Online learning behavior : What does it actually look like?

Online learning behavior : What does it actually look like?

Janpha Thadphoothon

How do we know when people 'learn' online? This is a question worth answering and exploring in details. Online learning behavior is hard to observe as it may not occur in class. When people learn online, they may so so any time and anywhere. They may make a few phubs in class or they may do it before they fall asleep.

Online learning or e-learning  is not a fad or a short-term hoohaa. it's here to stay. We can look at it as an integral part of human life.

It's not just a way of studying for a certificate or degree without needing to attend classes on campus; it's a way of life. Its effects have been felt across the globe. We have seen the fact that online contents have revolutionized the print media, research, and giving new roles to many jobs and positions.

It has been regarded as an alternative, aiming at those who wish to study for a undergraduate /postgraduate qualification alongside work or other commitments.

Photo credit: https://onlinelearninginsights.wordpress.com/2012/02/13/is-there-a-future-for-e-textbooks-in-online-courses/

With smartphones and Internet connection and access, more and more people nowadays rely on information from the Internet.

In terms of behavior, it is interesting to note that when people /students do learn online, they may not appear to be learning. What is visible to our eyes is simple students phubbing in class or playing games. Whether or not they are playing games or learning/reading, we can't tell. Their appearance may be identical. Are you playing games or chatting? or are they searching for something?

This is an issue. What the teachers perceive as learning behavior may have to change. Not to mention the roles of both teachers and students, which have been gradually changed. 

With a smartphone and 4G, a phone is not just a telephone. It can be everything including a university, not to mention a learning tool.

A smartphone is:

- a collection of libraries

- a set of tutors

- a set of experts

- a set of games for entertainment

- a community

- a plave to vent their feelings

and much more

The sad news is that all of those elements are not within the capacity of any individual teacher or school administrator to manage or control.