Online Learning's Tools Remain Indispensible

The easing of pandemic restrictions promises a return to more classroom instruction. But is it so easy to cast aside all the clear advantages that online learning provided?

“For some, the urgency of the pandemic created a negative impression of online learning,” says UCN Instructional Specialist Larry McCallum. “Courses were developed quickly. But when used carefully, online instruction has some clear advantages over classroom.”

A blended approach to instruction can leverage the best aspects of classroom and online learning.

“Online technology isn’t just for now — it’s the future of higher education,” says Associate Vice-President Harvey Briggs.

Don't forget me!

Take dropboxes, for example. They eliminate the ambiguities and logistical challenges that come with receiving assignments by other means. A UCNLearn dropbox time-stamps students’ submissions. This removes any possible doubt when students claim they’ve submitted assignments but haven’t.

“To me, there’s no better way,” says Briggs, who began using digital dropboxes in 2000.

A dropbox also provides marking tools to make marking easier for the instructor — and feedback clearer for the student. And it integrates with other UCNLearn features — the rubric and the gradebook, both labour-saving tools.

An LMS like UCNLearn also supports classroom learning by reinforcing the course’s structure and sequence. “It gives students a ‘place’ or locus for their asynchronous course work and helps them stay on track,” McCallum says.

Video: Grading & Annotating Assignments in Dropbox