Guest Facilitator Satrohan Mangal

Chris: I share your position on the Subject. I cannot respond to what is "not true" as I don't know to what the statement refers; nevertheless, I have evaluated teaching online in different scenarios----some controlled by variables you mentioned in your response, and I have solemnly concluded that if I were to fulfill my obligation as an online instructor, I see myself spending a significant number of hours higher than in a classroom environment when so much can be achieved in a group environment in a shorter time. Satrohan

Chris: Here again, you have mentioned a criterion I have overlooked everytime I address this question. It is perhaps because I am not immersed in "Technical Training" especially those which are "trade-based". I have never given much thought to licensing. Thank you for the addition. Satrohan

Chris: Your last sentence says it all. This will all work if an institution cna deliver courses in both formats. Satrohan

Chris: In your rsponse, you have certainly added another another dimension that I have never considered before----peer pressure, and I am a written face. Satrohan

Joanne: Agreed. Theory based knowledge lends itself well to online learning. Moreover, students demonstrating competence in performance-based skills should be mandatory especially when the consequences of error are high. Some institutions adopt a hybrid approach in which students complete the theory-based components in an online environment, and participate in on-site practicums to demonstrate mastery of competencies that are skill-based. The challenge is for institutions which want to adopt total delivery of the course content in an online environment. Satrohan

Josefer: The hybrid approach, in my opinion, would yield bette results. The only setback is if your institution targets a student population that is international or in States separated by distances that would prevent students travelling for onsite sessions. Satrohan

Josefer: Your point about "in-person instruction and evaluation" is well taken. Question for you. Do you think the massage therapy program will be suitable for hybrid delivery------part online---part face-to-face? Satrohan

Fernando: My personal experience confirms to your conclusion about the degree of effort an instructor has to expend when teaching in an online environment Vs in a traditional classroom environment. Many Instructors with whom I have consulted share the same opinion. Even Instructors who are retired Professors and Deans who have much more time on their hands attest to the fact that much more effort has to be expended when teaching in an online environment. Satrohan

Fernando: This has been a concern for many institutions; not so much for students who are are already professionsal; but for students who are undergraduates and lower. I do not know of any way in which you can verify the authenticity of students online. Some institutions administer proctored exams as a way of encouraging students to do their own work. Satrohan

Julie: Many Instructors with whom I have worked share the same opinion. In my experience, I have found that teaching a course in an online environment is more time consuming than teaching it in an on-the-ground setting. Satrohan