Abstract
This chapter will examine in depth the efficacy of applying TILT using qualitative methods and secondary data to online education to improve the learning experience of millennial learners. Furthermore, it seeks to apply the principles of TILT to online learning so that instructors can create an online learning environment that is transparent and student-centered including guidelines from best teaching practices. Moreover, the chapter will explore the challenges of designing online classes with TILT principles from the instructor, student, and administrator perspectives. The chapter will also examine the digital divide between minority or disadvantaged students and the European American students. Then it will offer technology and TILT solutions to try to bridge or leapfrog the digital divide.
TopBackground
Technology based learning had been used since the 1970’s, when computers were used to solve complicated math problems and grade exams (Keengwe & Kidd, 2008). In the 1980’s computers were able to play video and audio ushering the era of multimedia learning and early educational software was developed (Keengwe & Kidd, 2008). Throughout the 1990’s internet-based education and training started using constructivist principles and technology became user friendly, but technology still allowed limited user interactions (Keengwe & Kidd, 2008). For the period of early 2000’s mobile learning and social networking era started, and developers started to create interactive courseware that could be used on wireless devices such as smart phones, laptops, and personal digital assistants (PDA), however, online education was still viewed as a niche’ market (Keengwe & Kidd, 2008).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Socioeconomic: It is the study of how economic activity influences and is molded by social processes.
TILT (Transparency in Learning and Teaching): It is a simple teaching technique designed to have a large, positive impact on student learning. TILT aims to clarify to students the instructor’s choices for lesson plans and to specify how those choices are relevant to the class objectives.
Bandwidth: It is the maximum rate of data transfer across a given path in a computer network and it is an indicator of the quality of internet connection.
Syllabus: It is a descriptive outline and summary of topics to be covered in an education or training course. It includes assignment, exams, projects, grading policies and class rules.
Pedagogy: It is s the theory and practice of learning, and how this process impacts, and is affected by, the social, political and psychological development of learners.
Braille: It is a form of written language for individuals with vision problems, in which characters are represented by patterns of raised dots that are sensed with the fingertips.
LMS (Learning Management System): It is a is a software application for the delivery, keeping records, tracking, reporting, automation, and delivery of educational classes, training programs, or learning and development programs.