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David Eales: PI:T7777644: T171 02: TMA02
Question 3
(Explain Two Advantages and Two Disadvantages of Computer Conferencing
as a Medium for Learning Online.)
Advantage 1. Time.
One of the advantages stated by Dr. T. Dewar (see references) that I can
relate to is that you can study at a time that is best suited to
your own learning pattern (we all have times when we are more receptive
to information and
times when we tend to be tiered and not quite
so receptive). As we are all now supposed to be continually retraining
or updating existing skills, computer conferencing allows us to log on
at a convenient time (maybe a quiet time at work) and check
or down load messages. Time is then not missed from work.
Advantage 2. The Medium of the Net.
The Internet and especially HTML (hyper text mark-up language) gives access
to information from more than one source and in many different formats.
You can for example follow hyper links to more in-depth explanations of
a subject, view photographs, see video or watch an animation of something
that is hard to grasp from just a verbal explanation. (a good example of
this is at http://t171.open.ac.uk/t171)
All this information can be down loaded and then studied at a time best
suited to your work/learning pattern.
Disadvantage 1. Proper Training needed.
To use computer conferencing and the internet in general needs proper
training. No mater how much information or conference material is available
to the student, it is of little use if he or she spends a great deal of
their time negotiating the technology. Conference software, the use of
search engines etc. is not hard but is still a skill that needs to be learnt.
Equally teachers must be able to use the potential of computer conferencing
and the internet to bring out the best in there students, just the use
of email would not do this.
Disadvantage 2. Little or No Face to Face Contact.
People in general consciously or unconsciously use body language and facial
expressions when talking to help convey what they are saying, this is lacking
in computer conferencing so you can end up with just a question and answer
session and not a discussion. Body language and facial expressions can
also show warmth so helping to form friendships and bonding in the group.
Smileys or emoticons can go some way to address this problem, but there
is no substitute for face-to-face contact. :-) Some people
might find that the remote terminal allows them to relax and take time
to formulate their ideas, so express them self better.
References.
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