Online Learning; an Introduction

1. Introduction

Welcome to the Learning Space for the Recreation North Training Program. Our remote learning events are set up in a learning management system (LMS) called Moodle. In our Learning Space you will find what you need to learn online and to develop your recreation leadership skills.

If you’ve found your way into this first chapter of Introduction to Online Learning, and if you're comfortable using Facebook or surfing the Internet to find out what you want to know, you already have some of the skills you need for remote learning.

Remote learning takes place online, but many of the skills used in face-to-face learning are useful online too. Successful online learners need good self-management skills; skills like time management, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Technical skills are also important when learning online. 

Be sure to make time to develop your personal skills and your technology-related skills so you get the most out of your remote learning experiences.

With remote learning, you will use a computer, mobile device, and/or phone. You will participate in online discussions and you may work with other participants on some activities. To be successful in your remote learning events, you may need to develop your computer skills. To learn online, you need:

• basic computer skills,
• a computer with a good Internet connection (as good as possible), 
• a reasonably up-to-date web browser, and 
• word processing software. 

As an adult learner, it’s your responsibility to keep up with the pace and to complete the learning activities on time. You will have support from the learning community that includes you, your trainer, other participants, and the people behind the scenes who manage our Learning Space.

2. What's different about online learning?

Online learning is different to in-person learning. Most people prefer in-person learning because it’s what they grew up with. However, learning online can be more productive, can save time and money, and can create networks that support ongoing learning and development.

In online learning, you will spend your time in two different ways. You will either 1) learn at the same time as other participants or 2) learn on your own. Your learning may also be blended where some is in-person and some is online.

Synchronous learning is when you learn at the same time as other participants. You do not have to be in the same place as the trainer or other learners. Online tools like live chat, teleconferencing, or web conferencing to meet with you in a "virtual" classroom may be used. Learning happens by listening to each other, sharing web links or documents, and asking questions. Synchronous learning happens in "real-time."

Asynchronous learning is when you learn on your own. Dates and times for working on certain activities will be scheduled. You will need to complete all the activities by the time the learning event ends. You might learn by reading or by watching videos posted in the Learning Space. You might be asked to complete a quiz, to discuss ideas with others in a forum, and to post your own activity as a photo or story.

3. Skills and Resources

The Recreation North Training Program is delivered through remote learning events. These learning events take place in the Learning Space. (Hint: click Home at the top of your screen for the front page of the Learning Space). You need to learn how to move around the Learning Space, find your learning events, contact your trainer, reply to messages, and share your thoughts and activities.

Within a Learning Event, you will be asked to post in a forum, respond to comments or questions from others, and move from one conversation to another. Skills, like uploading and sharing an image, can make the learning more interesting for you and others. 

Use the resources on our Home Page to help you:

• Learn about the Program.
• Prepare yourself for learning online. 
• Find answers to questions frequently asked by other learners about using Moodle and our Learning Space. 
• Understand some of the Words We Use in recreation.    

4. Reading and Writing

Although many in-person classes and distance (correspondence) courses are still dependent on good reading and writing skills, newer approaches are better for diverse learners. Newer approaches allow people to learn in a variety of ways, using different methods of communication (not just reading and writing).

No matter how you prefer to communicate (seeing, listening, talking, reading, writing), learning requires you to share your thoughts and to understand the thoughts of others. There are many ways to share ideas and develop understanding—carefully constructed stories that use audio or video, drawing or images, and song or spoken poetry. 

Be aware of the possibility for misunderstanding when you share in online discussion forums or during conference calls. Use active listening skills to make sure you understand what others are "saying" online. 

If you're uncertain about your reading and writing skills, be sure to let your trainer know how you prefer to learn and communicate. 

5. Digital Literacy

Digital literacy skills are important when learning online.  Understanding digital technologies and how to use them will help you succeed in online learning.

