Listening and Viewing Strategies

While there are many similarities between online learning and traditional learning, there are many differences in terms of listening and viewing online lectures. Viewing online lectures is a much different experience for students and it can be difficult to comprehend all of the information that is being delivered to you. There are many differences between podcasts and traditional lectures and if students are able to understand these differences, it can help them become more successful in their online classes.

One of the major differences between the two learning styles is that there are no visual cues for online lectures. Unlike traditional lectures, students who are listening to online lectures do not have the benefit of seeing the body language of the lecturer or the environment in which the lecture is taking place. Another difference is that problems could arise involving the clarity and volume of the recording. Problems are always possible when dealing with online resources.

While there are possible disadvantages of online lectures, there are advantages of online learning and multiple strategies to overcome any difficulties. One way in which you can overcome any shortcomings is by listening to online podcasts in a quiet and distraction-free environment. Online lectures have the advantage of being able to watch them  when and wherever is most convenient to the student. The second strategy that can help students is learning how to listen for verbal cues. If students can identify changes in the lectures tone or volume, they can identify important topics or facts. Also, if students understand the structure of lectures, they can identify when new topics are being introduced and the main topics that are being discussed. The third and most important advantage is the student’s ability to stop and rewind online lecturers. If students miss or need to revisit any information from the lecture, they have the ability to watch any parts of the lecture again.