Examining Anderson's Theory of Online Learning

Hi Everyone,

After reading Terry Anderson's second chapter, "Towards a Theory of Online Learning" it becomes very apparent that Anderson has done a great deal of research regarding this area of study.  One of the elements that I think that could be included in Anderson's model deals with how students view the learning that is taking place in the classroom, and more specifically, how they can reflect on the learning they are participating in.

I think that an important element that could be included would be a section labelled "Student Self Assessment" or even "Student Peer Assessment".  This would enable students to not only be a participant in the classroom learning, but also become designers in the material that is being presented.  Allowing students to reflect on their learning experiences can give teachers an opportunity to change and adjust the lessons to better suit the needs of their students.  Giving the students this opportunity also gives them ownership in the learning process, which can sometimes be lacking in a classroom.

The area on Anderson's "Semantic Web" would be to add a section titled "Self-Assessment" and/or "Peer Assessment" between the "Student" circle (at the top of the web) and the "Asynchronous or synchronous" circle (at the left of the web).  I believe that this would fit in nicely with the joining concept of "Paced, collaborative learning" (which is represented by the dashed line in the upper leftmost corner of the web).  This would allow the teacher to provide opportunities to the students for these types of reflections and assessments.  Furthermore, placing it near the "Asynchronous or synchronous" section would also give the students to complete these reflections either inside or outside of the classroom.  I find this beneficial, since having the chance to reflect on my learning can sometimes be best completed outside of the classroom.  Students may appreciate this since they will not have any pressure from their peers, time constraints, or even feel as though the teacher is "watching over their shoulder".

Hopefully providing this opportunity for students will further enhance and develop the the learning model that is suggested in Anderson's model, which will ultimately benefit all of the students in the classroom.

Thanks for reading!