October 2004 — Web/Net
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Course Management Systems and the Reinvention of Instruction
In this way, the virtual community functions actually would be used to create a virtual community of students sharing information and learning from each other, rather than participating just because they would be graded. In addition, the virtual classroom functionality could be used by the instructor for selected students as a reinforcement of the course concepts, as well as a way for subgroups of students to get feedback from the teacher.By using the CMS for the course’s organization, then the purpose of class time would be almost exclusively devoted to discussion and student activities. Freed from having to repeat past activities, instructors could become more engaged in the process of sharing ideas. The students could become more active learners, taking more responsibility for what they learn and becoming more important in the dynamic of the classroom.
In summary, by using the CMS as a supplement rather than as the spine, teachers are taking a technology that could help reinvent their teaching style and making it fit into their old lecture-based teaching styles. Rather than rethinking what happens in the classroom, teachers use the latest technology to defend the old factory model of education. Although, using a CMS to its fullest extent would enable us to redefine what happens in the classroom — essentially redefining what a classroom experience is. Reorganizing a course in this light is ultimately a political issue. Classroom activity that consists of a teacher lecturing is a classroom the teacher dominates. However, classroom activity that consists of a teacher and students in group discussion is a classroom where power is to some degree shared.
References
Hall, J. 2003. “Assessing Learning Management Systems.” Chief Learning Officer. January. Online: http://www.clomedia.com/content/templates/clo_feature.asp?articleid=91&zoneid=29.
Murray, B. 2004. “What Makes Students Stay?” eLearn Magazine 12 October 12. Online: Click here.
Terry, N. 2001. “Assessing Enrollment and Attrition Rates for the Online MBA.” T.H.E. Journal February. Online: http://www.thejournal.com/magazine/vault/A3299.cfm.
Van de Pol, J. 2001. “A Look at Course Management Systems.” IT Times May/June. Online: http://ittimes.ucdavis.edu/june2001/cms.html.
About the Authors
Mitchell Rabinowitz is a professor of educational psychology and the director of the Center for Technology at Fordham University in New York . His specialization is in the areas of instructional design and skill acquisition. E-mail: mrabinowitz@fordham.edu
Craig Ullman invented and led the technology and content development for eSchool Online, the first convergent Web application for education, and holds five foundational patents on multimedia and the Internet. He is currently a partner in Networked Politics (http://www.networkedpolitics.com), a consulting company for campaign management in digital media.
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