Challenges In Online Computing Classes

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There are challenges that should be considered by online learners and teachers.  Based on my teaching experiences to teach Web-based class components, I summarize some prominent challenges for both teachers and learners.  First, reading in the online learning package might be overwhelming when learners just start to learn online.  Second, even though online learning makes self-paced learning possible, it requires a learner to be disciplined and persistent. 


As a teacher, I am interested in the instructor role in an online class.  Here are some questions I ask myself.  

1. How to guide students to read effectively and efficiently?  Some students are good readers, but others are not.  Traditional text books and lots of online materials are too much for students who are new to learn online.  How to help these students to maximize their learning from reading?  Working examples and problem-solving questions seem working fine with textbooks. But is there an alternative way to organize the the materials in a more structured, networked way?  Can we have NEW "textbooks" for online classes?

2. How to help students be disciplined learners?  Online classes provide flexibilities for students to organize and plan their schedule.  And yet what is the best way to keep students with the class schedule?  

3. How to help students to form a supportive learning community?  Great achievements are accomplished by supportive teams.  Online learners are able to communicate with each other.  But how to form teams that are focus on solving learning problems?  Is it possible to use Google Doc, Facebook, etc to help us achieve this goal?  If so, how?

I don't have answers to these questions, unfortunately.   And yet computing is evolving and linked with more and more fields.  To be a Computer Science professional, it requires an individual to be a life-time learner.  And we must learn effectively and efficiently.   And how?

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