaning throughout the learning process. These are all observed as we attempt to dissect how online learning is influenced by the previous learning theories of behaviourism, cognitivism, and constructivism.
When assessing the challenges of online learning environments against that of traditional classroom environments, it is helpful to look at knowledge retention rates based on learning style. As is observed in the figure to the right (Monambeau & Finch, 2000), collaborative activities are associated with higher knowledge retention, making meaningful social interaction and guidance a priority to any learning environment. One of the dangers of a poorly built e-learning environment is the risk of student virtual isolation. Fortunately, new tools for virtual collaboration, the building of ‘virtual environments’, and more cost-effective and widespread access to multi-media formats are working to minimize the danger of learner isolation.
“The most common tools provided for Web Collaboration activities are summarized in Table 2. We can say in conclusion that Web Collaboration technology offers the possibility of managing and nurturing “Virtual Communities” that are able to replicate most of the activities students perform in a campus, such as meeting and discussing, going to the library and browsing books, meeting in the cafeteria and arguing about a subject. Modern distance education is therefore able to make use (at least partially) of the collaborative learning experience that is so important in the frame of the learning process. In this way the effectiveness and the motivation of distance learners can be greatly increased and educational results achieved faster.” (Agosti 2006, p.202)
Trends in popular learning theory have seen the continuum of educational theory progress from Behaviourism --> Cognitivism --> Constructivism.
Bransford, Brown and Cocking (1999), suggest “effective learning environments are framed within the convergence of four overlapping lenses.” Effective learning therefore must be Community-centred, Knowledge-centred, Assessment-centred, and Learner-centred.
Over the course of our conference, we will raise the question of how Online Learning theory and other predominant educational theories interact and correspond with one another. Furthermore, we will look at each theories potential to meet the requirements to create an effective online learning environment
As we explore the different learning theories contributions to the evolution of the online learning environment it is helpful to consider Schunk’s (1991) list of five definitive questions that serve to distinguish each learning theory from the others:
(l) How does learning occur?
(2) Which factors influence learning?
(3) What is the role of memory [knowledge formation]?
(4) How does transfer occur?
(5) What types of learning are best explained by the theory?
Short History of Electronic and Learning Technologies
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