Online Experiential Learning

Online Experiential Learning

Immersive learning simulations create engaging and behavior changing forms of learning, Beckem and Watkins (2012). Scholars for generations have believed that involving learners in the process results in evolutionary education. U.S. News & World Report recently published their 2013 national ranking of online programs, which gave a 25% score for access to Student Services and Technology, including criteria based on simulations and visual software.

Craig (1997) believes that engaging the mind through activity, reflection and application are key components of experience. Online Experiential Learning opportunities are highly prevalent, with emphases being placed on the fields of Healthcare and Economics. Virtual worlds give users the ability to carry out tasks that could be difficult in the real world due to constraints such as cost, scheduling or location (Angel Learning Committee 2008).

Healthcare Simulations

Healthcare Simulations

Using virtual simulations like the ones provided by the University of Florida can involve the students in learning anything from manual resuscitation to administering anesthesia. The University of Wisconsin has a section of their website devoted to Games and Simulations for Healthcare like the virtual ECG patient shown.

Authentic online experiences can also be great opportunities for reflection. You might consider using Blackboard Discussion Board, Blogs or Podcasts to allow the students to post their impressions of a transferal to practice.

Simulations take the learner beyond memorization of facts. They begin to formulate new knowledge by analyzing, evaluating and synthesizing information, Beckem and Watkins (2012). The learning is student centered and action based.

Economics Simulations

smartstocks.com

Economics Simulations In 2011 it is estimated that simulations were accessed over 2.5

million times by 300,000 students, spread over a number of institutions, Beckem and Watkins (2012). Institutions developing learning strategies related to economics across the country are turning to sites like smartstocks.com, to help the students experience the world’s great producer and distributor of wealth, the stock market.

Collaboration opportunities build a sense of community in online learning. The students learn from their peers and build skills that can help them make decisions in the future. The smart stocks interactive game, gives groups of students insight into money management and investment.

Teaching the students how to manage money and make sound investments without the risk of consequences is a key component of economic simulations. The rewards of virtual stock market learning can be felt in other areas of your instruction. The student will be more knowledgeable and interested when they encounter topics related to the economies where the goods and services originate. Building an environment that fosters life-long learning and experimentation will certainly help the students succeed. Natural assessments contained in experiential simulations enable essentials skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and decision making concepts that many educators hold as central. (Beckem and Watkins (2012).

Virtual World Simulations

Virtual World Simulations Do you feel that travel expands the mind? Would you recommend

that your students explore our world? Whether you teach the arts or are a science instructor, you should be able to take advantage of the educational opportunities available in Virtual Worlds like Second Life. Students can experience places such as this mock base camp in the Masaai Mara region of Africa, gateway to a National Wildlife refuge. Created as part of a doctoral thesis for Clemson University, the camp includes videos from the Massai tribesman exploring subjects such as killings lions with spears for survival. The site also includes images, tools and objects that your students can interact with. The Doctoral projects requests students record their interactions via web surveys providing an opportunity for synthesis of information.

Universities such as Monroe College offer opportunities for internships through Second Life. Interns acquire real life experiences and apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom. They were able to evaluate and hone the abilities they needed to succeed before graduation, Angel Learning committee (2008).

Regardless of the subject you teach, online experiential learning can benefit your students. Opportunities for engagement, knowledge acquisition and collaboration are all reasons to take a deeper look into this topic.