This looks at how new technologies can help you embrace new ways of learning
Dunedin, New Zealand, 26 July 2024
Online learning is a boon to education but, like most things, online learning has pros and cons. For example, learning online is more flexible than having to rush into a physical classroom, or into a classroom-teacher situation. If a course is online, all students can learn at their own pace. People may have conflicting commitments- a person may want to stay at home and look after children for example- and being online means that it is possible to make this commitment. Students may not be able to attend a classroom physically because they may have health conditions that prevents them doing so.
Moreover, students may not have the money to pay for a course that requires physical attendance. Fortunately, many online courses are cheaper than they would be in a physical classroom and several universities offer cheaper courses online. For this reason, online courses can create more equitable outcomes and can ensure economically disadvantaged students get access to learning.
An online course also necessitates that other classmates and teachers work collaboratively and because students are likely to come from all over the world, learning online is a chance to learn about different cultures, generate ideas and debate. Horizons are broadened. We know that collaboration helps students not only absorb information, but remember it.
A small number of students from all over the world can also discuss topics and chat together in break out rooms. A tutor may choose to sit in one room, or move around to others as well.
Participating in an online course also makes it possible for students to use the style of learning that suits them best – whether it is reading, quizzes, videos, kinesthetic learning – that is a tactile approach to learning- virtual reality or augmented reality (or everything connected to the metaverse). Even if there is a preference for kinesthetic learning, this can be enhanced by learning online since students are able to touch and feel items at their leisure. Students who are not academically inclined, or who may find academia is not for them, such as people who have dyslexia, can transcribe using speech recognition software. For example, Gradescope, which relies on a combination of machine learning (ML) and AI to make it easier to grade, saves teachers and educators time and energy. By connecting the learning to a Learning Management System (LMS) learners can also review their performance and see where they have been successful and where they can improve.
Most importantly, an online course is always up to date because it is easier to update than a printed one. It is also easier to set up and usually more cost effective. It is possible that an individual educational institution could provide any student who has access to the internet an opportunity to acquire a degree. In other words, learning online can encourage lifelong learning. This is something Lucia Dore learned a great deal about when she was co-writing the book entitled: “SeniorITy: how AI and tech can enhance senior living”. If a course is online, people of all ages are encouraged to learn. (www.luciadore.co.nz/learning)
Research has also taken on a whole new dimension because it is now easier for students to work online. AI tools have helped, including chatbots and collaboration software.
However, although online education can be useful and powerful, it is important to know how to get the most out of an online platform, especially with the rise in the importance of AI.
Technologies like ChatGPT or Bing AI could help in facilitating group discussions by providing prompts, including controlling the time and keeping track of what people are saying. (Some of these options are advocated by Wharton School at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwRdpYzPkkn302_rL5RrXvQE8j0jLP02j).
Although online learning has been facilitated by these technologies, they too can have failings. Since data is aggregated from across the internet, a person still has to know what is correct. This will certainly matter to a student when writing essays. So, although generative AI technologies will make research and online teaching more efficient, they must be used well to achieve the best results in education.
