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OMDE601
Discussion thread | | |
13.2.1 :-? Jennifer
An analysis of certain aspects of discussion in this course provides evidence that online courses are
unlikely to provide superior outcomes or even similar outcomes
than traditional seminars.
This is especially true when explicit instructions are needed for an assignment. It is much more time
consuming to obtain these types of details in an online forum than
in a face-to-face setting. For example, Thomas posted Assignment #3 on 4/10. Several questions and
issues arose that needed to be addressed before the groups
could fully proceed with the task. Shyamala asked if there was also an individual component (4/10).
I asked for clarification of the word "typology" (4/12). Shyamala
asked about the word count (4/23). Cindi asked for clarification about submitting the documents (5/2).
It took quite a while for all of these questions to arise and be
answered and for everyone to truly grasp the assignment. Imagine if we were only given a week to complete
the task. In a traditional seminar, these issues could have
been addressed immediately in real-time discussion. Students would not have to wait to proceed.
There may be students who don't understand assignments, but are embarrassed to ask questions in both
online and face-to-face seminars. In this type of situation,
Thomas must assume that we comprehend things unless we voice our uncertainties. At least in a face-to-face
session the instructor would be able to see confusion or
lack of interest on the students' faces.
Jennifer
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