Peer Review

Online Courses: Teaching and Learning Online

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Feb 20, 2012 by Teacher Education

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Ratings

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Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

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Overview:: The Project Based Learning site provides information about developing, teaching and learning online to new and current online users. The PBL site provides virtual instruction, strategies to help expand and understand the pedagogy of online teaching and learning. It also provides examples and illustrations to support the instructor for an online course in Project Based Learning.
Type of Material:: This is an Online course which uses simulations, graphics, and training for professionals and students. It is a learning object repository and laboratory.
Recommended Uses:: The site is recommended for in and out of class use, faculty training and development, undergraduate and graduate student use, lectures, consultants, etc.
Technical Requirements:: Browsers: Google Chrome, Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. Microsoft Word is recommended, PowerPoint or PowerPoint Viewer. Plugins include Adobe Reader, QuickTime Player and Adobe Flash Player.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: Project Based Learning (PBL) is an inquiry based process for teaching and learning. Students focus on a complex question or problem and then work in groups. The purpose of this site is to help users gain and enhance knowledge and pedagogy of virtual instruction.
Target Student Population:: The target audience can be college students and professors, high school teachers and students and anyone interested in creating and taking online courses.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: Basic computer skills

Content Quality

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Strengths:: The outstanding feature of this site is its simplicity. It is easy to understand and navigate which makes it accessible to many users. It incorporates various styles of learning has good visual elements, graphics, downloadable manuals, users guide for faculty and students, sample courses for viewing, and provide basic checklists. The content is easy to understand and does not require pre-requisite knowledge for users.
Concerns:: This process does require time for planning. In 'Frequently Asked Questions' the writers said that this is true because it changes the nature of the teacher planning process. Teachers spend more time planning.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

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Strengths:: The purpose of the site is to help users gain and enhance knowledge and pedagogy of virtual instruction in project based learning. This objective has been met by the site as it provides a check list for students to understand the expectations and netiquette for online learning; understanding the use of time management and working independently while keeping pace with the course; understand e-learning formats and terminology; understand hardware and software; and understand search engines and internet safety. The site also provides guidelines and samples to teach faculty to develop project based learning courses and checklist and manuals assist faculty with course development. Additionally, the site is a good tutorial for faculty and students to get a basic understanding of the expectations of teaching and learning in the online environment.
Concerns:: Managing students in groups online is a task. The biggest problem is effective communication. This material was added to Merlot in November, 2009. Technology has changed since 2009. Students now use live chat and video for group work. Free conference calling is available. Blackboard's recent update with Bb Collaborate allows groups the ability to discuss, talk and plan with simultaneously transmissions of up to six video cameras and six simultaneous talkers per session. Desktops and content can be shared in the group. The inquiry based process for group collaboration used in the with this new technology would be very effective...and very exciting for the teacher and students.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

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Strengths:: The site is easy for teachers to use for the first time. Labels, buttons, menus and the general layout are easy to follow and access. The home page features a 'Welcome', 'Site Map' and 'FAQS'. Teachers can download a teacher's guide, a sample of a PBL online course and available PBL online courses from Boise State University - Department of Educational Technology. The link http://www.pbl-online.org/PBLOnlineCourse/PBLonline_resources.htm provides teachers with excellent resource materials including organizational websites, an overview of project based learning and project examples. The material presented is excellent.
Concerns:: Several links were broken in the teachers' resource section. A teacher's planning time is valuable. Researching this site takes time.

Other Issues and Comments:: This is a good site for faculty members who are not comfortable with teaching online and students that need a tutorial.
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