- Independent Study Sessions - units that could be studied at any time by students; and included taped lectures; diagrams; and necessary materials.
- General Assembly Sessions - scheduled weekly for all students to listen to guest lecturers; watch films; and take course examinations.
- Small Assembly Sessions - scheduled regularly with 7-8 students and the instructor; and required students to give short lectures to the group.
What are your initial reactions to this theory/model? What are barriers to its use? What benefits might be expected for those who overcome the barriers?
Initially,when I read about this method, I am reminded of my first Distance Education Courses years ago. The instructor would video tape his/her lesson; and send it along with various worksheets, and learning tools to my home. I would complete the activities and research, then return my work to my professor via the mail. Once per semester, I would have to attend a session with my instructor and take my final exam for the course. Personally, this method of instruction provided an opportunity for me to complete a master's level program in my chosen field on my own time. Further, very few colleges in my surrounding area offered the particular master's program I desired.
There are several barriers to the use of the Audio Tutorial method: students who are not self motivated will do poorly; audio tapes may not work properly; students may lack the necessary equipment to use the tapes; and students may not comprehend the instructions given in the tapes and therefore not learn. There are numerous benefits for students who overcome these barriers. For example, students can learn when it is convenient rather than be subjected to a particular class meeting schedule. Students are prompted to take ownership of their learning process rather than being hand held by the professor.
Would you attempt to use this theory/model with the students you are currently teaching or hope to teach in the future? Why or why not? Could elements of the theory/model be modified so that it would work with your current/future students?
I would attempt to use this theory with my current students, especially those that are home bound or need remediation. Instead of using tapes, I would create instructional podcasts and dvds for these students; and include various handouts and electronic files for them to create/manipulate. I feel that this method is excellent for students who are not very motivated; and would help them to succeed in my course. Weekly meetings with the instructor would help students to answer questions; provide for additional instruction; and allow the student to present lessons learned from the previous week.
Although I teach in a traditional high school, I also teach part time for our alternative school in the evenings. This past summer, I taught for North Carolina Virtual Public School online. Not all students fit in the traditional, seated classroom. Students have different learning styles; as well as outside obligations that prevent them from being in school every day. This blended approach to learning is perfect for students that need some direction; yet flexibility in their schedules. For less motivated learners; or students that struggle with comprehension, online classes are just not the correct venue for learning. I saw this first hand this summer in the NCVPS course. Using this A-T model would definitely be a viable alternative for this type of student, The night alternative school provides a way for students with obligations during the day to attend school. However, several of my students have missed days because they did not have rides; or because of other obligations. Structuring the course in the method of an A-T course would alleviate some of the absences of these students.
Although I teach in a traditional high school, I also teach part time for our alternative school in the evenings. This past summer, I taught for North Carolina Virtual Public School online. Not all students fit in the traditional, seated classroom. Students have different learning styles; as well as outside obligations that prevent them from being in school every day. This blended approach to learning is perfect for students that need some direction; yet flexibility in their schedules. For less motivated learners; or students that struggle with comprehension, online classes are just not the correct venue for learning. I saw this first hand this summer in the NCVPS course. Using this A-T model would definitely be a viable alternative for this type of student, The night alternative school provides a way for students with obligations during the day to attend school. However, several of my students have missed days because they did not have rides; or because of other obligations. Structuring the course in the method of an A-T course would alleviate some of the absences of these students.
Since we're taking learning theories/models that were not necessarily created with the Web in mind and turning them into Web modules, what Web-based tools or resources could be leveraged to carry out this learning theory/model online?
This method could be revamped to be an online course. For example, the audio tapes could be podcasts and camtasia videos to instruct the student. Using a tool such as Elluminate would help students to collaborate with their small groups as well as their professor.
References
Kulik, J. A., Kulik, C. C., & Cohen, P.A. (1979). Research on audio-tutorial instruction: A meta-analysis of comparative studies. Research in Higher Education, 11(4), 321-341.
Kozma, R.B., Belle, L.W. & Williams, G.W. (1978). Instructional techniques in higher education. New Jersey: Educational Technology Publications.
