Online learning is not designed for everyone and will therefore not replace the traditional classroom. The existing research shows that most people who prefer online learning are those who do not have the time to attend classes during the day or evening due to personal and professional commitments. In essence, this method of learning serves as a convenient way to obtain a desired education while doing it on "your" terms.
Yes, I do think that we are headed in that direction. We have seen so many changes in the last 20 years that computer technology will progress so much more again in our future. However, I do believe that the traditional classroom will also be much more advanced with personal computers for every student in every classroom.
I have thought about that many times; and even though it is unlikely that it happens any time soon; That seems to be the case for the "virtual" future. However, I still believe that there are certain academic programs that require the f2f and the hands on experience; and students would not want to give that up.
John,
Your assessment for today's online and traditional classrooms is very accurate. Do you believe that both platforms have the possibility of being vastly different, with the implementation of new technologies, over the next 20 years? Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Stacy,
Your statement is very accurate for today and even next year. However, continues the available technologies will be vastly different in the percentage of users who are comfortable with the newer technology will be much higher. It might be compared to moving from the horse and buggy to the automobile. At one point, 100% of the population has only known automobiles to be on the public roadways.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Eric,
Yes there are many students who prefer one over the other on both sides of the issue. However, the online learning environment is highly unlikely to remain in its current state for very long. It appears many of the learning preferences available only in the face-to-face classroom are becoming available in the online systems in the very near future.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Amy,
You are so right. Online instruction is merely in its infancy. The technology options that are available are on a rapid incline during this next 8 to 10 years.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Samantha,
There are many advances in technology providing live audiovisual communications within the online learning platform. If the instructional environment is designed appropriately and makes use of multiple technologies, this may actually be able to enhance basic social skills for interaction with others by requiring communications via multiple channels. Real-time audiovisual communications, professional and casual written communications, creation of presentation materials and many others however, if the platform is relegated to a mainly textbased communication style then this constraint will almost certainly worked the development of basic social skills to interact with others.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Samantha,
Yes, the technologies are advancing rapidly and accommodating many more types of learning.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
tina,
This is a very interesting. As the technology becomes more sophisticated the level of interaction and accountability that is documented within the online class will be enhanced. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Yes i agree that online learning will replace traditional classroom delivery of instruction.
Why? Because we are in such a technological age that the need to be present in a classroom can be simplified with a wifi or internet connect. The online learning environment can also provided education to so many students in areas arcoss the world that it truly opens the world to students, making the learning process a globalized investment.
I don’t think online learning will every totally replace the traditional classroom. While some students thrive in an online environment, others do not. For example, if you are a kinesthetic learner, you probably learn best by doing. This hands-on approach to learning is not necessarily conducive to an online environment. In addition, there are some classes that still require a physical instructor to be present. For example, I couldn’t image a doctor getting his degree online and then going to work on patients.
I do not believe online learning will ever completely replace the traditional classroom. Although the popularity of taking classes online should continue to increase, there are too many students who prefer the face-to-face interaction with the instructor. There are always going to be students who think they can receive more help and assistance (and have more success) in the traditional classroom.
I disagree with this statement. The reason for my disagreement is that there are still many students who prefer traditional classroom settings. While we are in a world of advanced technology, there are still individuals who prefer regular face to face contact, and this option should still be readily available for those who need it.
Additionally, there are older learners who aren't as technologically saavy. We wouldn't want to isolate them and prevent them from returning to school if they ever desire to.
Greetings.
I disagree. It really depends on the the learner as to which delivery system they prefer. Some students prefer the face to face classroom system. Other learners benefit from the online delivery system. Thus, I believe both delivery systems are good for students based on their learning preferences.
Best, Eric Freeman
IMHO we've got a long way to go before we see this in our lifetime. I teach 100% online, and definitely see its many advantages. However, I tell my family and friends often that I would never be able to get a degree online myself. I'm an extrovert and learn best in a face-to-face classroom. And I know myself well enough to know I wouldn't be disciplined enough to manage my time effectively.
But that's not to say that technology won't improve... online classroom techniques will continue to change and improve, and perhaps overcome these drawbacks for learners like me.
Gary
This scares me to no end... It is no wonder that people lack the basic social skills to interact with others.
I think that this is where we are heading. I was in a meeting today and I heard that many police officer academies are transitioning into online courses. My mouth dropped to the floor.
It has already begun! My husband is a Physical Education teacher of 40 years and yes, some of his students are taking P.E. online! I think that online education is a good thing for a good many people and reasons. Flexibility is a big reason. Finance is another. However, I do believe that in order to earn that piece of paper at the end, there needs to be some physical interaction between the school and the student.
ANN,
Yes, this is the prevalent opinion in today's online environment. There is a group of research pertaining to advantages of the blended/hybrid classroom over either online or traditional.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
