英国教育dissertation-成人和职业技术教育的面对面与远程混合学习方法

成人和职业技术教育的面对面与远程混合学习方法
 

两种方法的长处和局限性
 

理论上，面对面学习和远程学习方法的优势互为完善，在班级学习中，面对面学习能够在课堂上或课堂外都帮助和激励学生，积极的学习能够使得学生通过问题，讨论，小组演讲，角色扮演，案例研究等方式一起合作与思考。在远程学习当中，通过ICT技术能够让学习材料随时随地都能可用。多媒体（例如录像和音频）能够多疏通大脑，图形能够帮助学生理解复杂的理念，通过问题/答案/反应的循环等一切活动能够帮助学生更好的动态学习。小组分工和讨论，让他们来评价他们与同行的表演。做笔记很重要，然而，这两种互补的优势有时只是理论上的。（卡特谢尔2002  麦卡瓦纳 2002）在实际上，面对面学习和ICT远程活动都经常依赖于传播者。以老师为中心的信息规定，而不是一起合作以学生为中心的知识结构。在网上和课堂上，学生很可能都会结束被动的接受。不过，这两个主题都是最常被引用的优势之处，面对面课堂学习允许个人接触，远程学习具有灵活性。
 

Blending Face-to-Face and Distance Learning Methods in Adult and Career-Technical Education 

 

Strengths and Limitations of the Two Methods 

 

In theory, the advantages of face-to-face and distance learning methods complement each other (Leung and Tran 2000). In classroom learning, face-to-face contact both in and out of class can help motivate and involve students; active learning can engage students in thinking and interaction through questioning, discussion, small-group presentation, role play, and case studies. In distance learning via ICT, technology makes material available anytime and anywhere; multimedia (e.g., video and audio) can engage multiple brain channels; graphics can help understanding of complex concepts; interactive activities can involve students in dynamic learning through a cycle of questions/answers/feedback; discussion and work groups allow students to evaluate their performance against that of peers. It is important to note, however, that those two sets of complementary advantages are sometimes only theoretical (Cutshall 2002; McKavanagh et al. 2002). In practice, both face-to-face and ICT distance programs often rely on transmissionist, teacher-centered provision of information rather than on interactive, student-centered construction of knowledge; students may end up receiving passively both online and in the classroom. Nevertheless, two themes clearly emerge as the most frequently cited strengths: the personal contact allowed by face-to-face classroom learning and the flexibility allowed by distance learning. 

 

An interesting wrinkle is that different distance learning methods can offer different combinations of personal contact and flexibility (Cutshall 2002; McKavanagh et al. 2002; Miller and Webster 1997; Perraton 1991; Zirkle 2002). In synchronous distance methods (e.g., satellite TV, audioconferencing, videoconferencing, live Internet chat), learners and/or instructors are all engaged in the activity at the same time, restricting flexibility; flexibility is further restricted by methods like audioconferencing or videoconferencing in which participants must be at a physical location with necessary technology and hook-ups. However, asynchronous methods allow learners and instructors to participate at different times. Learners can listen to audiotapes, view videotapes, check e-mail, log on to a threaded discussion, or visit webpages anytime; the necessary technology is widely—although not universally—available. The ultimate in flexibility is the "anytime anywhere" availability of a web-based course or course components. 

 

It may be surprising that studies examining the connection between learning style and success among distance learning students yield mixed results. Aragon, Johnson, and Shaik (2000) found no correlation between learning style preference and course grade among online adult students in advanced technology education, in spite of differences in learning style preferences between online and face-to-face students enrolled in the program. Tucker (2000), on the other hand, compared distance and face-to-face students (with the same instructor, content, materials, assignment, time frames, and tests) and found significant differences in posttest and final exam scores but no significant differences in pretest scores or final course grades. Both sets of results suggest that neither method is inherently more or less effective—regardless of learning style, students can be as successful online as face to face. Indeed, those studies and others (e.g., Miller and Webster 1997; Misko 2000) suggest that, at best, students self-select into face-to-face or distance learning methods that suit their individual preferences and styles; at worst, individual preferences and style affect satisfaction with specific elements of the method (e.g., being the only student at a remote videoconferencing site) far more than overall level of satisfaction or success. 

