Training in the professions frequently relies on the use of Case Studies, both to illustrate the instructional material as well as to engage the students to begin operationalizing the concepts they are studying. The former (i.e., illustrating) can be readily incorporated into the online learning materials. With respect to the latter (i.e., operationalizing), classroom settings provide instructors with opportunities to use small group discussions which they can observe (and provide input as necessary).
Who has developed this knowledge that is now being attempted to be applied? Applied to what? Scientific research?
Dennis, these are valid questions. The "knowledge" to which I refer is the "public wisdom" of a profession as represented in what would be considered "empirically validated practices" or a profession's "best practices." The application I am referring to relates to a student's ability to begin developing practice competency (as defined by a certifying or credentialing body) in using this public knowledge through reflecting on case study scenarios.
Distance education courses can effectively engage students to reflect on the application of knowledge and operationalize the knowledge using asynchronous discussions, live interactions, LMS case assignments, or written analyses. For example, many undergraduate and graduate business strategic management capstone courses use textbooks and electronic course content modules that contain knowledge concepts as well as business cases that are critically examined by students to apply the established public wisdom and best practices. The pitfalls may involve students quickly finding answers online but possible solutions might involve not "using pre-written cases and instead require students to develop their own case analysis format, use local companies and data (Johnson and Helms, 2008), use a Real-Time Case Method (Kilbane et al., 2004, Theroux and Kilbane, 2004), change the classifications for framing cases, and emphasize that students do contrasting cases analyses (Sparks and Langford, 2013)." (from Alstete and Beutell, 2016)
Yes, students using online learning platforms such as massive open online courses (MOOCs) can effectively reflect on the application of the knowledge. This can be enhanced through effective course facilitators or course mentors, practical case studies, discussion forums and well-designed quizzes. In our online courses on eye health, we have found that learners also re-use, re-mix and share some course materials (by licence) with contacts who they think might find the materials useful for learning or practice.
- Badges
- Science method
- Similar topics
- Teaching