Web based learning and teaching

I have stumbled into some interesting links and portals during my learning journey.  Some of my thoughts of virtual learning can be found here, with a link to sources for tips how to teach online courses.

Universities of Applied Sciences offer many virtual courses, the open Universities and probably the Universities have some courses online as well. The content of the courses is however a big question. How well are these courses designed? Are they interactive? Are they interesting for the students? Do students really learn something? A lecture cannot just be taped, there has to be interaction.

My personal experience from online teaching is a handful of virtual sessions with some teaching and interaction in synchronous. I have participated in one virtual course where the tasks and the interaction were asynchronous. The difference between these modes is that in synchronous teaching and learning, there can be instant communication and discussions because it happens right then. In asynchronous teaching and learning the learning takes place whenever the student wants, within a set time limit.

Both in synchronous and asynchronous teaching and learning is important. I however prefer that there is some element of in synchronous teaching and learning because it offers an opportunity to interact with peers. This gives structure to the studies and a face to the teacher and peers. In a course with only asynchronous tasks, there might be problems with students not taking ownership of the task and there might be problems with deadlines.

Gender sensitive teaching is very important to me. I will apply that in teaching Social studies, Latin American studies and International Organizations in the future. I like to provoke my students a bit in order to get conversation. I showed the video below to a class of business students this winter which was a real discussion opener for diversity management and equal opportunities discussion and problem solving. Check it out!