Teaching and learning in a technological world: the Rensselaer 80/20 Model for the working professional

• Main Authors: Danchak, M.M., Jennings, W.C., Johnson, A.D., Scalzo, K.A.
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Computational Intelligence Society; Computer aided instruction; Education; Electric shock; Paper technology; Web pages; Web sites
• ISSN: 0190-5848; 2377-634X
• DOI: 10.1109/FIE.1999.839261

This paper looks at the basic functions of teaching and learning in today's world and present a model for those functions. The model draws from instructional design, distance learning and learning styles and is presented as a "checklist" to remind faculty of the events that are necessary for a successful learning experience. The paper then shows how technology can help this process by demonstrating one approach to web-based learning that will become the Rensselaer interactive distance learning model of the future. The Rensselaer "80/20" Model incorporates asynchronous and synchronous events in some proportion. "80/20" implies 80% asynchronous and 20% synchronous activities, although the actual numbers depend on the material, the learner and the instructor. The 80/20 Model uses existing course tools, such as WebCT, and provides guidance for designing asynchronous, multi-mediated web pages for learning. It also extends WebCT by adding an additional browser window (called the "Guide on the Side" window) that functions as a humanized electronic study guide. This results in an effective and efficient asynchronous learning experience nicely suited for professional education. However, one must also provide an appropriate infrastructure for both faculty and students to carry this out.