We live in a modern era where online learning can be written with various types of content as appropriate for both the learner and the material being taught for the best learning experience. We can also use various ways to test the students to check understanding of the material.

I learned feedback is more than just giving a student feedback a grade on a final test at the end of the course. Also testing or quizzes can be used as a tool to gain confidence in the course. 

It seems the most challenging part of designing an online course is how best take advantage of the current technology available. Since technology is constantly changing, this can be a daunting task.  

I liked the history recap on the beginnings of online learning. I saw online learning evolve greatly over the years of time it took me to complete my Bachelor of Science degree. As technology and internet speeds increased, virtual inperson learning is now almost a standar. 

I learned that this technology can replace the need to dissect a real frog, which is a kinder approach to learning without harming.

One thing I am puzzled about is this ... Who actually designs the content in the AR or VR world? For example, if there are problems with our current learning management systems (LMS), we have the IT Department to call. They help with the software, connectivity issues, etc. It is usually faculty who design, create, and upload the learning materials (content) to the LMS platform. If I had to take content currently in use and re-configure it to be deliverable in a AR / VR / MR format, I would be lost! 

Like some of you who have already posted, I too teach nursing students. Sometimes it seems that students have come in to the program without having a full realization of what the jobs entails - the glamorous (Grey's Anatomy) does not translate well to handling and emptying a bedpan :( Perhaps a future for VR would be to use this technology as part of the admission screening process. This could help students realize "nope, nursing is not for me" or it may prompt the student to ask more questions before proceeding ahead with the application process. 

One of the aspects of this technology that I could not help but consider was covered in the challenges section; the cost may be too challenging to overcome. In the Ted-X presentation, if I heard correctly, the presenter said that 2.6 billion people [2016 era] have smart phones. If we are ~8 billion on the planet, what about the remaining 5.4 billion? Reasons why they may not have a smart phone: age (both extremes), cognitive abilities, physical abilities, etc. My sense is that poverty may play a huge role in why smart phones are not more prevalent around the world.… >>>

One a the things I have learned is that online learning  must have a clear and well-organized format. I have seen by myself how poorly structured online courses lose my attention completely, and the same is true for our students. The key is organization and clarity, without shortcuts.

When using a blended method, it is important to maintain a balance between asynchronous and synchronous discussions because learning needs vary from student to student.