Satrohan wrote: Would students learn as much or more in an online course than they would in the same course delivered in a traditional instructor-led classroom setting? Explain your answer.
Melissa's response: The delivery method (online vs. on ground)of a course should not change how much a student should learn. All courses should be designed to offer specific competencies and it should not matter if the course is offered in a different modality.
Roshone:
I agree with students having access to a greater body of information derived from participation in asynchronous discussion forums. That is smuch more "dialogue" than what usually takes place in a traditional classroom setting. Moreover, students are likely to be more "open" especially when peer evaluations are done in an online environment.
In regards to online students being more serious and disciplined, I have not come across any empirical data to support that. I suspect that online students have a highler level of commitment, and are therefore more likely to devote the necessary eforts towards the completion of their online courses.
Satrohan
I think they have the opportunity to learn more in an online course because they are getting information and feed back from people with different views. Also you are able to ask all kids of question and share your different views without the fear of asking questing as in a traditional instructor-led classroom setting.
Usually the students who are taking an online class is serious and typically more discipline. So the conversation and interaction on-line would be to a greater level that in a classroom.
Agreed, Joanne. Multisensory learning coupled with active learner-centerd acitvities does lead to higher retention levels. You may want to refer to Kolb's instructional design model for additional strategies to promote meaningful learning in both learning environments.
Satrohan
Joanne:
You have mentioned several learning activities that would support quality online learning. Many of the them are standard. From my point of view, I will have to review the course design Specifications before I can recommend any teaching and learning strategies. Better yet, a face-to-face discussion with the Course Author after I have reviewed the Course Design Specifications will get us farther in a shorter time.
Satrohan
I think that the more senses we engage in our students' learning experience, the more they will remember of the learning in both on-line and on-ground.
I agree with many responses regarding student motivation as the key. In some ways on-line strongly encourages student participation better because I can expect a specific number of 'hits' per students (for points) each week whereas on-ground (in the classroom) I do not 'force' students to orally participate in discussions.
The characteristics of online courses that are properly constructed would probably include a guide to use while reading the textbook, such as a powerpoint presentation and, ideally, some type of video to highlight specific important points. Assigned questions (to be completed and submitted for grading) to promote reflective thought and direct learning to important points would be very helpful. Finally, posting discussion topic(s) to the Forum and requiring a specific number of responses and/or posted questions from each student would also enhance learning & promote interaction between students. Amongst all these activities would be personal emails as needed from the teacher and posted responses to the forum. What else would be required? And I actually want someone to let me know what more I should add when constructing my courses.
Chris:
Your last sentence says it all. This will all work if an institution cna deliver courses in both formats.
Satrohan
I have always felt that the student will learn based on their learning styles and their learning preferences. For adults this can go either way.
Let's take a look at the first type of student who may not be technical, may need the structure of a traditional classroom for time management. These students need the instructor led, face to face course. They will meet once or twice a week, not have to manage discussion boards, downloads, and online activity.
Another type of student, that is more often found with the younger generation is managing a job, family, hobbies, and still trying to go to school. They have good time management skills and are attempting to multi-task. These are the students that reap the benefits of the online world and course rooms.
I do not think there is one answer that fits all, it is a matter of personal preference and skills.
-Chris
William
On-the-ground courses should also have structural integrity. In an on-the-ground setting, students can also be referred to online supporting materials. I believe what makes the diffeence is that online students can devote more time to assimilate the course content. They have more time to reflect on the online lecture, discussion forums etc.
Satrohan
It seems that the structure and the availability of additional resources resources at least gives the online student a bit of an advantage .
Michelle:
Students learning styles do have an influence on how successful they would be in an online learning environment versus a traditional classroom setting. It is my opinion that if the course meets the requirements of a quality online learning course, the instructor is capable of applying proper strategies to teach in an online environment, and the students possess the requisite knowledge and skills to successfully participate in online learning, ther should not be any significant difference in the learning gains between these two learning environments.
Satrohan
I believe it depends on the student and their learning techniques.
Troy:
You have mentioned several factors that can influence successful online learning. All things being equal, I also believe that students can learn as much or more in an online environment than in a traditional classroom setting. Here is a question for you.
Let's assume that we hold all factors influencing learning constant in both learning environments-----online and on-the-ground. Do you believe students will remember more of what they learn in an on-the-ground setting, than in an online setting?
Satrohan
As some have stated, sometimes it is up to the particular student...in my experience so far, the resources have been there for the student. Some have utilized them and others have not. Again, we have different learners in the same environment and people are there for different reasons. There are more complex factors going on in their lives sometimes that are beyond our control. Sometimes, we spend a lot of time just "reaching out" to them. If we can get them engaged and interacting, yes I think it is possible to learn as much or more in an online course.
Marcia:
You have made an extremely important point which is that the primary difference between an online course and one offered in a traditional classroom setting is the convenient of access to the online course once one has access to the Internet.
Satrohan
Hi Marcia,
I also agree with you. Having discipline is essential in an online environment. Many students choose this type of learning because they assume it is easy, when the only difference is that it is convenient. However, you have to be very grounded, independent, and a great time manager in order to be successful online.
I feel that the online environment is a great way to learn about your students and their needs. This is because all you have is communication. You can communicate at times that are convenient for both you and the student and not just during classtime.
Rebecca:
You have made some very interesting and controversial statements. we can build an entire course around these statements. These are my thoughts on your snswer.
I believe that face-to-face instruction should also be learner-centered.
Time management as well as task management are equally important regardless of whether students are in a traditional classroom seting or in an online environment.
Students are more likely to seek help in an online environment than in a traditional classroom setting.
Satrohan
I agree Marcia. I think an online student has to be much more disciplined and motivated than a ground student. In online learning, it is learner centered. It is the students responsibility to manage their time and make sure their assignments are done on time and to ask when they do not understand something. They cannot rely on the more extroverted students to ask their questions for them and be the main participants in the class.
In the online environment, students are in charge of their own learning.
