Hello,
I do not believe that the online learning environment will replace the traditional classroom. Some students just simply cannot learn in the online environment. There are some that need a lot of one-on-one interaction and there are those that learn better from an instructor lecture as opposed to reading the material. It is wonderful to have the online learning environment as an option, since everyone has different needs and learning styles.
Laura,
Very well stated. While online learning may indeed replace the traditional classroom for cognitive instruction and occupational preparation, the total human experience in the 'real world' that includes all of the senses in combination with cognitive and affective dynamics may never be duplicated. You 'draw' an excellent word picture. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Wow, there are some real insights to be gained in this discussion. I enjoyed reading all the posts, now, for my answer. I do believe the traditional classroom will be replaced...many, many years from now. With all the advances in technology just in my short lifetime (rotary phone era), it is just a matter of time. I see the virtual classroom as becoming an "on demand" venue for individuals to learn - anyplace, anytime. I would like to believe this evolution will be balanced by individuals seeking knowledge in the "real" world. For example, just as I enjoy looking at a beautiful landscape - digital,oil or otherwise. No technology - not yet anyway - can replace the feeling, sight, sound and scent of the real thing. If I may endulge, a quick story. I recently took my family on a trip to Washington, D.C. I felt compelled to show my children the originals of the Consitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence before they "flew the coop." We've all seen these documents in textbooks, online, in the movies,etc. We know what they say. But, there was something about actually being inches away from the faded text, imperfections and all, that created an emotional connection to their meaning, a real understanding.
Gregory,
All of the trends in research support your conjecture. As you identified, time is a key element.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
This is an interesting topic. I try to relate this with the changes in time. While I was growing up, there was no social network, and reality shows; however, now, you can't escpae the two types of media. I relate this analogy to this particular discussion. I hear more and more individuals discuss the switch to online learning. I believe in time, more people will attend online Universities than face-to-face because of cost, convenience, and comfortability.
Astrid,
Many hold this position today. As teachnology changes, do you think there is a possibility this will also change? Thank you for your contributions.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
i disagree.. face to face interaction is still the most effective way of teaching..
Lena,
Good points on the scope of offerings for an institution to maintain. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
While online learning is becoming more popular and is more widely accepted as a legitimate form of education, it won’t completely replace traditional classrooms for delivery of instruction. There are always going to be students who prefer the face-to-face interaction and the personalized attention they feel comes with a traditional classroom setting.
Also, in order for a business to remain profitable or relevant, it must remain diverse in the options it offers its customers; the same is true for universities/colleges. To maximize one’s bottom-line, whether it’s a for profit school or not, one must provide the greatest number of opportunities possible for the students it markets to. Offering both online and traditional classroom instruction will be essential for remaining relevant in the education field. Unless, of course, your university/college caters to a niche market, than that’s a whole different conversation. :)
Brian,
Very good points. Each delivery mode and has its own advantages and challenges.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I believe we will see more people migrate toward on-line learning as it grows in credibility and becomes more readily avaiable to the population. It will not replace it treaditional learning completely. There are many areas that will still require the student to be present. A great example would be lab courses in healthcare where the student has to be present to learn and complete the curriculum. Lack of internet (or high speed internet) will also limit the migration toward on-line learning. On-line leraning will grow as a modality,but will not replace traditional learning anytime soon. And some people simply enjoy the personal interaction of being in a classroom with teachers and other students.
Carol,
These are very good 'alternative' uses for online classes beyond just a different delivery mode for the mainstream classes. I like this creative approach to identify online enrollees based on instructional needs per school resources. The policy compliance, due process and logistical issues would need to be thoroughly vetted, but it could provide some significant advantages. Good post.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
The question is will it replace...? I think it will. I teach at a local high school where the demographics are...shall we say challenging. Having upper classmen taking courses online would eliminate some of chaos and drama that takes place and allow those who really want an education to get one. The underclassmen probably still need to be in the on-site environment. I'm sure many of us have examples of the classrooms in public school where the teachers spend 80% of their time with 20% percent of the students who simply want to disrupt. Perhaps tightening up discipline problems by sending these kids to virtual schools may provide a solution. That is something I think can be done quickly because those options are in place now. Then virtual schools could be then considered for the overcrowding problem.
At the college level, I agree with the comment that underclassmen need that on-site experience. Moving our college experience to our living rooms or a small desk in the corner of our bedroom really cheats us out of a great experience. I know that I have learned a tremendous amount from my classmates. The learning environment grows exponentially when we consider the views and expertise of our peers. However, I can't say that doesn't exist in the online environment. My graduate degree was online and I have fond memories and a myriad of skills,strategies, and ideas from the various collaborative teams I worked with during that time.
Nathan,
I agree on all points. The Apple initiatives into education will continue to add significant activities into this (already buzzing) sector. Good post. Thanks.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
A loaded question. I believe education will evolve so that the online platform will become a part of the larger educational structure, it will be expected, it will have an important role. It will probably never replace traditional brick and mortar schools but will allow people who will never have access to that traditional platform the ability to receive and education. The boom of Khan academy is evidence of this. It is an exciting time to be working in education.
John,
Yes, there is current research indicating the hybrid (combined online and traditional) has benefits over either individual approach, when structured properly.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Every major university is finding ways to develop a comprehensive online program. A student I know, recently just was accepted to a graduate program in France and a series of four classes is mandatory to complete online as part of the program. Online will probably not replace the traditional classroom, but we are in the beginnings of a new era where the two will create new environments and standards for teaching and learning.
On a personal note, I was reluctant to teach an online course when I was asked 10 years ago. Now I have come to see the development of the online environment and its many benefits. I think traditional and online classes are going to become inseparable in the very least.
Roy,
This is a fairly prevalent trend with graduate students. Thanks for your input.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Hello Terry
I have to respectfully disagree (somewhat) with you on that. Personally, I finished all my Doctorate courses online, and even though sometimes they were harder than traditional courses and more demanding, the convenience of doing it at home overshadowed all the trouble.
And I think the internet has (almost) replaced books and magazines. In the last 2 years, all my reading is online.
Thanks
Roy
Lisa,
I agree and believe current technology is sorely insufficient to replace the robustness of face-to-face for some learners and instructional requirements.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
