Yes, I do believe that Online learning will eventually replace the traditional classroom. Today's society is much more mobile than it was 10-15 years ago. Computers are now just as common to households as televisions, which means that online learning is even more accessible and attractive to all generations.
As a business, colleges and universities must appeal to the consumer and I find that many people prefer online learning because it is more flexible as it relates to time. Generally, access to online courses is around the clock and every day of the week. Also online learning is makes it easier for students to attend colleges and universities that they might not otherwise attend due to distance.
Yes, I believe that on-line learning is a very strong trend that will not be reversed. That being said, I am not sure it is appropriate for some subjects such as higher math and lab sciences. However, the access to education it brings to all students is invaluable - there is no substitute!
Rebecca Smith
Debra,
Yes, the instructor must have a 'buy in' or the students will suffer.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
At the moment, with technology where it is, it is possible for an ever greater number of courses to be taught virtually. But not all disciplines can be fully realized without some face-to-face interaction, though I expect this will continue to change to an extent. Let's take certain performing arts as an example, and dance in particular. Many faculty members in this discipline have a really strong commitment to embodiment as a practice and are very adamant that specific types of courses in dance -- one 'for instance' might be a ballet technique course -- must be taught in an environment where students and teacher are in the same space. This is despite the fact that the so-called "smart classroom" or "smart stage" can enable students and instructors who are not in the same physical location can visually and auditorially work together in this subject. I guess what I am trying to point out is that even when the technology is very sophisticated if faculty members do not feel that a virtual approach to teaching technique is pedagogically adequate they will not support a shift to a virtual delivery of this type of course.
Jeffrey,
You have provided some very good descriptions of the current situation. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Because of differing learning styles, some students do not adapt well an online environment, no matter how hard the instructor tries to help. In the colleges I teach for online, there is no opportunity to meet face to face at all. I am hoping that in the future, we can at least meet by video conferencing. I believe many students need the assurance of meeting with an instructor face to face and perhaps video chat can help. I do not believe online learning will ever replace traditional classroom delivery of instruction. Some students can only succeed in a classroom setting and feel too isolated in a strictly online environment. Others can thrive in an online setting. At one of the schools I teach for online, I am concerned that the material cannot be covered sufficiently in only a five week session. When I was in college, I never had a course that was that short. They may be a tendency to shorten classes in an online environment in order for the school to reach its financial goals, although I am not certain that is the reason.
Kozet,
Thank you for your contribution and sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
According to technology, the possiblity of all online classrooms can become a reality. We as humans should place some restraints on online teaching, because the human component(face to face) is effective in growth (personal and in society).
Laura,
I see. Thank you for the follow up.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Tactile learning involves the use of the hands, and other body parts, in combination with the brain, to enhance and encourage learning. It can be as simple as typing on the computer, or twisting a paperclip to keep a student engaged and attentive to what they are reading or hearing.
I always encourage the use of laptops in class, for just this reason. It may be regarded as impolite by some folks, however, I do believe that movement and learning are related, although not considered to be "good manners" by the society's standards.
Dr. Pogue
I disagree that online learning systems will eventually replace the traditional classroom setting. Online learning is a great option for many students and has resulted in a great many improvements in the educational system worldwide, however, I believe that a traditional classroom setting will continue to be a viable option for many students who prefer a face to face interaction and for courses that require a physical presence in the classroom.
Frank Nolan
Laura,
Well stated. Please share the ways in which you have found online to be great for tactile learners. Thank you for your astute contributions.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I believe that online learning is a supplement to the traditional, ground classroom and that online classrooms provide one more tool that may address the various learning styles among students. Online is great for visual learners and tactile learners. Podcast may help the audio learner.
Overall, as the technology of the online classroom improves, so will the quality of the student experience and frequency of college use of online classroom tools.
Sincerely,
Dr. Laura Pogue
Online learning is essentially using the computer to teach skills and knowledge. Online learning includes internet-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classroom opportunities and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the internet or your local network, and can be self-paced or instructor-led. Whether you choose an online learning environment or blended learning, the addition of the online content is sure to prove its value. It will help reduce company downtime and expenses and allow your employees to study the material at their own pace without the pressure of a classroom setting.
The pros include: classes/courses can be taken at convenient times, eliminates the need to "schedule" a class, eliminates the need for a classroom, no need for printed materials, no need to hire instructors, students can learn at their own pace, and can be accessed from anywhere. The main cons include the reliability on technology, lack of instant feedback, and inability to ask questions in real time.
