Online learning vs. campus classrooms
There is always the question, is online learning as effective as classroom learning. My opinion is that it depends entirely on the course and its content. Some classes are very effective online whereas others simply are not. Like anything, it is not 100% effective in every case. Some classes require memorizing terms and/or dates. That may be a very effective online course. However, if you are teaching a class that requires projects, 3D work, mounted work, and difficult processes, it may not be a good candidate for an online course. Because people learn in different ways, online can be a great option for some. If learners are not disciplined and are not focused, online courses can be a disaster. Colleges need to closely examine course content before developing an online course. They may also need to take a close look at their demographic and determine if their student body are the type of learners that will succeed online.
Paul,
This is an excellent post. Students want instructors involved.
Shelly Crider
Completely with you on this. I've been teaching online for 10+ years and love it. But the fact is, teaching is only part of the equation. Learning is an active endeavor and it requires participation, engagement, and effort.
Samantha,
When students get into the real work force, they will see this very problem. In the medical field there are patients who simply do not do what is asked of them....same for many other fields as well.
Shelly Crider
As career schools, we try our best to engage students and get them to undertake their part of activities. Unfortunately, some do not. When they fail, it is troubling; however, the focus still should be to offer excellent, student-centered instruction to all, even those who will not take advantage.
I disagree. I am a very passionate instructor and actively engage my students in a classroom setting. Even with everything I put into it-and it is alot-I still have students fail because they have not done their part. I tell the students that I can take them to the 50 yard line but they have to pick up the ball and score the touchdown. I think that would be even more true in an online program. But you do have the ability, in an online environment, to reach a student who would be reluctant to reveal himself in a classroom.
Sounds like you are already an effective online instructor!
Christopher,
This is true. In the classroom you can see who may need help...in the online classroom, you have to have insight and keep communication open to help those who are not so open to ask for help.
Shelly Crider
I believe the instructor must work harder to anticipate typical student needs in the online environment. In a classroom students are more likely and easily able to voice opinions and needs (at least in my experience). In the online course they need to be encouraged more to participate fully, and part of that encouragement is the addition of materials, details and topic points that motivate the student. When the student sees 'their' question/answer they are likely to feel more membership to the class and course, thereby encouraged when a need for clarification (on their part) comes up. So, I regularly ask myself, 'What would this (any) student need'?
Ligia,
Online has certainly become a wave of the future! Teaching online is great at home as well!
Shelly Crider
In my personal opinion I think is more convenience online classes because I can't attend on campus classroom for my work schedule.
elida,
Students are a customer, so they are indeed important!!
Shelly Crider
student should be as important
Robert,
We all like the feeling of being a part of something bigger. Students are there as well!
Shelly Crider
I agree...its really about attentiveness and making students feel like they are a part of something whether it be online or on campus.
Robert,
If the instructor is passionate and active in class...students will learn....online or traditional.
Shelly Crider
