Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference
Teaching, Learning, & Technology
The Connected Classroom
April 7-9, 2002
Simulacrity in Online Learning Environments
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By: Barry Barker |
Abstract
Simulacrity maximizes interaction between professor and student by achieving and maintaining a high level of interactive learning in online courses. By incorporating the concepts of symbolic interactionism, more course content can be delivered with increased meaning and understanding. Two concepts are explored: subject matter must be delivered as "compressed packages of information" and interaction is essential to create mental "memory pegs."
Description
To tap the power of learning for the postmodern learner is to exploit the accouterments found within the culture. The symbolic tools that future anthropologists will describe this society are interaction and collaboration. The best way to identify these attributes and apply them to distance learning is to deconstruct a part of popular culture that transmits American symbols in such a powerful way not only to leave an impression on the American culture, but has the power to change other cultures of the developed economies as well. There are several institutions outside of education that have a profound effect upon global learning: the entertainment industry, the news media, and religious groups. In particular, one of these, Music Television (MTV), represents a powerful source for new learning theory.