The current model of information processing is a continuous cycle. It allows for constant learning, interaction, production, output, and input. It is no longer linear as it used to be before current technologies and there is no beginning or end to the cycle. This model makes it possible for learners to really expand on every topic, assignment, etc. The linear model was very directional and limited. The overall outcome on society is a learning opportunity that through time and evolution will make the human race much more intelligent than we would have otherwise been. We are inadvertently learning more which surely has a positive effect on business and society in general.

I receive mixed opinions from students who have taken online courses. Many do not like them for a number of reasons. For those who really like online courses and do well it seems that they are often times better on campus students as well. The students who fail online courses and have negative comments are often times the same students who do not do well on campus. The reasons vary greatly and there is no rhyme or reason. I believe that online or even hybrid learners have to realize that it is really up to them to focus on the class work and most importantly to communicate with their instructors especially if there is something they do not understand.

Assessing my students really involves making the effort to understand their learning process. A study noted implications for the necessity to emphasize increased strategies to improve motivation and participation in online discussions (part of process of learning in the e-environment) (Changiz, Haghani, & Nowroozi, 2013) Reference Changiz T, Haghani F, Nowroozi N. (2013). Are postgraduate students in distance medical education program ready for e-learning? A survey in Iran. J Educ Health Promot. 2013 Oct 30;2:61. doi: 10.4103/2277-9531.120862. eCollection 2013.

Hybrid courses sound wonderful --- as the module pointed out: benefit is getting the best of both in class and online situations. Although my online courses so far have been solely online this hybrid scenario make so much sense. Medical professionals are benefiting from online hybrid simulation education (Daniel & Wilfong, 2014). Reference Daniel L1, N-Wilfong D.Empowering interprofessional teams to perform effective handoffs through online hybrid simulation education. Crit Care Nurs Q. 2014 Apr-Jun;37(2):225-9. doi: 10.1097/CNQ.0000000000000023.

I find it interesting that many faculty members believe that anything they do in education can be justified as not needing copyright clearance because it is educational usage. If faculty just thought about textbooks, they could see that this was not the case. We must purchase textbooks and not just make copies of them. They have a copyright and are, for the most part, purely intended for educational usage. Would someone write a textbook if they would never receive payment because it was for educational usage? Obviously there are many things that have copyrights attached to them that still require obtaining the rights to them when used in an educational setting. I see faculty using music in online chat rooms without proper copyright clearance. There are specific laws that govern that and rights must be obtained. The university I work with now has a license to use certain music and I am fine to use as long as I make sure the music is from approved lists based on the license agreements. Similar rights are needed for graphics too. It is always best to find out what your university licenses are available and how you must proceed. I have even been in in-service training when the person training mentions that copyrights are not something we must worry about because we are in education. Not true! Craig

Using graphics in my lectures brings the subject matter alive. A study noted the use of graphics was helpful for online learners to visualize the complexity of a given topic that would have been otherwise more difficult to put the graphical concept into words (Longmuir, 2014). Reference Longumuir, K. J. (2014). Interactive computer-assisted instruction in acid-base physiology for mobile computer platforms. Adv Physiol Educ. 38(1):34-41. doi: 10.1152/advan.00083.2013.

Chats in online sessions can be invaluable. Of course, it is also important to be cognizant of the potential drawbacks to chat sessions such as slower typists not being 'heard' as quickly. However, chats can be very helpful; chat discussions have proven to be very valuable in clinical online learning environments (Silva, Furegato, & Godoy, 2008.) Reference Silva, E. C., Furegato, A. R., Godoy, Sd. (2008). Clinical case studies in mental health by means of the on-line discussion. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 16(3):425-31.

Lecturing in an online environment needs consideration for the target audience and technology capabilities. When I present healthcare related topics, integrating problem-based learning within the lecture is a wonderful way to optimally reach my audience. I also must understand the limitations of the technology I'm working with. Al-Azri and Ratnapalan (2014) noted that online problem-base learning is a great means of presenting continuing medical education. Reference Al-Azri, H., & Ratnapalan, S.(2014). Problem-based learning in continuing medical education: Review of randomized controlled trials. Can Fam Physician. 60(2):157-65.