Digital literacy is more than being able to use the Internet. Digital literacy requires:

• a positive attitude towards learning through digital media, and
• an interest in developing the skills to use digital technology appropriately. 

Digital literacy involves using “tools to access, manage, integrate, analyze and evaluate information, construct new knowledge, create and communicate with others” (Province of BC.) Although this is a complicated definition, it can be broken down into:

Finding information

Using technology (a computer or mobile device), and other digital tools (a web browser) to find information by navigating through web pages or digital environments.

Making sense of information

Developing skills like basic word processing, understanding different file formats, and how to save and share digital files can help in making sense of information.

Sharing information with others

Learning to communicate and collaborate with others through various digital tools and technologies, within different online environments, and by sharing different media (sound, images, video).

Using what we learn at work and at home

Applying information to tasks or to solve problems at home or work is made easier by using different digital tools (apps) and technologies.

5.1. Privacy Online

5.2. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, such as chatbots and content generators, are becoming more common in online learning. These tools can help learners find information, summarize ideas, generate study questions, and support writing and research.

However, it is important to use AI carefully and critically. AI systems can make mistakes, provide incorrect information, or give answers that do not reflect local realities. This is especially important in small, Indigenous, and remote communities in Canada's North. AI tools are often trained using information from larger urban centres and may not understand local cultures, languages, traditions, community practices, or northern circumstances.

When using AI, learners should:

• Treat AI-generated information as a starting point, not as a final answer.
• Verify important information using reliable sources and local knowledge.
• Consider whether the information is relevant to their community and situation.
• Respect community knowledge, cultural protocols, and Indigenous ways of knowing.
• Protect personal, community, and confidential information by not sharing sensitive details with AI tools.

Developing digital literacy includes learning how to use AI responsibly. By combining AI tools with critical thinking, local knowledge, and trusted sources, learners can make better decisions and gain more value from online learning.

6. Technical Requirements

The right technology and software will make your online learning experience much more enjoyable and rewarding. Be sure to read this section to understand what you need. If you have any concerns, contact the Program Manager.

Internet

You need regular access to a computer with an Internet connection. High speed broadband access (LAN, Cable or DSL) will provide a better learning experience. You can participate with a slower connection, but it may take more time and there may be some activities you cannot access.

A hard-wired connection (a cable connects your computer to the Internet) is better than wireless (WiFi).

Computer

PC users need:

• compatible operating system: Windows
• web browser: Firefox, Chrome or Edge 

Mac users will need:

• compatible operating system: OS X
• web browser: Firefox, Chrome or Safari

Software

Some of the learning events will require word processing software. If you don’t have access to Microsoft Office Word, you may be able to use use Google Docs (cloud-based tools). You can download and install an open-licensed tool like LibreOffice; similar to Microsoft Word, you can save your documents into .docx formats.

If you are unsure if your software will work, or you use another program, contact your trainer to work out an alternative.

Some trainers may use cloud-based tools; but will provide alternatives if these don’t work for some participants.

Web Browser

Moodle will work on most current (within the past 3 years) and compliant web browsers.

Moodle works best when cookies and JavaScript are enabled in your web browser. Some course activities may also require pop-ups to be allowed. If you are having trouble logging in, opening course content, or completing activities, check your browser settings.

Teleconferencing or Voice-over-Internet Tools

Most learning events use some type of meeting services; teleconferencing using phones, or web-conferencing using a headset and microphone with a computer or mobile device connected to the Internet.

Mobile Devices

You can access and interact with most of your learning activities or resources using a mobile device (tablet or smartphone) and the free Moodle app. Be aware that not all features of Moodle will work on mobile devices. Don’t rely 100% on your mobile device. Have a PC or Mac computer available as well.

Testing your Technology

What’s in my Browser (www.whatismybrowser.com) will help you identify your:

• web browser and version (e.g. Chrome 68)
• operating system (e.g. Windows), and
• device (Computer) settings.