Lisa,
Good point about the efficiency, when used appropriately.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Terry,
I agree that face-to-face learning is probably more appropriate for younger learners as it provides a degree of socialization that is not as evident in virtual settings. I do think the online platform, by and large is more efficient, however.
Lisa
I do not agree with this statement. I believe that there is a place for both types of instructional delivery and future platforms will include one or the other or both as internet formats of “face-to-face†instruction are not very effective.
Madelyn,
Very good. The research supports your postion.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I teach court reporting and it is, in fact, replacing "on campus" classes. I am in a transition period where we are going online two days a week and on campus two days a week. The high speed students are all online at this point. In my situation, teaching my students the basic theory of court reporting, I believe they need to be face-to-face with an instructor to insure they are in the correct writing position, fingers are doing what they are suppose to be doing, and other issues that come up when a student is developing the proper method of machine placement. After theory is learned, I think going online is the future, and is just as effective as on ground classes. I think the transition is just a matter of adjustment.
Kerry,
Very good points. Most of the kinesthetic arts are not (yet) available to be taught in the online classroom.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I don't believe so. Inasmuch as students have technology available to them and have the ability to stay sequestered in one room with an internet connection, I think that actually getting out into the classroom, engaging with physically-present peers and learning in a classroom environment will always be available to learners.
Additionally, many of the careers taught at my college require tactile interaction. For instance, we teach a massage course. One cannot learn to massage a computer. That student needs a teacher/knowledgeable partner to practice the art of massage with.
Dalene,
I agree with your assessment of the student needs and "there will always be those who do better in a physical classroom." However, do you think the face-to-face instruction might one day (2050) be available only to those who can afford it because the public systems may become able to financially support only the less expensive onlineinstruction for the masses? Just a thought... ;-]
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Very Well stated, Miss Dalene!
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Face to face social skills are already becoming a thing of the past, Gary. I know that many, many young people just do not know how to relate to someone unless they are doing it virtually (Facebook, twitter, blogs, texting...)
If a virtual instructor is effective, he or she will carefully engage students in online classes for all interactions, and show his or her presence and interest in each student. I agree with you that the replacing of physical classrooms will probably not happen before year 2050, but some other technology that is innovative and affordable may be presented before that time that will, for all intents and purposes, constitute a physical classroom. Hold onto your hat!
I do not think that the online learning experience will completely replace the traditional classroom, simply because not everyone is successful learning online. There are many, many children and adults in my experience that need the "personal touch" and "personal attention" of a warm body in a teaching environment.
Despite the way the world is going with technology, and online teaching methods evolving each day, the physical classroom with the instructor facilitating will not be completely erased from the human experience simply because of differing human needs in the education arena. There will always be those who do better in a physical classroom.
Bobbi,
Your comments accurately reflect the current educational environment. Thank you for your participation.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I do not think that on-line learning will totally replace traditional classrooms. I beleive that it will have a hugh impact and many people will take them as an alternitive. Many people need to have that face to face contact and do not like computer classes.
Chad,
Your rationale and conclusion are shared by many traditional and online instructors. In contemporary learning environments the ability to replace the traditional classroom with online learning is heavily dependent on the objectives to be achieved. Good post.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think online learning my replace some classes, but I don't think that all classes will go to an online format. There are many classes that need to be hands on. There are classes that benefit from having an instructor in the classroom. Technical schools, for instance need instructors, but traditional academic classes won't always require them. So in answer to the question, it depends on the program.
Alicia,
Agreed, but do you foresee online replacing traditional?
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
In multiple ways; it will change the format of the class, the materials utilized, and most of all the way the students engage the course.
Amy,
This is a pervasive view among educators and students. Very good.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think online learning is more and more prevalant; however, I do not think it will fully replace the traditional classroom.
Online learning is a great way for busy adults to continue their education, and I think many adults are taking advantage of quality online programs to fulfill their educational goals.
However, I think many students will always feel more comfortable in a face to face learning environment.
Deborah ,
It seems like you strongly advocate keeping the human contact as a central component of the educational process. The current online environments often diminish this for many students. Nevertheless, as technology matures we may see additional capacity for the human engagement to be facilitated. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
