Education can be segmented just like any other service. Some students will continue to be attracted to the traditional “bricks & motor†education model because that approach offers certain benefits that are valued by some students. Granted the traditional model is quite expensive; however, some consumers will continue to purchase this form of education. Other students will choose the online or even the hybrid option because this approach offers benefits that they value.
Terry, I think that young people look at college as a way to escape from home and some will always want to live on campus, but even those students are taking some classes online.
I believe it will as people are very busy and don't have time or money to sit in a classroom. Hiring a baby sitter and paying for gas is an expensive thatg will only increase. As technology advances, the problems associated with online learning will lessen.
I disagree that online learning will eventually replace the traditional classroom. There are too many "brick and mortar" universities that will not simply shut down their campuses because online learning is gaining in popularity. I believe traditional schools will integrate online courses into their curriculum, if they haven't already (Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford now all have online classes).
I see online courses becoming more common but not replacing traditional schools/courses. Many learners simply do better within the actual classroom. They prefer the face-to-face interaction and gain more knowledge through this type of course.
Mitchell,
Yes, role of supplementing the f2f is demonstrating some very good results in some bodies of research. It seems to have a solid future for that use.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think online instruction will continue to supplement traditional course delivery, but I don't think that it will be replacing it anytime soon. There is no substitute for face-to-face, hands-on instruction, even if we can come 'close enough' in a virtual world. Especially for certain courses (those in the natural sciences that require laboratory exercises to fully comprehend the matieral), traditionally-delivered courses will always continue to be the most effective technique.
Dr. Thomas,
Yes, the higher level courses do seem to lend themselves better to the current online environments.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
James,
Yes, the future is sure to change significantly in ways we probably cannot accurately predict today. The immediate challenge for online instructional quality is a tall order. Thank you for your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Garry,
Well stated. Your projection seems very reasonable as a likely scenario.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think in most cases (graduated level) full-time working students it has and more and more will find it is easier to complete (classes) from home.
Garry,
I think your identification of the inverse relationship between culture and technology is all too true. Good point about the probable extinction of delineation between f2f and online.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I suppose it depends on what we mean by "eventually." Certainly this kind of learning is the wave of the future, insofar as we can see at the present time. There will certainly be all kinds of situations where in-class and on-site instruction will continue to be critically important. But for many other kinds of learning, the online environment will be perfect and I can imagine that more and more this will be the way learning is done. It has many advantages for both the student and the institution. So I think it is going to be ever more important. But for the foreseeable future it won't really replace the traditional classroom...not entirely. Of course, the big thing is for the online environment to really be an exciting and high quality place. That is the immediate challenge to which we must rise.
Online learning will not replace the traditional classroom. But it will likely become the norm rather than the exception. The cultural realization that the online environment doesn't require a multimillion dollar building in which to meet, a tremendous budget for facilities management, air conditioning, or much gasoline consumption is going to have an inevitable impact on education just as it will in private sector business, and even in government employment.
Those students that don't do so well working in the online environment are not going to be around eventually. As my children and their children advance to higher education, their experience with the online environment will be seamless. There will be no discomfort with it whatsoever. And as technology improves (and in my opinion the culture declines,) we will see less and less distinction between the accountability online and on ground.
Dr. Fabian,
These are good points. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
No, there will always be a place for traditional education. Online learning simply is a new platform that allows students to have options to their education experience while at the same time making if convienant for them.
Dr. Aron,
The evolution of the brick-and-mortar classroom is underway. Technology is making advancements that will certainly enhance learning capabilities for many students in the traditional classroom.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Online Learning will not replace traditional classroom delivery. The need for brick and mortar will continue to evolve. Providing the opportunity for students to non-traditional students to complete/obtain their education via online provides another choice for the institution.
Dr. Aron
Brandon,
Good points. There are many who logistically need the online class, but many who prefer the traditional.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
It most certainly will for some learners, however not all.
Many people lack the financial resources to attend traditional classes, and on-line programs often provide an affordable alternative. Another issue may be access. Many learners reside in, or work in, environments which do not lend themselves to traditional classes, and again on-line programs may provide an accessible alternative.
Conversely, there is much to be gained from participating in traditional learning environments, included face-to-face interaction w/ instructors, social/educational interaction w/ fellow students, and relatively distraction free focus.
I feel certain that for those who have the resources, and desire, traditional learning will remain a part of their path.
