Desirable Characteristics of an Ideal Online Learning Environment

Rusen Meylani, Gary Bitter, Jane Legacy
2015 Journal of Educational and Social Research  
The latest advances in Internet and multimedia have increased the popularity of online learning environments. Although every new online learning environment (OLE) claims to have introduced one or more novelties, not every OLE is successful in creating a long and lasting impact in learners' knowledge. In this article, we have analyzed the recent research literature relevant to online and e-learning as well as computer based instruction with the purpose of identifying the desirable
more » ... of an ideal new generation OLE. Ultimately, this research aims to serve as a guideline for the creators of the existing and novel OLE's for superior teaching and learning experiences. 212 different settings. The Need for Professional Development Lindstrom and Speck (2004) defined that professional development as a "lifelong, collaborative learning process that nourishes the growth of individuals, teams, and the school through a daily, job-embedded, learner-centered, focused approach". Professional development in the context of education generally refers to the ongoing learning opportunities made available to teachers and other education personnel, through their schools and districts. Professional development has two specific goals: 1) to meet the needs of the participants (teachers), and 2) to improve student learning and success (Stiles et al., 2009) . Thus professional development is of utmost significance in order to achieve high levels of implementation fidelity. Therefore it follows that: Desirable Characteristic 15: In order for an OLE to be successful, it must be implemented withy fidelity and for this to happen, the facilitators must know how to use the OLE intimately. Thus, the OLE must come with online and/or offline professional development modules such as tutorials, seminars, webinars, etc. Adopting of new instructional paradigms In view of the changing and constantly increasing demands for e-learning, Greiner et al. (2004) claim that educators needs to develop new instructional paradigms in order to effectively meet the needs of learners. There are examples of innovative instructional models which support efficient knowledge construction in a web-based environment enabling long-term knowledge retention. Therefore it follows that: Desirable Characteristic 16: An OLE must possess the flexibility to adopt new and useful instructional paradigms as they emerge. Conclusion This literature review concentrated on one central theme; the desirable characteristics of an OLE. In summary, an ideal OLE uses computer tutorials and online learning activities; uses multimedia elements, simulations and manipulatives in an interactive way; uses the dimensions of online learning to create positive attitudes in learners; supports different types of learning experiences; provides online quizzes and gives feedback on the results; enables customized and adaptive instruction; provides assistance for learner reflection; provides scaffolding for online learning; is accessible anywhere, anytime; enables distance learning through interactive online learning activities; supports cooperative learning; addresses multiple intelligences; conforms to educational standards; provides guidelines for high fidelity of implementation in diverse settings; provides online and offline professional development modules; and is flexible to adopt new and useful instructional paradigms fast as they emerge.
doi:10.5901/jesr.2015.v5n1p203 fatcat:3rhboaj43ncqrea5wjiy2bvxgu