I absolutely agree that the online or virtual format will replace many traditional classroom courses. There are some subject areas and programs of study that require the hands on component of learning. These can be offered in a blended course format, but there will always need to be the face-to-face hands on component. Some state licensures also require a certain number of hours hands-on.
I disagree. There are many people who still prefer traditional learning institutions. They enjoy the face to face contact and the ability to be physically close to their instructors or peers.
I do however believe that online degrees are more highly accepted and respected today than they were just a few years ago.
I do believe that online learning will become the primary mode of instruction for many subjects. Although some areas will continue to be best taught in a tradional classroom. That does not mean that they will not be offered in an online capacity though. For example classes that are taken with a corresponding lab. Yes, many of these are already done online, but I do feel that the students miss out on actually completing the hands on lab vs. the virtual lab. Hopefully to fully encourage all types of learners we will offer classes both online and in the traditional fashion, or at very least make them hybrid.
No, I do not think online learning will replace traditional classroom instruction. Online courses are not a solution for all students. In general, online courses cost more than traditional courses. In a bad economy, many students cannot afford the additional cost of online tuition, books and fees. Many students simply do not do well without the face-to-face interaction that exists in the traditional classroom setting. Some students are computer illiterate. Other students do not have the self-discipline that is needed when taking online courses.
The ultimate goal is for all students to be successful. That said I believe each student should have the choice of either taking a traditional course or an online course.
Yes, I agree. Most of the nursing programs are blended. Tina
While I do agree with you that some of the curricula may be delivered online - there is still a need for classroom and clinical instruction in these disciplines. I certainly would not want a nurse or other allied health professional caring for me if they graduated from a totally online nursing program. As a nurse I strongly believe there are just some things that are not appropriate for online instruction. Classroom is necessary. While simulators are great for training - they are also not the same as a real patient and you still need the interpersonal skills.
Hi Janet, actually the nursing programs across the country have been delivering some very effective online courses. They are actually ahead of other disciplines in their ability to effective utilize the online environment using simulation technology. Tina
I don't think online learning will be a total replacement for the classroom nor do I think it should be. There are many fields that require hands on learning - e.g. nursing. You cannot effectively teach many procedures and expect students to become proficient by reading about them or watching videos - they need to observe and learn in the clinical setting.
Also I think that nursing and other allied health students who interact directly with patients need a classroom setting and clinical experience to develop effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
I hope NOT, because I think for some students it is still important to have the face to face interaction. I think you have te be really motivated to do only e-learning!
Hi Glenn, do you feel the online environment will help overcome the learning issue? Tina
As technology continues to grow at a dynamic rate, the availability of learnning from a distance will continue to expand. I do not believe that the traditional classroom will be replaced by online learning in this culture. We have too many public eduation graduates that do not know how to learn. They require another individual to establish expectations. They are focused on getting a grade versus learning.
Hi Carol, I agree. I am at an institution that is completely online and many times I have reached out to learners and recommended a more traditional learning environment that is f2f to support their learning needs. I wish you the best as you begin teaching online. If you need any advice in the future, feel free to reach out to me: tina.stavredes@capella.edu
Tina
I believe that online learning will replace traditional classroom within a 100 year or so because of the advent in technologies. Once virtual 3D and Holograph technology gets more advanced and become readily available in computers/laptops/TV/cell-phones, there will be no necessity to go to a classroom as you will be sitting in a classroom (virtually) through your TV/laptop/cell-phone. Already holograph concert is getting quite popular in Japan.
I don't believe that online learning will eventually replace traditional classroom delivery of instruction.
Like many of the others have posted, I think a move to a more blended learning environment is more likely. I've taught at a ground campus for a number of years but have used technologies that students could access online (most notably video tutorials and powerpoint presentations, practice and actual quizzes).
I have an "attendance strongly encouraged but not required" policy at the ground campus I teach at since I am aware of different learning styles. I did joke one day to the students when attendance was lower than usual that day that I think I'm going to take my show 100% online, and one gentleman raised his hand and earnestly said, "That would destroy me. I need to be *IN* the classroom." And I reassured him that I had no intention of doing that.
In a couple of weeks I'll start my exclusively online instruction experience and will be quite mindful of the differences in experiences that will entail.
I do think that it is very possible that one day all classes will be taught online. I'm sure there will always be some students that would prefer the interaction of being in a classroom with other students, but the way technology is going, I can see it happening.
I don't fully agree that online learning will replace all classroom intsruction. Many professions still require hands on demonstrations that you cannot learn by looking at a computer screen, you must actually learn by doing. I do feel that online learning will become a compliment to classroom learning.
I don't think so due to certain classes can't be taken online. Some classes have labs that go along with the class which will make it impossible.
I teach at a culianry college so I know that the online class will never replace f2f. It will contuine to not only be an aid to students in thier culinary classes, it can help them to obtain a higher degree while maintaing thier full time jobs and juggling thier family life.
Hi Kim, I think that we are becoming a virtual society, so I believe that the demand for online learning will continue to rise. Tina
Very true, but yes I agree with you that there will always be a place for class rooms. I cannot imagine a world where all the big universities offer only online classes. Might get there someday - who knows.