Online learning has many of the same characteristics as a traditional classroom environment, including influencing and inspiration. However, thee instructor is unseen and from afar. While online learning may not “totally†replace traditional classroom delivery of instruction, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that it is eroding into the traditional mode of classroom instruction. While the number of schools offering online courses/degrees has significantly increased, over the past decade, the need for the traditional classroom environment will continue to exist.
The shift to online learning is evident. According to UMass Faculty Handbook, the numerous online tools allow learners to be more flexible. The collaboration required by group work allows “students to become more active participants in the learning process†(Poe & Stassen, n.d., p. 6-7). However, this is not a simplistic process and can be quite challenging for the group and instructors. For example, in the last semester five students chose to complete their project individually, rather than work in a group setting-- students are given the option to work independently or in groups and many chose the latter, approximately 40% for both online and on-ground.
Moreover, the online mode of delivery, through the use of technology, has allowed leaners to “access online databases and subject experts in the online classroom†and therefore “support†the learning process. This delivery system allow students to from every geographic region (with access to technology) to gain “access to higher education†(Poe & Stassen, n.d. p. 6-7). In a recent study, UMass Amherst found that more than 50% of students surveyed were ‘very interested’ or ‘somewhat interested’ in taking an online course. This means that academic institutions must be willing to accommodate this new learning environment or face the possibility of failure in the foreseeable future.
Additionally, the online mode of delivery can be beneficial to faculty including: the opportunity to think about teaching in new ways; Provide ideas and techniques to implement in traditional courses; Expand the reach of the curriculum; Professional satisfaction and; Instructor convenience (Poe & Stassen, n.d. p. 7).
In a separate study, Zhang, Spurlock, and Gao (2007) argues that as the facilitator of the learning process there is “less direct teacher-to student interaction†found in the traditional classroom. In this environment learning is “self-motivated†and the student now had the “responsibility to manage time and complete†their assignments within a limited time frame (p. 1). Not to pick on procrastinators but many students are ineffective through this method; they lack the necessary “self-discipline†from the use of technology and supervision. Furthermore, student learning styles are different and may face difficulty to follow/understand certain information (say math) without additional explanation from the instructor. Consequently, I will have to argue that online learning will not replace the traditional classroom because it is not for all students and a place will remain for the brick and mortar facility.
Poe, M. & Stassen, M.L. (n.d.). Teaching and Learning Online:Communication, Community, and Assessment (Eds). Retrieve from
http://www.umass.edu/oapa/oapa/publications/online_handbooks/Teaching_and_Learning_Online_Handbook.pdf
Zhang, W., Jennelle Irene Spurlock-Johnson, J. L., & Gao, X. (2007). Can E-learning Replace the Traditional Classroom? A Case Study at a Private High School. ISECON. Retrieve from http://www.proc.isecon.org/2007/2543/ISECON.2007.Zhang.pdf
Who says the answer has to be all or nothing? I think there will always be traditional classrooms of some sort. For example, learning to dance or play tennis is best done with another person. Cost is always a consideration, and I suspect higher-cost courses may be put online to lower expenses.
As much as I love books, I fully understand that the hardcover version may become "extinct" in a few years. As technology changes, so does the way we communicate.
I don't think so. I feel that there are some students who benefit from face-to-face interaction, and may not have the discipline for the online environment. Also, the online system may not appeal to all audiences who are not as technologically adept.
I do not agree with this proposition. I believe that the two will co-exist side by side. However, online learning will continue to evolve. Some of the successful techniques that are used in traditional classroom have been incorporated in online classroom. Some of them were incorporated without modification and some were modified before incorporation. Examples of the techniques that were incorporated without modification include general introduction of class members and the instructor during the first day of class and instructor honesty when answering students' questions.
Examples of techniques that were modified include grading and test-taking. Whereas traditional classroom grades are based on close-book tests and quizzes, grades for online students are based mostly on written papers that addressed real-world problems or issues and open-book tests.
I disagree. The traditional classroom will always have its place, many students like the campus feel and structure and it meets their goals and objectives. On the other hand many students have schedules and responsibilities that precludes them from the traditional classroom environment, whether for a single course or for their entire education. Many students have to work, take care of families and asynchronous education mode can clearly meet their objectives.
My background is in the sciences and this required lab time as well as illustrated lectures. My graduate studies were in finance and economics. The latter would have enabled me to participate in online courses due to the nature of the curriculum, the former, in chemistry, physics and biology lent itself to hands-on classroom environment.
