At the outset, coming from topic three to topic four, all I can say is wow! I have never had to design any course content before and it is still very confusing and somewhat frustrating. I feel as this is very new in terms of my reference, I may not do the topic justice over this short period of time.
Looking at the Gilly Salmon in context to the ONL course we are currently on one where we can see the similarity within the scope and the process’s we have been going through. It also came to light for me the systematic approach of the Gilly Salmon approach in terms of the five steps and the way each step must be looked at in detail. if one follows this approach in synchronisation with each step, it will be a lot easier to understand and pursue. When looking back, I can see the similarity, but also the challenge to get it correct!
A view to Blended learning!
It is a training approach that combines different learning techniques. In the standard educational model, blended learning often refers to the use of laboratory equipment or computers to complement the class sessions and strengthen the teaching process through practice and the application of theories taught in class.
In context of online learning in the higher education industry, it is always compelling to see how the online learning space challenges the students to ensure the goals are met and the students have new skills to take to the market place. As we are ever evolving in the internet and communication technologies, one must always be mindful that this new landscape of learning is seen in context of the role it will play in society and beyond. I can bear testimony to it in terms of how fast it has transformed the higher education space and how it has evolved in the past 20 odd years to today. The platforms that are being used today and the new learning environments on the horizon, are quite rewarding and strenuous in its execution. It is indeed exciting and nerve racking at the same time as, the ways of teaching and transferring of skills is a wonder indeed. This is needed to cater for all sectors of the economy and for the skills needed for the jobs in the marketplace which has not even been thought of yet.
It would be remiss of me not cater for this various sectors of the economy as must look at new ways of ensuring blended learning is at the forefront of the ways of teaching/lecturing or simply the students acquiring new skills for the ever changing higher education, which is vital for it to be plugged into the various sectors of the economy and beyond.
If one looks at the diagram of D.R. Garrison, H Kanuka/Internet and Higher Education ( 2004)
E-LEARNING
Enhanced- Blended- Online
One can clearly see the connections between the three key drivers of higher education, today and beyond. I have been taught so much on this topic and also so much more to learn, but as ever, it is a challenge, embraced and we will achieve our goals that are in place. Roll ON 2019 AND BEYOND!