I was surprised to see that much of eLearning is derived from the PSI and A-T theories from the 1960's. To me, it seemed that the internet gave rise to virtual space to combine both and improve upon them, however these are still the foundation to eLearning.
1. What are key similarities or striking differences between the theories/models in a given unit? Do the theories/models in a unit share any common foundations or principles?
A combination of the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) the Audio-Tutorial method (A-T)allow for learning at the individual's pace, similar to today's eLearning and Web based training. The Keller system of the PSI is however more in line with the asynchronous educational system in today's online environment: with content sequenced and broken into smaller modules, testing after each module and the opportunity for proctor. This has more structure while the A-T seem to provide more of a self study approach with the audio being the main content together with supplementary materials and the need for involvement of a facilitator to meet for status checks and assessments.
2. What are your initial reactions to these learning theories/models? What are barriers to their use? What benefits might be expected for those who overcome the barriers?
My initial reaction was that audio tapes are outdated and seem to have no structure while the PSI seemed very rigid and too structured. The barrier of use of the A-T is that there has to be some type of assembly or meeting to for assessment. It cannot be asynchronous and would be difficult to function independently. On the other had the PSI seem to be more isolated and structured with no facilitation or forum for learners to share ideas. I think a combination of both these theories will provide a good learning system; tapping to the different senses, having a structure or system to follow with self assessment and improvement, facilitation and assembly to share.
3. Would you attempt to use any of these theories/models with the students you are currently teaching or hope to teach in the future? Why or why not? Could elements of the theories/models be modified so that they would work with your current/future students?
I think element of both model can be combined to create improved teaching and learning. With the A-T model I think the independent study session, General assembly session, Small assembly session provide the opportunity for collaboration (e.g. break out sessions) and Community of Practice for sharing of ideas and solutions. The ingredients of repetition, association, adaptation to the individual student needs, provision of appropriate experiences relevant to the course objectives, the use of an integration-experience approach, with each activity supplementing previous experiences would result in a greater application model. In addition. the Personal System of Instruction allows for a more structured environment and assessment at more frequent checkpoints so learners can be be more independent and self assess themselves. This system is more about doing than listening. I like that it outlines the objectives, the small learning modules with self assessment and immediate feedback and positive reinforcement. I think the PSI would for the structure or system and the A-T would supplement the activities or application of some of the modules.
4. Since we're taking learning theories/models that were not necessarily created with the Web in mind and turning them into Web modules, what Web-based tools or resources could be leveraged to carry out these learning theories/models online? Please spend some time identifying tools and resources for this last point, as this background research should help you complete your projects more efficiently.
- I like the use of Jing. It is from Techsmith which creates Camtasia and Snagit, two very powerful tools to create some Web Modules. It is a free tool however less robust but it can be leveraged to create small modules of learning content with audio and video which appeals to different senses, application of how to do items etc.
- I have also used and been in classes that use Twitter to share ideas and respond to those ideas.
- I have created podcasts of more easily with Podomatic. Podcasts can be used for things like audio presentations etc.
- I have used Delicious and Diigo to share bookmarks with group members.
Hello Gena,
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point about combining different teaching models and theories. In my evaluation class, I always combined several assessment approaches by utilizing all of the advantages of my favorite approaches in one assessment. At the same time by focusing on the benefits of each approach, I consciously try to negate the shortfalls by compensating benefits across the different models.
Hi Dale
DeleteThanks for sharing. At my current job we are always taling about the different senses and modes to capture the different audiences' learning styles etc. I thout both styles were pretty advanced thinking for the 60's and seems to me like the groundwork for what we have today in distance learning.
Gena, nice summary of ideas from these two models, with some benefits and potential drawbacks to each. Sounds like you have some experience designing similar training materials for adults. Good list of tools that could be used to build self-paced modules, but also to share resources and ideas with a group of learners (i.e., tools like Twitter, Diigo, etc.).
ReplyDeleteHi Kevin. At my job, I design for adults in the corporate world and a blended approach is the magic word to appeal the different learning styles and senses. I can also see how these styles are frameworks for the design od distance learning together with the technology we have today. Thanks!
DeleteGena, I agree audio tapes are outdated, but they are still used, and a lot of university libraries still have the ability to listen to tape recordings, but many have been converted to CD or even DVD if there is a visual component. I had a class use both audio tapes and CDs a few years back when I was working on my BA. Interestingly enough, the school I attended for my BA and MA still does not offer any online classes. I keep waiting for that to change, but it hasn't done so thus far.
ReplyDeleteI agree a combination of the two seems to offer the best option in today's world. Neither works really well, but the combination of the two is powerful - even in today's world. We just have to look beyon the audio tape to a podcast or other similar technology or a DVD combining audio and video sessions if in F2F class with an outside work requirement other than reading.
Love your list of tools. I'm learning so much about all the tools available - now if I can just get Uncle Sam to get on board.
Hi Melissa. Thanks for sharing. the sound of audio casettes brought up outdated to my mind, but you are right audio is still prevalent and important. Instead of tapes we have podcasts, cds, MP3s we can download to a flash drive, our phones etc and take anywhere. I thought the idea of audio casettes was a breakthrough to the use of technology with training. I can only imagine what the reaction was at that time. Good luck getting the tools you need.
DeleteHi Gena,
ReplyDeleteYour remarks about the A-T model got me to thinking. I wonder if some aspects of the group assemblies - e.g. the small group sessions - could be done asynchronously? Maybe the group session is handled through a discussion board while the assessment component is done online? Or, maybe the discussion board is the assessment component? Instructors often use discussion components to assess learners.
I'm not sure...seems to me like we can make it more asynchronous that way. However, there are multiple tools available that would enable online students to "assemble" together in the online environment synchronously. Google+ Hangouts and Blackboard Collaborate come to mind as I've worked with those - however there are a multitude of web conferencing applications.
Since these models were created before all these new technologies came out - it would make sense to tweak each model in a way which makes them function better in the online learning environment. Or, as you mentioned, pull certain elements out of both models to use.
I see you mentioned Snag-it in your post too. I LOVE Snag-it! I used Snag-it before Windows came out with their own screen-shot "snipping tool" which is completely horrible when compared to snag-it. You must write a lot of "how to" instructional docs in your job....I do too.