The Evolving Role of the Instructor in the Digital Age

Author(s):  
Michael F. Beaudoin

In this era of student-centered, collaborative, constructivist learning, augmented by social networks and other virtual environments featuring learner autonomy, self-direction and independence, the role of instructors in online education is undergoing continuous evolution since the advent of the Internet, and the proliferation of Learning Management Systems (LSM) to support teaching and learning. This chapter examines the role of the online instructor, and indeed, poses the provocative question: does there remain a useful and meaningful role for what is arguably the increasingly ‘invisible’ instructor in many online settings. Factors that contribute to this phenomenon, such as the proliferation of new technology, the emphasis on self-directed learning, a changing student clientele, emerging modes of assessment, etc. are noted. Findings from a various studies of student attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions of what is critical for success in online courses are highlighted, including data suggesting that the role of instructors and the features of Learning Management Systems are relatively minor factors for achieving success in online learning. The implications of these trends for the future role of the professoriate are also considered.

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anusua Ghosh ◽  
Andrew Nafalski ◽  
Zorica Nedic ◽  
Aji Prasetya Wibawa

With recent advances in technology and the Internet, the concept of teaching and learning have evolved significantly. Conventional face-to-face teaching is becoming a thing of the past as knowledge is everywhere and accessible from anywhere. Thus, a shift to e-learning is gaining momentum. Educational institute, companies, individuals and training organizations are embracing new technology and creating a shared online platform to facilitate learning, referred to as the Learning Management Systems (LMS). LMS are software that provide an online portal to collaborate in teaching and learning seamlessly, making it more productive and engaging. This paper aims to review the top ten LMSs both cloud based and open source with regards to their compatibility, usefulness, security, accessibility, scalability, stability/reliability and de-sign in general with emphasis on the recent development of the Moodle and NetLab at University of South Australia (UniSA). The open source online learning platform Moodle is adopted by UniSA to provide educators a space for collaborative learning using the optimized tools to create activities. Moreover, the Netlab online remote laboratory developed at UniSA, provides a platform for academic staff for teaching and demonstrations during lectures and for students to conduct practical experiments remotely on real laboratory equipment.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zamzami Zainuddin

The paper aims to explore the potential of the blended learning approach for higher education in Aceh. This is a conceptual paper that attempts to provide the concepts and theories associated with implementing the blended learning approach on college-level students and lecturers. Blended Learning is a learning model that is enriched with traditional learning methods and online education materials. In a typical blended learning environment, students may learn contents outside of the class through websites or Learning Management Systems (LMSs), but engage in practical, hands-on activities during class hours. The author believes the blended learning is a potentially effective approach if implemented for higher education in Aceh, especially Banda Aceh, which has adequate internet access in numerous areas. Integrating the blended learning approach will enhance students’ self-paced learning in Aceh, and in turn improve their critical thinking and collaborative learning. This study also encourages lecturers in Aceh to implement the blended learning approach in their teaching and learning practices, as well as urges the use of various LMSs or Web 2.0 tools as online learning platforms. Finally, the practice of blended learning will support Universities in Aceh in transforming teaching and learning activities from being traditional, to becoming technology-based learning environments.


10.31355/42 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 065-077
Author(s):  
Agyei Fosu

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE. Aim/Purpose...................................................................................................................................................................................................... The purpose of this study is to expand the knowledge base on factors likely to impede implementation and adoption of web-based learning management systems to blend with traditional methods of lecturing in universities to cater for the next generation of learners in Africa and Eastern Cape Province South Africa in particular. Background........................................................................................................................................................................................................ The shift from the industrial economies to 21st century digital and knowledge-based economies, fueled by rapid Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) such as Internet, YouTube, Chartrooms, Skype, Social media networks and its introduction to the educational system not only resulted in a new teaching approach globally but also paved way to usher in new generation of learners (anytime, anywhere learners) in the higher education system. Despite the fact that universities and other institutions of higher education in developed countries and some Africa countries have since recognized that the 21st century global digital and knowledge-based economies evolution has ushered in the next generation of learners, and as a result have taken the necessary steps to blend the traditional method of lecturing in higher education with web-based learning management systems in order to accommodate these learners. However, in Africa not much research have been done on the readiness of higher education institutions in terms of blending web-based learning management systems with the traditional method of lecturing to cater for the next generation of learners. Methodology....................................................................................................................................................................................................... Quantitative and two non-probability sampling methods, namely, quota and purposive sampling was used to investigate the technological skills of selected lecturers from universities within Buffalo City Metropolitan as one of the core component to check the readiness of their faculty for the next generation of learners. Contribution........................................................................................................................................................................................................ This research will add to the growing knowledge about the blending of web-based learning management with the traditional style of lecturing in higher education in the 21st century digital economies. Findings.............................................................................................................................................................................................................. The results indicated that the participating lecturers need to be trained and sup-ported in the skills of using of the ICTs and computer programs applicable to enhance web-based learning in teaching and learning environment in higher education in order to cater for the next generation of learners associated with the 21st century digital economies. Recommendations for Practitioners................................................................................................................................................................. Much as there is a need for increased in investment in infrastructure within higher education institutions to support teaching and learning, continuous sup-port and training for academics to be technologically literate and also be abreast on rapidly evolving field of ICTs is paramount as it can expedite the teaching and learning process in higher education. Recommendation for Researchers................................................................................................................................................................... There is the need to explore in depth the other two components suggested by Mishra and Koehler (2007) which can serve as barriers for successfully integration of technology into teaching and learning by locus of knowledge. Impact on Society............................................................................................................................................................................................... The research will assist stakeholders, policy makers and agencies tasked with transforming institutions of higher learning to identify the barriers likely to hinder transformation efforts and address them accordingly. Future Research................................................................................................................................................................................................. Conducting research on technological skills of students are critical in this context.


Author(s):  
Betul Özkan Czerkawski ◽  
Dawn Panagiota Gonzales

A Learning Management System (LMS) offers a set of tools for e-learning delivery and management. For institutions offering online or blended courses, an LMS has a profound impact on teaching and learning because it is the main technology used in higher education e-learning courses. This chapter discusses major trends, issues, and challenges with the LMS in the context of online instruction for higher education. The chapter ends with a discussion of new trends with LMSs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 203-217
Author(s):  
Muliadi Abdul Hamid ◽  
Sallimah Salleh ◽  
Kumar Laxman

The present study sought to explore and explain the factors influencing students’ acceptance of the Learning Management Systems (LMS) as well as to explain the effectiveness of using LMS in teaching and learning in the School of Business. The research model employed the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the theoretical framework and extends it by adding System Design, System Accessibility, Technical Support and Subjective Norm as external variables. The model was tested using responses from 98 students (n=98) taking Business Information Systems module through the data gathered by means of survey questionnaire. The analysis of the collected data supported all of the generated hypotheses and was found consistent with the TAM original findings on behavioral intention. The study also revealed that the Subjective Norm and System Design have significant influence on the students’ LMS acceptance. Findings indicate that content delivery over the web portal helped to engage students and established viable interaction which allowed them to better understand and gain knowledge on each concept. Besides this, there are several key factors to consider when conducting educational process or activity over the technology such as originality of students’ ideas, specificity of content, comments and feedback as well as class size. Theoretical and applied implications of the obtained results are discussed at the end of this report within the context of education.


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