Navigating the world of online learning can be akin to steering a ship through uncharted waters. The potential for knowledge is vast, but the journey's success often hinges on the course charted by the educational content and its delivery. Let's dive into my voyage through the digital learning seas, highlighting good and bad experiences and the insights I've gained.
The Tale of Two Courses: A Study in Contrast
Recently, I completed an online course taught by a university professor focused on the Go programming language. Despite its comprehensive curriculum and high student ratings, the experience felt akin to being adrift due to its poorly paced delivery and the instructor's penchant for rambling. The instructor’s delivery, rather than facilitating learning, became a barrier, turning what should have been a smooth sail into a choppy ride.
Frustrated with the structure of that course, I began to look for other resources, and I stumbled upon a beacon in the fog—Jon Calhoun's free tutorials on the same subject. Jon’s tutorials were like a lighthouse guiding me to practical shores. Free from unnecessary musings, each lesson was directly applicable to real-world programming. This experience bolstered my coding skills and restored my faith in the effectiveness of well-structured digital learning.
In addition to the free tutorials on Jon’s site, he delivers relevant Go approaches to students through his email list. Jon goes beyond the typical email marketing fluff designed to convert free training participants into paid customers. His emails mirror his instructional style—to the point and relevant to the daily challenges faced by developers using Golang in production for large-scale projects. Jon establishes and maintains trust through his instructional approach. You believe that Jon’s material is worth your time. This is key to success in an online learning context.
The university's Go programming course could have been significantly enhanced by focusing on the pacing and relevance of the content. A more streamlined approach, devoid of the professor's digressions, would allow students to engage more deeply with the practical aspects of the language, mirroring the efficiency of Jon Calhoun's tutorials. The university professor’s instructional approach convinced me of one thing - that the professor believed he was a superior Go developer. Jon Calhoun convinced me that I could be a superior Go developer. The attitudinal differences between the two Go instructors produce two very different experiences for the learner.
Those Mandatory Workforce Training Programs
Early in my career, I was required to complete a mandatory HR training module while working for a large and highly regulated employer. Guided by a Behaviorist philosophy, the course required rote responses to progress through modules focused on workplace behavior, communication, and conflict resolution. The learner was cycled through the same prompts over and over until a desired response was received. This method felt more like checking boxes than genuinely engaging with the content. To improve this, integrating interactive elements that promote reflection and discussion could help bridge the gap between theory and practical, internalized learning.
A critical test that any course must pass involves the learner’s evaluation of the instructor's intentions. Challenging material becomes exhilarating if the learner agrees with the instructor’s intentions and goals. In the case of the mandatory HR course, it was clear that the goal of the course was to manage organizational liability. If there is no perceived value for the learner, only the possibility of avoiding pain, then course engagement will remain low. The coercive nature of the Behaviorist approach produces resentment toward the concepts presented in the course.
Lessons Learned and Knowledge Retained
The knowledge retained from Jon Calhoun's tutorials was remarkable. The direct application of coding examples to real-world scenarios enabled better engagement and enhanced recall. However, the HR training left much to be desired regarding lasting impact. The rigid, response-based structure led to a superficial grasp of the material, less likely to be remembered or applied effectively in daily interactions.
Insights on Learning from Online Experiences
These experiences have illuminated several truths about online learning. First, engagement is crucial. Digital courses that resonate on a practical level and encourage active participation will constantly outshine those who merely seek to transfer information in a one-dimensional manner. Second, online learning design should be learner-centered, adapting to the audience's needs rather than rigid pedagogical models.
Incorporating principles from Constructivist learning theories, such as problem-based learning (PBL) and situated learning, could transform passive courses into engaging learning experiences. For instance, the Go programming course could include collaborative projects or real-time coding sessions, where learners apply concepts in a context that mirrors real-life scenarios. Similarly, HR training could benefit from scenario-based learning, where employees navigate complex interpersonal situations through simulation, promoting empathy and a better understanding of diverse perspectives.
Moreover, applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles could ensure that courses accommodate diverse learning preferences and needs, making digital learning inclusive and accessible to all. This includes providing multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression, ensuring learners can interact with the content in ways that suit their learning styles and abilities.
My online learning journey has been full of valuable lessons, from the highs of practical, streamlined tutorials to the lows of disengaging, overly theoretical courses. These experiences have shaped my understanding of digital education and highlighted the importance of thoughtful course design and delivery. As we continue to navigate the digital learning landscape, let's steer towards courses that inform, inspire, and transform. With the right approach, online learning can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, equipping learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.
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