Week4 Blog reflection

What did you learn about the design of online courses this week that will affect how you think about this form of instruction in the future?

This week’s assignment that comparing instructional design models from the different provides was a great chance to think about instructional design of virtual learning. By comparing and assessing the sample courses, I noticed that the two big advantages of the virtual learning are individualized learning from one another and proper use of technology.

First of all, students study module by their pace, and take individualized test and quiz. When they take multiple choice or short answer questions, they get feedback immediately, and if they get wrong, they can go back and check their weakness. It allows students reflect their learning.
Also, I like the concept of virtual lab in science class. Although it is not a real lab, student can do experimental work individually in the virtual lab. In the traditional classroom, group of students experiment together due to the limitation of resources and time, so some of the students do not get a chance to do experiment their own and just watch what others do. However, in the virtual lab, each person can do experiment by their own, so it is useful to grasp the concept of the science.

The proper use of technology can be a powerful advantage of the virtual learning. For example, when the instructor explains something, he/she can present it with picture, animation, or interactive multimedia. It is useful when the instructor uses it properly, and virtual learning environment is appropriate for do that. Also, other new technologies which can promote learning (such as mobile phone technology or virtual lab interface) allow students to understand deeply and learn better. However, the instructor should have in mind that using too many technologies can make students distracted from learning core concepts.