Link to Article: Online Tools Article
This article details and examines the usefulness of online
educational technological tools for teaching and learning in higher education and
the challenges that lie ahead. An online education is an education that is
received using a variety of technologies and is considered a “distance
education” with an internet-based delivery. Online education is rapidly
expanding by leaps and bounds across all aspects of education – from corporate
training to higher education to PK-12 educational settings. As a result of
online learning, teacher effectiveness in meeting students’ learning needs has
improved, and students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills have been
enhanced as well. According to Mbuva (2015), “by 2007 the increase in online
education had grown from the 2.35 million online students to 3.9 million
students who were taking online classes” (p. 115).
Some of
the technologies that have been proven effective in driving teaching and
learning to higher heights are Blackboard, Moodle, Desire 2 Learn, Angel, WebCT,
Skype, and Webex. These Learning Management Systems are part of the information
communication technologies (ICT), which have constituted e-learning and
enhanced teaching and learning in higher education. While the advantages of
convenience, time efficiency, accessibility, dynamic interactions, and
creativity help promote online learning, there are several challenges that still
lie ahead. For example, equity and accessibility to technology, hidden costs,
technical problems, a need for self-discipline in students, and lack of
adequate training for faculty to name a few. In the end, Learning Management
Systems, when used as online educational technological skills, are enhancing
education and making teaching and learning more meaningful and easily communicated
than ever before.
While I
certainly agree that e-learning is quickly become a trend in our world today
and that there are several advantages to receiving an online education, I think
it also limits face-to-face communication, collaboration, and relationship
building skills. I think a major part of school is students forming relationships
with their peers and teachers. When teachers have established relationships
with their students, the students feel more comfortable making mistakes and
they just create a more welcoming environment. I also believe it limits
students’ skills of communicating and collaborating face-to-face with one
another. They’re so used to texting or emailing someone that some have
forgotten how to have an actual conversation!
Resource:
Mbuva, J. M. (2015). Examining the effectiveness of online
educational technological tools for teaching and learning and the challenges
ahead. Journal of Higher Education Theory
and Practice, 15(2), 113-127. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/rG4V5U
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