 

Guidelines for Blending 

 

Two common themes in discussion of an effective blend of face-to-face and distance learning methods are as follows: 

 

. Good practice in planning, monitoring, and managing of distance learning has much 

in common with good practice for programs delivered through any mode (Hawksley and 

Owen 2002). Critical success factors include: (1) integration of program planning, 

monitoring, management, and resources; (2) a good understanding of the distance #p#分页标题#e#

learning operation's costs; (3) learner contact with instructors and others; (4) 

student guidance before program entry; (5) well-established procedures for 

selecting learning materials and monitoring their use; and (6) procedures to obtain 

feedback and a process to incorporate feedback survey results into future program 

planning. 

 

. The pedagogy of online learning must be suited to the requirements of the content 

and needs of the learner and can be combined with face-to-face learning in various 

proportions (Mishra 2002). Media should be used to suit content (e.g., 3-D models 

for architectural drawing). Interaction can also be achieved by combining different 

technologies: learner-content interaction via webpages with graphics, animation, 

audio, video, interactive quizzes, and progress checks; one-to-one learner-teacher 

or learner-learner interaction via e-mail and chat; one-to-many learner-teacher or 

learner-learner interaction via e-mail, listserv, group chat, discussion boards; 

many-to-many learner-teacher or learner-learner interaction via group chat, 

discussion. 

 

In addition to those two general principles, a number of more specific points appear repeatedly in the literature. 

 

Need for Distance Learner Engagement and Interaction 

 

Concerns about the need for interaction and engagement among distance learners must—and can—be addressed by appropriate design and use of ICT (Barker 2002). The use of ICT should be appropriate for learner engagement and support, individualization, meaningful learning (including information technology and problem-solving skills, artistic expression, and construction of knowledge) and use by students with any characteristics, including disabilities, in different circumstances; facilities, processes, and practices should allow communication and contact, flexible interaction and problem solving, and collaboration. Reflecting that concern, Askov and Simpson (2001) demonstrated that a collaborative online learning environment, based on paired and small-group work, could be created for adult distance students, leading to high levels of mastery of course objectives, interaction with instructors and other students, and skill in computer and Internet use. Course design emphasized instructor guidance and support, as well as computer conferencing for interaction, collaboration, and development of an online community. 

 

Preparation and Support for Distance Students 

 

Like face-to-face students, distance students need appropriate preparation for participation and follow-up support, ranging from administration and logistics to the guidance and facilitation of learning (Choy et al. 2002). Distance students must rely on secure, easily accessible ICT for clear, detailed information about enrollment, modules, courses, requirements, assessments, expectations, and sources of help; the opportunity to enroll, pay fees, and complete all administrative procedures; regular contact and timely response and feedback from instructors; a variety of methods to communicate with teachers (e-mail, online chat, bulletin boards); enrollment information linked to application forms; and online assessments. Likewise, distance students often need orientation to procedures for self-assessment; writing assignments; and the details of learning online—etiquette, code of conduct, FAQs, technical assistance, referencing online materials, using search engines, accessing databases, and quality criteria for Internet information. #p#分页标题#e#

 

Judicious Use of Technology 

 

Balancing the capabilities of ICT and the increased access it can provide to learners is a concern about using ICT appropriately. On the one hand, ICT can allow access not only to adult and CTE programs but also to specific learning experiences that would otherwise be difficult to provide. For example, web-based, multimedia, virtual site tours can provide contextual information, promote insights, and bridge the gap between theory and practice just as actual site tours do—without the inconvenience of inclement weather, travel costs, scheduling and logistics, and safety or security arrangements (Barrett and Wilkins 2000). Likewise, a teacher education course website can post and store all students' written assignments and video teaching demonstrations for review and assessment by teacher educators. On the other hand, capabilities come at a price and do not necessarily lead to use. Online connection via dial-up modem can be a problem with very large graphic or video files; CD-ROM may be a better option (Deal 2002). Some practitioners (e.g., Hutton 1999) recommend at least one face-to-face meeting with students even in a distance course. And the use of any technology should be driven not by the beguiling appeal of ICT functionality but rather by learning outcomes and the desirability of providing multiple presentations and realistic applications of content; multimedia should complement materials rather than distract attention (Barker 2002). 

 

The Best of Both Worlds 

 

Although ancient by ICT standards, a comment by Perraton (1991) makes an appealing case for blending face-to-face and distance learning methods: "If we can use face-to-face study along with print or broadcast we can aim for the best of both worlds--the economies of mass production achieved through printing or broadcasting together with the humanity and individualism of personal contact" (p. 1). Perhaps the best of both worlds comes from observing the classic precept of sound instructional design that the choice of any learning method should be driven by the needs of the learner, the nature of the content, and the interactions needed for learning. 

