While, no one can predict the future, I don't think that online learning will eventually replace traditional classroom delivery. Everyone has a different style of learning and different abilities to structure their lives. Some people need the traditional classroom just for the structure it provides of having to be someplace at a certain time. The traditional classroom also offers socialization with peers and immediate feedback from the professor. In addition, there are degrees that require more one on one training, for example medical school. I am not sure that I would want someone doing surgery on me who only watched it on a video.
Online learning is able to offer an education to many students who might not otherwise be able to obtain a degree due to physical location, being homebound, or because they need the flexibility that is offered through the online environment. Ideally, the online learning environment and the traditional classroom can work together to provide educational experiences for everyone seeking a higher education.
Leyann,
You can build a pretty heavy social component with modern online learning tools. Even though there is strong growth in online courses and program offerings, there are still courses and programs that would be much harder to teach effectively online. For example, advanced Welding techniques - you can demonstrate the skills and provide extensive media of how a weld should look, how to do it, etc. but you still have to pick up a welder and DO IT and have someone evaluate your work and provide detailed feedback.
Herbert Brown III
There are many subjects that I believe are qualified to be online courses, but I strongly disagree with the idea that traditional classes with be replaced.
I believe the social aspect is very important in learning.
Leyann
Ra'kia,
There has certainly been strong growth in online learning, but there are still many students, as you mention, that prefer and have the characteristics to be stronger academically in a traditional classroom.
Herbert Brown III
No, online learning will not replace traditional classroom delivery because, in my opinion, it is more challenging than face-to-face classroom delivery. I feel that many students have difficulties with self discipline and taking on the more independent role that is required of them in an online learning environment. Also, the transition from face-to-face to online learning is more difficult because it is not traditional and many are afraid of change,especially since the traditional way has been consistently enforced by authorities for many years.
-Ra'kia
Online will not replace on campus courses, but will/has already become a major component of the education process. Even on campus classes have a significant online component for submitting assignments and delivering feedback.
Anthony J Matias
Sabrina,
I agree, it is certainly not the best learning solution for everyone.
Herbert Brown III
By you elaborating in details about the different educational tools Instructors and Students can use for an online math course, there is a possibility that math can be taught effectively online. However, there maybe two or three students who are unable to understand the math concepts provided online.
Sabrina
Alison,
It is certainly growing in leaps and bounds and may in some areas surpass traditional classroom learning depending on the measures examined.
Herbert Brown III
Joan,
The current research continues to show just what you mention. Online is continuing to show strong growth and most analysis of the research in the field shows that online instruction is on par with traditional on ground instruction.
Herbert Brown III
After reviewing many statistics that compare enrollment, I know online learning has already replace Traditional Classroom learning. This spans across many states.
I don't believe that online learning will eventually replace traditional classroom instruction. However, I do think that online instruction will continue to compliment classroom instruction and may even equal classroom instruction. If you consider the population of individuals most likely to gravitate toward online instruction for reasons such as,career changes, flexibility, available funding, etc., it can only continue to evolve.
I would only agree that online learning will replace a large amount of traditional classroom delivery of instruction. I think that eventually there will be a blend of the two modes of delivery to the point where they we might not be able to distinguish them as two separate methods. There will likely still be a need for traditional classroom delivery as a point of kinesthetic learning.
Although the demand for online learning is growing rapidly, it is hard for me to imagine that it will completely replace the traditional classroom. Everyone is simply not equipped to succeed in an online classroom.
Sabrina,
The research continues to show strong increases in online course and program enrollments so you are right for the forseeable future those numbers should continue to rise. Let me be the devil's advocate on the statement about math instruction online. What if the course was a synchronous course and everyone had tablets with a stylus. Most synchronous tools have built in whiteboard where the instructor and students can write just like a whiteboard in the classroom. Or the instructor could use an attached document camera and paper to work out problems. Collaboration tools that mimic these traditional classroom interactions do exist. Based on that information do you think that students could do math effectively online? Why/Why not?
Herbert Brown III
For now, I do not think that online learning will replace traditional classroom delivery. However, there is a possibility in the future that a large number of college students will take online courses. They can continue to work a full-time position and manage their home. I will say that math courses should always be taught in a traditional classroom. Why? Students’ will understand the different math concepts performed by Professors on a Smart Board or Whiteboard. In addition, students' can work in teams on how to resolve a math question. It is imperative that students' utilize multiple resources so that they can understand the material and pass their tests.
Sabrina S.
Interestingly, I was asked a similar question by my manager about whether I thought the library would ever become obsolete. My answer to that question was, no, I do not believe so.In a similar vein, I would argue the same for the traditional classroom.
I would agree that within the age of technology both the library and the traditional classroom have had to adapt and redefine its roles, but that does not mean that they have been replaced. It's true that printed materials are becoming digitized and information is freely available on the Internet. And now with globalization, it is no longer necessary for students or professionals to travel to a central location to attend a class or a meeting.
At the same time though, there still continues to be many programs that require a physical presence (i.e. clinicals) and there are still many students who appreciate the classroom experience for involvement and socialization. As such, I do not believe that one will replace the other, but that one is offered as an alternative to persons who have the types of schedules where they do not have the ability to be physical present for the course or choose to take an online class for convenience.
I don't think that online learning will replace the traditional classroom because there are still those students who do not learn well in that modality - either because they do not have the time management skills to be self-motivated to interact in the online environment or because they need that immediate feedback, explaination, and lecture that they can get in the traditional classroom.
Romanda,
We are definitely experiencing continued growth in online learning. For the foreseeable future I expect we will have some traditional classroom experiences.
Herbert Brown III
Hi Herbert,
I feel that online will not replace the traditional classroom delivery of instruction but there will be more opportunities available for online learning. To better explain, I think that more school will be developing around the world with virtual access only but we will still have the real-time presence lecture classrooms. Some students are more visual and hands on learners and still need that live classroom environment.
Romanda Cooper
