Online Learning Environments

 Choosing your pedagogical approach (Synchronous; Asynchronous; Blended)

The choice of synchronous, asynchronous and/or blended instructional approaches to support your online courses is up to each instructor.  It should ultimately be driven by the learning outcomes for the course.

Some of the most commonly used platforms/tools include:

  • Blackboard Collaborate Ultra
  • Zoom
  • PeppeR

These may not appear on your basic Quercus course site.  See the Help Guides for further instructions on how to integrate these tools into your Quercus course site, if you wish you use them.

In addition to these instructional tools, there is a toolbox of instructional and assessment software/tools that the University of Toronto and OISE currently support.

Comparing common online learning environments and tools at OISE

Pepper
  • Based on peer-to-peer online collaboration
  • BEST for learning through online discussion or if your course is at a distance.
  • accessible via web browser
  • any email is possible, but is not an email repository
  • three permission levels available – instructor, student and observer.
  • administrative control (e.g. entering participants) by instructor
  • Accounts for non-OISE or UofT visitors easily handled.
  • very simple user-interface
  • uses one layer of conferencing (no nesting) for discussions and resources.
  • allows for linking of notes and ideas BETWEEN conferences.
  • threading of discussion in same window
  • resources stored in one area – requires re-upload with each new course, no transferable content storage system.
  • extra features
  • can use HTML and customize message
  • small learning curve for both instructors and students

Quercus (Canvas)
  • Based on managing institutional information and resources
  • Best for resource-oriented courses
  • excellent for large courses
  • management of resources, grades…
  • UofT’s official LMS.
  • linked to ACORN and other UofT services and information
  • accessible via browser and mobile app
  • requires UTORID login
  • a course shell is automatically created if the course is official
  • administrative control by instructor, participants are automatically entered if registered in the course.
  • online web conferencing
  • excellent for resource posting and adding web-based information
  • has content storage system and courses can be transferred (copied) for another rendition of a course.
  • offers extra features such as portfolios, grading, assignment uploads
  • small learning curve for students
  • medium learning curve for instructors (administration and setup) depending on complexity of features used