Designing the 'new normal': Key insights from the pandemic for transforming online learning going forward

Paula Charbonneau-Gowdy; Dánisa Salinas; Juan Carlos Oyanedel; Héctor Magaña

doi:10.30935/cedtech/13389

Paula Charbonneau-Gowdy ¹ ^* , Dánisa Salinas ¹, Juan Carlos Oyanedel ¹, Héctor Magaña ¹

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CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 3, Article No: ep446

https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13389

Submitted: 20 January 2023, Published Online: 12 June 2023

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Abstract

The deep disruption to education caused by the move to online learning during COVID-19 was unprecedented. While most educational stakeholders adapt to the transition back to a “new normal”, it seems an obvious time for constructivist reflection on the lessons learned. The aim of this longitudinal inquiry was to examine the experiences of higher education learners in Chile during the pandemic for potential insights to be gained. The focus was on students in multi-disciplinarian fields and the changes to their perspectives, practices, and identities. Working within the qualitative paradigm, data was gathered using interviews (n=22), surveys (n=1,054, n=1,137, n=205) and field notes. Learners’ experiences were mapped against contemporary e-learning theory and 21^st century learner identity goals. Through this lens, pedagogical practices, course designs, and uses of technology reflected in online spaces were found to influence learners and their learning in complex ways. Two key themes emerged in the analysis: (1) exposure to conventional pedagogy, information transfer and assessment-driven designs and technology challenges online, left students discouraged with their learning progress and disparaging of their future workplace preparedness and (2) students who experienced learner-centered practices online, supported by contemporary learning theory and community-building course designs and technologies, underwent transformative changes to their learning and identities and feeling confidently qualified for their post study careers. In view of the increasing role e-learning will play in this century, we believe further empirical research of this kind into a myriad of global, digital learning contexts, could help transform online learning and learners in our new post pandemic reality.

Keywords: online learning, COVID-19 online experiences, contemporary online learning theories and goals, instructional design, learner identity, transforming learning online

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Citation

Charbonneau-Gowdy, P., Salinas, D., Oyanedel, J. C., & Magaña, H. (2023). Designing the 'new normal': Key insights from the pandemic for transforming online learning going forward. Contemporary Educational Technology, 15(3), ep446. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13389

Charbonneau-Gowdy, P., Salinas, D., Oyanedel, J. C., and Magaña, H. (2023). Designing the 'new normal': Key insights from the pandemic for transforming online learning going forward. Contemporary Educational Technology, 15(3), ep446. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13389

Charbonneau-Gowdy P, Salinas D, Oyanedel JC, Magaña H. Designing the 'new normal': Key insights from the pandemic for transforming online learning going forward. CONT ED TECHNOLOGY. 2023;15(3), ep446. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13389

Charbonneau-Gowdy, Paula, Dánisa Salinas, Juan Carlos Oyanedel, and Héctor Magaña. "Designing the 'new normal': Key insights from the pandemic for transforming online learning going forward". Contemporary Educational Technology 2023 15 no. 3 (2023): ep446. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13389

Charbonneau-Gowdy, Paula et al. "Designing the 'new normal': Key insights from the pandemic for transforming online learning going forward". Contemporary Educational Technology, vol. 15, no. 3, 2023, ep446. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13389

Charbonneau-Gowdy P, Salinas D, Oyanedel JC, Magaña H. Designing the 'new normal': Key insights from the pandemic for transforming online learning going forward. CONT ED TECHNOLOGY. 2023;15(3):ep446. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/13389