 

References 

 

Aragon, S. R.; Johnson, S. D.; and Shaik, N. "The Influence of Learning Style Preferences on Student Success in Online vs. Face-to-Face Environments." Paper presented at the Academy of Human Resource Development Conference, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, March 8-12, 2000. (ED 441 128) 

 

Askov, E., and Simpson, M. "Researching Distance Education: Penn State's Online Adult Education MEd Program on the World Campus. Paper presented at the Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association Conference, Adelaide, Australia, March 28-30, 2001. (ED 456 256) <http://www.avetra.org.au/2001%20conference%20pages/PAPERS%202001/askov.pdf> #p#分页标题#e#

 

Barker, K. Canadian Recommended E-learning Guidelines. Vancouver, BC: FutureEd; and Canadian Association for Community Education, 2002. <http://www.col.org/newsrelease/CanREGs%20Eng.pdf> 

 

Barrett, J. F., and Wilkins, B. "Establishing a Virtual Building and Construction Site for Education and Training." Paper presented at the International Vocational Education and Training Association Conference, Hong Kong, China, August 6-9, 2000. (ED 446 247) 

 

Choy, S.; McNickle, C.; and Clayton, B. Learner Expectations and Experiences: An Examination of Student Views of Support in Online Learning. Leabrook, Australia: National Centre for Vocational Education Research, 2002. <http://www.ncver.edu.au/research/proj/nr0F02.pdf> 

 

Cutshall, S. "Going the Distance: When Online Learning Works." Techniques: Connecting Education and Careers 77, no. 5 (May 2002): 22-23. 

 

Deal, W. F. "Distance Learning: Teaching Technology Online." Technology Teacher 61, no. 8 (May-June 2002): 21-26. 

 

Hawksley, R., and Owen, J. Going the Distance: Are There Common Factors in High Performing Distance Learning? Research Report. London, England: Learning and Skills Development Agency, 2002. <http://www.lsda.org.uk/files/PDF/1225.pdf> 

 

Hutton, S. "Course Design Strategies—Traditional versus On-Line: What Transfers? What Doesn't?" Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education, Phoenix, Arizona, November 1999. (ED 430 115) 

 

Leung, T. Y., and Tran, S. Y. S. "Integrating the Strengths of the Web-Based and Traditional Models of Teaching." Paper presented at the International Vocational Education and Training Association conference, Hong Kong, China, August 6-9, 2000. (ED 446 247) 

 

McKavanagh, C.; Kanes, C.; Beven, F.; Cunningham, A.; and Choy, S. Evaluation of Web-Based Flexible Learning. Leabrook, Australia: National Centre for Vocational Education Research, 2002. (ED 462 604) <http://www.ncver.edu.au/research/proj/nr8007.pdf> 

 

Miller, W. W., and Webster, J. K. "A Comparison of Interaction Needs and Performance of Distance Learners in Synchronous and Asynchronous Classes." Paper presented at the American Vocational Association Convention, Las Vegas, Nevada, December 1997. (ED 415 411) 

 

Mishra, S. Designing Online Learning. Knowledge Series: A Topical, Start-Up Guide to Distance Education Practice and Delivery. Vancouver, BC: Commonwealth of Learning, 2002. <http://www.col.org/Knowledge/pdf/KS_online.pdf> 

 

Misko, J. The Effects of Different Modes of Delivery: Student Outcomes and Evaluations. Leabrook, Australia: National Centre for Vocational Education Research, 2000. (ED 463 457) <http://www.ncver.edu.au/research/core/cp9708.pdf> #p#分页标题#e#

 

Perraton, H. Administrative Structures for Distance Education. London: Commonwealth Secretariat; and Vancouver, BC: Commonwealth of Learning, 1991. (ED 385 703) 

 

Tucker, S. Y. "Assessing the Effectiveness of Distance Education versus Traditional On-Campus Education." In AERA Business Education and Information Systems Research SIG: 2000 Proceedings, pp. 31-44. Washington, DC: American Educational Research Association, 2000. (ED 440 271) 

 

Zirkle, C. "Using the Internet to Enhance Teacher Education." Techniques: Connecting Education and Careers 77, no. 5 (May 2002): 24-25.