To be online or to be in the classroom? That is the question.
Which is more effective traditional face-to-face classroom learning or online learning? The very best instructor either online or in the classroom needs to be practiced first. I learned in a traditional classroom with faculty face-to-face interaction for my undergraduate degree. I also had the privilege to learn in an online learning earning my graduate degrees. Presently I teach online where I totally understand face-to-face classroom learning and online learning by being an instructor in the classroom and online. I think it is important to be an effective online instructor to have already taken an online course of some sort to gain the insight hands-on mindset experiences on what the student is going through in the course.
The dependence on academic in-class learning has gaps in education. I am a firm advocate on academic learning online. When I had instructors teach me in the classroom traditionally speaking and told the class to read the chapter before they come to class most students did not read the chapter from the textbook at all. The effectiveness of the instructor to student was not really engaging at all. Students figured it was not their major and why should they take much consideration into their learning by reading the chapter ahead of time. I understand that is very sad but that is the way it went.
On the other hand you cannot participate in the discussion online if you do not either read the chapter, review a journal, or other communicative ways. I found my experience for online learning to be more effective where students did engage and support their education through the online learning world. At first when I started an online program I was unsure on the effectiveness in online learning. To my surprise I learned more online than I did sitting in a classroom. I guess the only way someone can realize how wonderful and rewarding online learning experiences are is to actually take part in a continuing education, college, or university online course. That is the answer.
Christopher,
There are many online prepardness tools available so student can assess whether they have the qualities to be an effective online student. Students really need to be focused, self-starters, organized and want to learn and interact in an online environment. I have seen plenty of students take an online course because they think it is less work, and don't succeed because it is the opposite - it is more work in many cases.
Herbert Brown III
After over 10 years of teaching face-to-face and online courses, I believe students also play a major part in the learning process; for example I often see the "out of sight, out of mind" issue with online students, where assignments are not done on time or are of poor quality. With the face-to-face interaction, I' able to gauge where students are with their assignments thus an online student has to be more disciplined.
Thomas,
You are sounding a very common experience. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
First of all, great question. Having taught online for 2 years part-time before teaching on-ground most recently, I see advantages and disadvantages to each. From purely the instructor perspective, I feel the on-ground experience has been more fulfilling for me as the interaction with the students is more palpable from many sensory perspectives. It is usually more difficult to ascertain the "intent" of a type written word as opposed to the student being right in front of you where "most" of the communication may be non-verbal. I would hope from a student's perspective that the "self-starter" intuitive type would be the primary on-line student but.....
Melissa,
Your enthusiasm for your work is apparent. Thank you for your dedication and sharing these helpful insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Lee,
I think whether a student is better fit for face-to-face interaction vs. online is dependent on the student as well as the instructor. Like Nia said, many students believe that taking an online course might be easier, when in my opinion and from my own personal experience, I think it can often times be harder. You have to be committed and willing to put in the time and effort sometimes more so online to reap the same benefits as face-to-face learning. I can see what you mean about students not reading ahead of time and being prepared for class, but again, I think that depends on the student and the instructor. As an instructor, you have to be enthusiastic and make the subject interesting. You also have to be able to appeal to all learning styles and abilities. Include group discussion, hands on, reading, lecture, videos, etc.
Kerry,
No worries. The good teaching you described can be conveyed through the current online environment through enhancement of your use of the written word so it includes the characteristics your described. It will time and a deliberate attempt to convey some of the 'qualities' you naturally convey with facial expressions and body language. Nevertheless, it 'sounds' as though you have it in you.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I am just about to teach my first online classes. I have managed to develop great rapport with my in-classroom students over the past year. I find humor, personal interaction (such as a pat on the back or physically looking a person's notes during class) helps my teaching style and continues to develop this amazing rapport I have developed with 99% of my students. I am nervous that I will be unable to develop the same rapport teaching them online, especially since our online learning system does not involve webcams and the students are unable to see the teacher and the teacher is unable to see the students.
Darlene,
You are very correct. It is a demanding instructional environment for both student and teacher.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I have to agree that the motivation factor is something that has to be taken seriously ito consideration when attempting online classes. both the student and the instructor need to approach the online course highly motivated.
Suzanne,
The hybrid approach has been very promising in a large portion of research. When structured appropriately it seems to have advantages over either totally online or completely face-to-face. The rationale you indicated are some of the causal factors identified in research. Keep up the great work.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I have begun incorporating online modules to my on-ground classes, with good results. As you mention, students MUST do the reading to be successful in the online assignments, since they must each respond in a designated way. Also, those students with technology weaknesses must get the help they need to be successful. I want to incorporate more online learning into my on-ground classes.
Justine,
Your question is a fair question. Of course, there are many students who do motivate themselves. However, the focus is on those students who for whatever reason heavily rely on external motivation. I couldn't agree more with setting the expectations up front prior to enrollment. Again, within our imperfect world there are many reasons why this is often missed. It is the instructor's responsibility to do his/her best to help the students achieve the success they are seeking. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Does the student have the ability to motivate themselves? I agree that some students need a class to meet at the same time weekly with a teacher standing in front of them in order for them to remain engaged in the course. I have been teaching in a class for several years as well as online. I think that the expectations of the student need to be addressed up front prior to enrollment. This is key for both the instructor and the student. It takes dedication and commitment from both the student and the instructor in either environment. There are many factors in considering which is the best choice for each individual. Although there are many influencing factors, both types of students have the same goal in mind and that is our responsibility as a ground instructor or online instructor to make sure we do our best to help them achieve success.
David,
well said. Opportunity and/or access to the formal education offered is a key. The medium used for delivery can, and should, support multiple learning styles and instructional approaches.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I have been lucky enough to teach both methods over the past 13 years, and do not believe there is any one "right" way for everyone.
The thing that appeals most to me about teaching online is the opportunity it provides for those who otherwise would not be able to start or continue their education.
Dave
Nia,
Two good pionts with good rationale. Also, good recommendation for instructors and administrators. Good post. Thanks.
Two things come to mind as being major differences between on ground and online. One, is whether a student has the ability to motivate themselves. Some students need a class to meet at the same time weekly with a teacher standing in front of them in order for them to remain engaged in the course. Online classes might not be the best option for that student. The second thing is the type of work in an online course can be different from an on ground course. I am mainly talking about the amount of writing that online classes require. If a student hates to research and write then online might be a problem for that student. I think it is up to the instructors or administrators to let students know what they may encounter in these courses so they can make a sound decision about their method of learning.
Nia,
Your insights and experience reflect what many of the experienced online instructors have expressed. The commitment needed to teach online is sometimes identified as requiring a bit more overall. Any specific thoughts on what ways the commitment for online is most different from on-ground?
