Moderating Learner-Centered E-Learning: Problems and Solutions, Benefits and Implications

In response to the changes taking place in collaborative online learning environments, this chapter discusses how the simultaneous emergence of collaborative technologies and the learner-centered movement impacts the role of the online instructor. As part of this review, research related to online moderation and facilitation of learning is summarized. It is suggested that online instructors need to facilitate student generation and sharing of information, while assuming the role of learning coach or mentor to provide needed leadership and guidance. Finally, ten key benefits and implications of e-learning, as well as ten potential problems and solutions, are summarized to assist e-learning decision makers and instructors. Among the benefits include the permanence of the online text, the availability of online mentors, and the fostering of student idea generation. Some 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033-1240, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com ITB9543 IDEA GROUP PUBLISHING This chapter appears in the book, Online Collaborative Learning: Theory and Practice, edited by Tim S. Roberts. Copyright © 2004, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. Moderating Learner-Centered E-Learning 55 Copyright © 2004, Idea Group Inc. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of Idea Group Inc. is prohibited. consistent online learning problems include learner confusion, lack of justification of student reasoning, and difficulties in grading online content. Instructors are provided with guidelines on how to take advantage of the benefits while limiting or overcoming the problems. INTRODUCTION Teaching in an online world is a relatively new and often uncertain event. With popular technologies and instructional trends coming and going, distance learning practice and policies are constantly changing. No matter how careful one may be in selecting an online course management system, he or she may be forced to drop it in favor of an inferior and untested courseware shell that was developed internally and adopted by university administrators or training managers solely because it was free. Adding to the confusion, technology trade shows as well as teaching and learning conferences continue to change their annual themes so that they all start sounding alike: “e-Learning,” “Online Learning,” “Asynchronous Learning Conference,” “Collaborate East,” “Collaborate West,” “WebNet” or “Training and Learning,” to name a few. Of course, the associated terminology also swiftly changes and evolves. One year “online learning” spews off the tongues of supposed distance learning experts. The following year everyone is clamoring to know more about “Web-based learning.” At the time of this writing, the latest buzz word from the gurus is “e-learning.” What’s next? It is no small wonder that many professors, administrators and corporate trainers are habitually nervous about each new wave of distance learning technology. Despite the anxiety caused by the many uncertainties and the accelerating pace of change, teaching online is fast becoming an expected part of one’s daily scholarly endeavors or, at the very least, a legitimate practice of one’s colleagues and home institution. A June 2000 report from the National Education Association (NEA) (2000) indicated that while only 10% of NEA members taught a distance learning course, 90% were in institutions that offered distance learning courses, 44% of which were Web based. The report also revealed that such courses were widely distributed across fields and types of institutions. More importantly, those teaching online displayed fairly positive attitudes about these experiences and the training with which they were provided. Not surprisingly, most widespread is the use of online technologies to supplement instruction in a blended learning format (Ganzel, 2001; Laster, 2003; Mantyla, 2001), combining online and face-to-face instruction. While such formats may appear costly, many argue that there is significant return on investment for blended e-learning (Barbian, 2002). Among many benefits are opportunities to create online learning communities rich in collaborative learning and to assist the learning process of adults who can now share work-related experiences around the globe (Bonk & Kim, 1998). 30 more pages are available in the full version of this document, which may be purchased using the "Add to Cart" button on the publisher's webpage: www.igi-global.com/chapter/moderating-learner-centeredlearning/27717