"Tommy, can you hear me?"

The good news about online learning ... I was sitting in my kitchen, having a cup of tea, working within my own schedule, preparing to write this blog. Ahh, the benefits of online learning!

The bad news... writer's block! I stared at my screen, waiting for
inspiration to strike. Another cup of tea. I made cinnamon rolls and ate too many of them. I looked at the blank screen again.

Sigh.

Luckily, my husband came downstairs and asked what I was doing. As I told him that I was stuck on what to write, and we brainstormed some ideas, it occurred to me how important it is to combine the wonders of technology with meaningful relationships. Think of today's families, in which members come home, go to their own rooms to work in isolation on computers, or use video games or other technology instead of working together on homework, or having a meal together....

The same technology that is providing us with so many advantages is also creating a separation from the people or things to which we should be giving our attention. I recently heard a discussion on the radio regarding people who are text messaging in church, or when dining out with friends. One of my counseling students reported that her client was text messaging while she was writing his family tree on a wall chart!He thought she wouldn't notice, since her back was turned toward him.



What does this say about our ability to engage in a meaningful way with the important people in our lives? How do you feel when you are out with someone, involved in a conversation, and then told to wait while your friend takes a call that obviously is more important than you are at that moment?

I then began to think of how excessive use of technology might result in feelings of isolation and disconnection. I recalled the movie "Tommy" which was based on a rock opera by the band The Who. Tommy witnesses the murder of his father by his stepfather, and becomes "deaf, dumb and blind" in response. He is then subjected to abuse by many caretakers. Tommy goes deeper and deeper into himself until one day he finds an old pinball machine. He plays it for self-stimulation, and becomes a pinball wizard celebrity. Tommy used his connection with pinball to get his needs met, but it only increased his disconnection with people. In the happy ending world of Hollywood, Tommy eventually breaks his tie to the machine and is able to re-enter the world and reconnect with others.

Of course, this is just a movie, but it is interesting in the sense that it illustrates how we can get so hooked into technology! How many times each day do you look at your e-mail? How often do you play with your children? Take a walk with your partner?

On the other hand, ya gotta love technology! We have had a lot of fun in our online learning
course, worked hard, and have even gotten some new colleagues/friends. I admit I feel a sense of knowing my fellow class members through their postings.

So, how can we design our online classes to address the group process and eliminate some potential for isolation? Here are some links to ideas on this issue:

"Meaningful And Interactive Distance Learning Supported By The Use Of Metaphor And Synthesizing Activities." Abstract: "This study describes the nature and structure of an introductory educational psychology course in a distance education (DE) medium. Our aims were twofold: to minimize the common problem of isolation among DE students and to restructure the course content from a set of discrete topics to one that attempted to unify the content. To minimize feelings of isolation, students were exposed to structured group activities where they were required on a weekly basis to communicate with one another about the content. Moreover, they were presented with a Ship metaphor that functioned as a means of bonding the students. To help students reconceptualize and personalize course content, we used a series of "Big Ideas" that prompted them to synthesize topics across the domain. Our findings showed that student interactions online involved personal, administrative, and higher-level intellectual exchanges on issues in the field. Moreover, they readily adopted the Ship as their own, giving it a name, and taking on roles for themselves that would help the entire crew. Through structured tasks and online conferences, students assisted one another both within and across groups in discussing ideas and relating them to one another. Recommendations for DE course design and implementation best practices are offered."
(source: De Simone, C., Lou, Yiping,& Schmid, R. F. (2001). Meaningful And Interactive Distance Learning Supported By The Use Of Metaphor And Synthesizing Activities. Journal of Distance Education/Revue de l'enseignement à distance ISSN: 0830-0445 Retrieved August 3, 2007 from http://cade.athabascau.ca/vol16.1/desimoneetal.html)

In this article, "Muhammad Betz engages in a relevant discussion to assist instructors in establishing instructional strategies that promote vibrant online learning teams. Betz highlights recent research studies that reveal the complexity of small group dynamics. The author describes essential best teaching practices such as creating a team charter to help instructors to effectively manage their learning teams. Betz offers insights into the University of Phoenix and its instructional strategies to encourage interactivity, quality student work, and positive learning experiences."

Source: Online Learning Teams: Indispensable Interaction
Muhammad K. Betz (2004)Online learning teams: Indispensible interaction. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning,
Vol 1. No. 6.ISSN 1550-6908 Retrieved August 3, 2007 from http://itdl.org/Journal/Jun_04/article03.htm



Now, get off your computer and go deliver some hugs!

Image sources:
Hugs:www.townofmossbank.com
Woman sleeping at computer: www.digitalsalvation.com
Couple talking:www.jupiterimages.com
Cinnamon rolls: www.bakesalesforbodyarmor.org
Woman drinking tea:www.kencolocal.co.uk
Tommy: www.cinemanow.com
Loving computers: sh013.k12.sd.us