Online Learning
I feel that online learning could be difficult for some people. If you are a person who needs to be ino a classroom taking notes well listening to the instructor, online learing is not for them. They may have a difficult time comprehending what they are reading and not understand the course at all. Online learinging does have its ups and downs. The plus side of it is that if you have a family you could really make up your own schedule for your class time rather then being in a class room from this time to this time. And the down side is if your someone who gets more out of being in the classroom.
Kevin,
We could be doing SO much more, I agree. Some of this depends on "connectivity" as well. Cellular technologies are just now getting to speeds where video, etc. are handled much better on their networks (though you will pay for it). It is sometimes hard to believe but there are rural areas that still have marginal high speed connectivity - although satellite technology is getting better (but pricey). When it all comes together: hardware, networking, software, human element - it will be an amazing thing!
Herbert Brown III
On the other hand students do not have to get reliable transportation to a brick-and-mortal classroom and online classes can be worked on "anytime, anyplace".
I agree that elearning technology is fairly basic right now, but it keeps getting better and more commonly available. Imagine if all students had tablet PCs with video cameras on the front and back of the device? Real time video and audio chats would be a simple thing, as well as distributing lessons, videos, eBooks, etc.
Rebecca,
Good points. Additionally, as new technologies and techniques emerge in online instruction, some of those challenges with online will diminish.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
