What is only possible when face-to-face and what is only possible when online? What are the shared elements from both a face-to-face and online learning experience that create meaningful learning? Discuss with examples from your own experience learning in face-to-face and online contexts.

BING AI Image Generator: Frustrated Student Using On-Line Learning Tool

In my experience the delivery of educational content in an on-line format has been more negative then positive. This is not to say online learning is a powerful and rich medium for educators and students alike. My experience, perhaps similar to other educators, was more the absence of professional development to develop some skillset prior to course delivery. It was the proverbial thrown into the deep end of the pool and swim……………..or not!!

Now, that was my experience as an instructor.. on the other hand, my experience working with teachers to facilitate their on-liner learning experience has been radically different. The capacity of teaching staff to utilize platforms such as TEAMS or ZOOM increased immensely over the past several years ………….wondering what may have been the catalyst?

This has opened the doors immensely on my end to support staff with a variety of supports. Virtual guests speakers, workshops, and remote science activities:

Geologist in the Classroom

Liveit Earth

This likely came down to the skillset of the the instructor and the course content itself. Having said that, I am well aware of many instructors who are absolutely fantastic and thrive using on-line delivery – see below:

SD91 Digital Learning School

It more times then not comes down to time and energy absorbing the content and developing the skills. The development of personal connections are a shared commonality between face-to-face and online learning, certainly more so with continued development of platforms such as TEAMS or ZOOM.

Lets Hear From Darren!!!

Full Disclosure – Apologies on the Ratio — Still learning the nuances of holding the phone horizontal versus vertical!!!