I feel if the need for clinical or hands on practice is required for a particular course of study online learning will not be able to replace the traditional classroom. Maybe a blended classroom with both online and tradional classroom time would be an alternative to straight online study. I guess it would depend on the subject being taught.
Thomas,
Very interesting. This is one scenario I am hearing about more often; The corporations will control and/or own a large portion of the universities.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
In 20-30 years I would say yes to a very large extent. It will be that most of the top tier ground schools have transitioned their programs to virtual programs however. I do not think they will actually go away. I also think there will be far fewer University's in 20 years than there are today as well. Both ground and online. This industry will most likely go through significant consolidation over time.
Tom
Elizabeth,
Thank you for your contribution to this topic. That is one of the primary advantages of the online classroom.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Jeannette,
Today's collegiate marketplace is very much as you describe. The rapid growth of the online platform may introduce economic trends that will change the current marketplace over the next few years. While student preference will have some impact, student need (as you pointed out) may create drastic changes. Thank you for your contribution and insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I do not think online learning will ever replace the traditional classroom, but it is an excellent opportunity for those who may not otherwise be able to earn a degree.
No, I do not agree with the statement. While it might enhance or even provide an alternative, online is not for everyone. There is still a huge place for traditional college experiences if nothing more than to reach those students who are not emotionally mature enough to self regulate as required in an online environment. However, not everyone has the luxury to put their life and livelihood on hold while they pursue traditional methods. Therefore, it is just another platform option.
Jennifer ,
You are expressing the view of many excellent teachers. Gartner's insight has helped fashion many instructional design components of online education. While most have not yet been fully implemented, you can see them in some of the more advanced scenario-based, interactive, audiovisual learning objects. As we move away from the text-based online environment
these instructional components will become more pervasive in the online classroom. The best is yet to come.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Since my master's degree is in teaching, I find this to be a wonderful debate. I have worked with students from 15 - 64 years of age, and truly believe there is no one size fits all approach to learning. (I am a Gardner fan!)
If we are truly concentrated on meeting the needs of all learners, we will need to offer all technological options in addition to the traditional classroom.
Melissa,
Very good post. I agree, this is a great topic. It will be interesting to see where the technology and public policy put us in 20 years. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Irene,
There is research emerging that supports your position. It seems that the hybrid approach, when implemented properly, often has a better outcome than either traditional or online by themselves.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think online learning will eventually replace the traditional classroom, but I don't think this is for the better. I received my undergraduate degree via traditional classroom delivery, and my Master's completely online. I feel like I learned more going to school in the traditional classroom. In the program I attended, there weren't online lectures, it was the student's responsibility to read the material and "teach themselves". There were forums available to post questions to the instructor, but it really felt like it would've been more accurate to call the instructor a mediator or facilitator. I'm currently teaching my first class in a school with a hybrid program. We meet once a week for a four hour session and the students are required to spend approximately the same amount of time online. I feel this hybrid method is the best way to combine the best of both learning environments. Students get the face to face time with me and we have the advantage of technology to make the best use of our time.
Dr. Vaillancourt
I think that online learning will not necessarily replace the traditional classroom but rather enhance it. I think that you will always have a certain group of students that will always want the ground setting to sit in a desk, see the professor or instructor, and interact face to face with peers. I have some students in my online program that have gone to college and now for reasons such as children, work, job requirements are now pursing additional education via online learning. The biggest answer I get when I ask why online is "Because that is what works for me now". After teaching many years of both online and ground I see that each instruction has its benefits.
This is a great topic.
Coleen,
You are right on target, I think most online istructors feel the strain much of the time. Thank you for your contributions.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
You are absolutely right that technology has changed the way we communicate and learn - especially from each other. I am amazed how my children interact with their friends via the internet, xbox and texting. They are able to share information in real time. I think the advantages far outweigh any concerns though.
I suppose it is more important in how we manage these lines of communcation, and how grounded we are. Far too often we hear stories of individuals taking advantage. I think our responsibility as an instructor especially in an online environment can be much more tenuous. It requires that we monitor all student activity and create certain assurances that each student is meeting the expectations of the course. At times this can take more effort on our part.
Coleen,
Well stated. Your robust summary of today's technology enhancing educational experience is excellent.
Just a thought...Over 100 years ago, it was unthinkable that the average family in America would own a car. Fifty years ago it was unthinkable that the average family would have a computer in the home. Do you think that technology (holograms, Wii-type, etc.) may change this situation within another 50 years? Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
No, the value of the face-to-face traditional classroom setting is invaluable. Learning from other students through other aspects of how we communicate is essential: body language, eye contact, group learning, role playing, etc. Each of these enhance the learning experience. However, technology has broadened how we learn and made it much more condusive for professionals aspriring to achieve higher education. The traditional classroom setting is well complimented by online learning. The sharing of ideas from students participating from different states and countries is made possible online. It is another learning component that may have been overlooked previously.
Amanda,
Your observations are right on target. With today's technology many schools are finding the blended approach to be more robust than either exclusively face-to-face or exclusively online instruction. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I don't think that online learning will completely replace the traditional classroom. A lot of post secondary schools are moving towards a blended environment. The reasons for this could be room requirements or a way to prepare students for the future. On the flip side though, there are just some degrees that you cannot learn online. An example of this would be for a doctor.
A lot of schools are also turning towards straight online learning for elementary and secondary educations. My niece attends a private school based in Utah. She lives in Indiana and attends lecture twice a week for most of her classes. She loves being able to stay home and learn at her own pace yet still have the interaction with her peers.
It is amazing what schools can do now even for the younger grades.
Annabel,
I agree that today's online environment has serious limitations for many students. Do you think the advancement of technology in the future may help accommodate some of those students not served in the current online clasrooms? Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