Navigation ease is very crucial for well developed online course. It is very necessary to assess the most optimal way for students to be able to easily navigate through courses. This module was great to point out the need for students to be able to find their way through the online environment. Formative assessment methods were noted are a means of providing essential information to course developers, emphasizing the necessity to maintain user friendly navigation techniques (Skye, Wimsatt, Master-Hunter, & Locke, 2011). Reference Skye, E. P., Wimsatt, L. A., Master-Hunter, T. A.,& Locke, A. B. (2011). Developing online learning modules in a family medicine residency. Fam Med. 43(3):185-192.

I am lucky that the nature of my students work in the industry allows them and expects them to create portfolios. Portfolios exhibit their best work and shows their skills, talent and capabilities. It is also a way for them to talk about business solutions solved and how many times the student have reworked a project to get it to where it is. Hiring managers and Professors often will critique this portfolio. In that way a portfolio is an ongoing process and students can see the progress themselves. It give them confidence.

Let me say that I for one do not see Social Media as a time waster. Do not get me wrong, it can be. I also believe that we teach our students how to best use this platform, it can serve them so well. I have two Facebook accounts, one for me, mostly for game playing (it does cut down on my stress). AND a professional one. I do not friend my students until they have graduated from their chosen course work. Once I friend them, they are encouraged to network, with other graduates, other professionals on my account, and the career sites I am linked into. My current students are given the career sites to start reading and finding graduates from their course. These were wheel based courses, so many of them were in school with each other already. Having access to graduates has made a huge difference to my retention and sit pass rates for their certification testing. I do not feel this could have been accomplished without this media. What are your feelings on the social media?

In order to be a successful hybrid facilitator of learning, one must also be versed in the pedagogy of campus-based and online education. The demand for online faculty members continues to rise since learning can, and often does take place very effectively through the appropriate use of technology as institutions attempt to deliver superior value. Faculty members should become online students first and learn the pedagogy of online education in order to create a healthy learning environment. Understanding its practical application, successes, challenges, and best practices can be of great assistance as a starting place. Education using blended pedagogies and online technology has achieved a special market by offering quality programs convenient to students regardless of geography. It is through the efforts of competent faculty members that online and hybrid formats of education can offer great value to students

E-learning also offers interactivity. This type of interactivity can be in the form of simply clicking on appropriate responses to questions, clicking to animate an object or start a process, or dragging and dropping items to practice a skill. Interactive games based on the training message are also very effective at improving learning. Now, you may be thinking of "Doom" or "Tomb Raider," but gaming in a training setting doesn't have to be quite that elaborate -- although it certainly can be!

Instructors must establish expectations. These expectations help the instructor effectively manage the online classroom. Expectations put all students on the same page. Some students have great study habits and then others do not. This is why expectation must be communicated to everyone. The class expectations need to be consistent and clear. It cannot be assumed that every student understands what is expected. The Online instructor must use announcements to post expectations and provide the students with a means for ask questions.

The use of multimedia appears to be a necessity with this generation of learners.

There is always the question, is online learning as effective as classroom learning. My opinion is that it depends entirely on the course and its content. Some classes are very effective online whereas others simply are not. Like anything, it is not 100% effective in every case. Some classes require memorizing terms and/or dates. That may be a very effective online course. However, if you are teaching a class that requires projects, 3D work, mounted work, and difficult processes, it may not be a good candidate for an online course. Because people learn in different ways, online can be a great option for some. If learners are not disciplined and are not focused, online courses can be a disaster. Colleges need to closely examine course content before developing an online course. They may also need to take a close look at their demographic and determine if their student body are the type of learners that will succeed online.

Hello All, I was pondering on what I wanted to talk about after viewing this particular module. I began to think of my level of technological expertise and upon finishing my evaluation I must say that I am pretty savvy. That being said, I think it is important for instructors to at least have the basics down when it comes to the technology necessary for our classrooms. Although primarily, our responsibility is course content, I think it is also important that we are able to answer questions that students may have regarding technology (i.e. how to attach multiple documents). What are your thoughts? Gregory Becoat

At what scale are online assessments measured ?

Are using Asynchronous assignments in an on ground environment as effective as an online environment ?

Do you think students get a better understanding of the concept if they are forced to come in and do the modular learning appose to just doing it online with no instructor?