Reflections of online teaching and learning.

Michael EburnSchool of Law

University of New England

9 July 2003 Michael EburnUni of New England

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Why I stand before you…

• I have both taught, and studied, online;

• UNE is experienced in distance education.

• Very little of the literature on online learning (if any) deals with the teaching of law.

• I am perceived by colleagues as a keen adopter of the technology.

9 July 2003 Michael EburnUni of New England

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What is online learning?

• ‘… the appropriate application of the Internet, and Internet technologies, to support the delivery and management of learning skills, and knowledge.’

• Distinguished from online delivery.

9 July 2003 Michael EburnUni of New England

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National Centre for Vocational Education and Research

• ‘… flexibility, the responsive teacher and the quality of materials and course design – are absolutely vital to effective online teaching.’

9 July 2003 Michael EburnUni of New England

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Advantages of online learning

• Increased flexibility

• Communications opportunities

• Access the virtual library

9 July 2003 Michael EburnUni of New England

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Costs of online learning

• Financial

• Opportunity

• Emotional

• Educational- it may lead to decreased flexibility

• Time

9 July 2003 Michael EburnUni of New England

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What students do

Result All students

All external students

At least one posting

5 or more postings

12 or more postings

Fail 3.5% 2.5% 1.0% 0.0% 0.0%

Pass 26.1% 23.8% 17.3% 17.6% 13.3%

Credit 29.9% 28% 33.7% 35.3% 33.3%

Distinction 24% 26.8% 31.6% 35.3% 43.3%

High Distinction

2.1% 1.3% 6.1% 7.8% 10%

9 July 2003 Michael EburnUni of New England

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What students say

• Least useful was ‘chat’ or real time discussion facilities (44.7% rated these as not useful).

• Most useful was the presence of student grades (84.4%).

• Other very useful features were the presence of lecture notes (78.8%),

• bulletin board (69.4%), • past exam papers (68.4%), • unit information (67.8%), and • web links (67.6%).

9 July 2003 Michael EburnUni of New England

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2001 Student preference for teaching materials

1st preference

2nd preference

3rd preference

CD-Rom 40.0% 40.0% 10.0%

WWW 2.5% 25.0% 60.0%

Print 52.5% 20.0% 17.5%

9 July 2003 Michael EburnUni of New England

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Reflections

• As a teacher

• As a learner

9 July 2003 Michael EburnUni of New England

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Conclusion

• Online learning is a valuable tool

• BUT be careful not to leave the students behind

• And don’t forget the well worn tools still have their use.

• Thank you for your attention.