Media Arts Learning Online
This week, I would like to share a recent article by a colleague (Moon et al., 2021) entitled, "Differences, Limitations, and Advantages of Effective Online and Face-to-Face (F2F) Teaching Methods for a Media Arts Course." The research traced the development of alternative methods and activities for effective online teaching and learning during a sudden migration from F2F. Data and reflections were gathered and qualitatively analyzed from media production and programming courses. The courses were conducted with newly developed and adjusted methods including synchronous online lecture, live-coding, discussion and presentation, asynchronous video tutorial, virtual office hours, responsive communication and online exhibition. In addition, various methods of trouble-shooting students' code issues were explored, which included Slack, Google Drive, Atom Teletype, VS Code LiveShare and Zoom ScreenShare. Findings reveal that the adjusted online methods produced similar outcomes to F2F instruction. The results display positive assessments of students' engagement and adaptation to online teaching and learning. The research questions for this study included:
What are the alternatives for effective online teaching and learning during sudden transition?
What is the final outcome, result or product of the alternatives for effective online teaching and learning?
How do we capitalize on the perception of limitations for online learning into creating opportunities for all students to engage in the process?
Of particular interest in this study is the recognition of "How Creativity Often Stems from Limitations and Obstacles" (Jacobs, 2016). Prior research (Metha & Zhu, 2016) found that when people face shortage of resources, this challenge makes them utilize the resources creatively. Further, Oppong (2017) found that constraints force people to think, so at the same time constraints bring out people’s potential and creativity. Cruickshank (2020) suggests that educators think creatively to design learning activities and assessment using existing resources.
Moon, J., Hargis, J. & Lu, H. (2021). Differences, limitations and advantages of effective online and face-to-face teaching methods for a Media Arts course. The Online Journal of New Horizons in Education, 11(1).
Cruickshank, S. (2020). How to adapt courses for online learning: A practical guide for faculty. Retrieved, from
Jacobs, L. (2016). How constraints breed creativity. Retrieved from https://observer.com/2016/10/howconstraints-breed-creativity
Metha, R., & Zhu, M. (2016). Creating when you have less: The impact of resource scarcity on product use creativity. Journal of Consumer Research, 42(5), 767-78.
Oppong, T. (2017). For a more creative brain, embrace constraints. Retrieved from www.inc.com/thomasoppong/for-a-more-creative-brain-embrace-constraints.html
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