The Open Umbrella

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Introduction

You suddenly realise that the normal pattern of lectures and tutorials can be replicated online. This is possible. But we think that you could do better than simply looking for online equivalents to deliver content.

Helping students to understand the differences is a vital and important part of preparing a student for working online in their. There’s not necessarily a neat fit between student’s expectations and actual university realities.

We think that online's NEW flexibility is wonderful, but concomitantly creates logistical challenges to students as they juggle their routines with an array of approaches that differ between different classes.

I am concerned with my students cannot find their way around administrative systems and academic procedures. I know about the many logistical challenges associated with staying on track and have seen how some lack experience within our internal systems. Some students bewilderment affects their learning journey.

Keeping organized

Things change for both students and academics when they go online. It's helpful to think about some of the mundane academic details that need to be tracked.

  • The place:What lecture, room, lab, etc or live-stream, lecture capture or website will the students be "ingabiting".
  • The pace:Is the learning event scheduled at a specific time or can you watch it anytime? Are there changes in assignments due dates
  • The mode:What are the in-person and remote parts of the class?

Schedules

Setting a schedule offers a structure. A simple daily or weekly calendarallows a student to organize their time.

Digital learning is different

Digital learning is different in at least three ways – pace, place and mode:

  • Pace: Hybrid learning provides the opportunity for students to extend their learning beyond classroom interactions. Students may now do online preparative work before class; or those who struggle to keep up during a class may review online videos, narrated PowerPoints or class notes after class at their own pace when they have time.
  • Place: Students have greater freedom to learn within different environments (college or university, home, library, public transport while commuting, or abroad when travelling) as long as they have a digital device and access to the internet.
  • Mode: Students can be taught with a greater variety of media or tools and these can be structured in a way that is engaging and participative. This approach means that learning can become more student centred.

Students do not necessariliy know what is required from them. Expecting them all to step up and manage their admin responsibilities from off campus is difficult. Many security and privacy mechanisms introduce new hurdles.

Probably the biggest challenge facing me is my tendency to "multi-task". I don't really ever get things done in the available time.

Thabiso

I've got an app for that. I'll show you how.

To Begin: Course Home Page

To Consider:Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

To Try:Times and Schedules

To Do:


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Last Updated: 24/04/2020