Theories of Online Learning!

 Three Theories of Online Learning: 

    One theory of online learning is Online Collaborative Learning or OCL. OCL is the theory that focuses on collaborative learning, building, knowledge, and use of internet for education whether that be online or in person. Students are encouraged to collaborate to solve problems but this digs a bit deeper. The founder Linda Harasim beings that this focuses on the facilities of the internet to provide learning environments that foster collaboration and knowledge building. She also discloses the three different phases of knowledge construction through discourse in a group. Those phases being Idea generating, idea organizing, and intellectual convergence. This theory allows students in the online schooling environment to gain their own knowledge by working with each other in each subject. This also helps each individual grow their cognitive skills. 

    Connective is the theory that focuses on learning between machines and human beings. It helps students approach learning , critical thinking skills, learning how to access and follow their knowledge networks, and learn to navigate online literacy. Connectivism focuses on how students can learn and adapt to the changes of the real work. That being with technology and how to follow along as it improves. 

    Community of inquiry lets students jump into deep and motivated learning experiences. Some ways they can do this would be sharing ideas on their subjects with a group of students in their classes. Sharing these ideas with their other classmates also allows them to use knowledge gained prior and connect these ideas.  

What is Synchronous and Asynchronous? 

    Synchronous is learning that happens at the same time and same place with the same educators and students. This could happen online (zoom, google meets) or in person. Synchronous is where students and educators can interact with each other in real time. Asynchronous is learning that happens when students have access to all their courses information and work. These students can work at their own pace, and do not have very much interaction with educators or students.In simpler terms, Synchronous is where students interact with their classmates and educators during scheduled meeting times. Asynchronous is where students have all of their course materials with them and react with their classmates and educators very little.  

Advantages and disadvantages of learning in an online environment: 

    Some advantages of learning in an online environment would be seeing all due dates ahead of time, can always see notes,lectures, and other important documents, Can work at your own pace or work ahead. Working in an online environment also does not require face to face contact as well as the students can be comfortable while doing their work. This option is also good for introverts. Some disadvantages would consist of students slacking due to the lack of discipline, gaining wrong information due to websites, delayed responses from educators due to having to send an email when having a question, and not asking for help when they need it simply because they do not see a physical teacher.Online learning can be easy for some but also comes as a challenge for others. It can appear to be easy until taking on the task of all classes. Working together with students is also a disadvantage students will face. If there is a peer assignment, the students have to rely on one another to ensure a response is made.