Tipton,
I believe I understand - and agree wholeheartedly with - your position on the value of human engagement/interactivity in the overall learning process. However, with today's technology (and likely future technologies) what "interaction of fellow students" do you see that may not be able to be accommodated and is critical to learning intellectual content? Thank you for your contribution.
I personally don't think online learning will replace, nor should it, traditional learning. The social aspects and knowledge of diversity gained by the interaction of fellow students greatly adds to the overall "life" learning process.
Gilbert,
Well placed skepticism. "Vaporware" as we refer to it, is abundant, but until the hardware/software actually exist the anticipation can be frustrating. Very good points.
All,
Any comments from the floor?
The two primary problem areas are the technical and the student preference. Our institution has been trying to make VTI work for the last 10 years; we have not had much noticeable success. Systems going down and calls being dropped are common occurrences; cameras that don't actually portray what is needed by either the student or the instructor are another issue. For example, when providing instruction to a distant group that is larger than a few students, the instructor has much less access to the non-verbal feedback he would get from a conventional classroom. Our IT folk have been promising for years that the big breakthrough is just around the corner; after all those years of waiting for it and seeing only minor evolutionary changes, I am extremely skeptical.
Hi Gilbert,
Agreed. The current systems and technology have a great deal of 'opportunity' for improvement. Many expect great improvement in very few years. Would you be willing to discuss some of the "problems inherent in this approach" to which you alluded? We (all class participants) may be able to work through some resolutions on this forum. Thank you for your contribution.
I would say that it might in the future but I think that may be driven by economic factors as opposed to an increase in effectiveness. If the experiences we have had with online learning in my institution are indicative of the system in general, the problems inherent in this approach go beyond just the lack of personal interaction.
Hi Cecelia,
I understand. There are many different opinions out there and many who agree with you. It will be fun to see the progress of the technology. Thank you for your generous contribution to this discussion. Have a great weekend.
Dr. V,
I can't envision the traditional classroom being totally replaced by online even in some areas of instruction. I think there will always be those students that need that f2f contact. It is all about learning styles. Some just need to see and talk to the professor. The use of technologies that allow for video communication between students and faculty may help with.
Cecelia,
Thank you for your contribution. Your premise that some students will immediately do well in the online environment and others will struggle is consistent with the what online instructors have seen in past online classrooms, as well as what most are seeing in today's online instructional settings. Do you think, maybe, the advancements and 'socialization' of instructional teachnology may someday make the traditional classroom no longer necessary for certain classes?
I don't believe Online Learning will replace the traditional classroo. It is, however, an additional medium for some students to learn. We all learn in different ways and at different paces. The online environment provides another means by which students can learn. Some will take to it like "a fish to water" while others will struggle.
Patricia,
There are probably many of us on this forum not expecting to be teaching (formally) 20 years from now. ;-]
Your point about the f2f advantage is indicated in some of the research about hybrid classes and programs. Good point.
Well in 20 years, I hope to be retired but I believe that some students need that face to face contact. Procrastination is the biggest road block in a distant learner's success. Having a schedule to adhere to in a classroom setting may help the student to succeed.
I think more hybrid classes will be available with the option to go into a classroom for tutoring. As a nation we need to introduce more technology at the high school level and provide those students the equipment to succeed.
I read somewhere that in one state kindergartners are receiving IPads for class. Really? I don't even have an IPad. But, our program is seriously considering giving the student an IPad or something similar as a text book. I think this type of innovative thinking will push the student into the technology needed in healthcare today.
Patricia,
Your observations accurately align with what we see in the marketplace today. Do you think this may differ in 20 years, or so? Is so, how?
I believe that for the adult learner today, time is a valuable asset. Having the ability to take on line courses allows the student to fit school into their schedule. On line learning has given many students opportunities to continue their education that was previously prohibited due to time and location. Having multiple programs available, the student can intelligently choose the school they want to attend due to program content and not be limited to location.
Online learning is not for all. You will still see traditional classroom learning but students now have the opportunity to have a choice.
Gary,
I can 'see' the vision you descibed. The possibilities with virtual reality setups within the home have a fairly unrestricted future. Many of the existing technologies that cost millions will likely become department store purchases in a couple of decades. Look at the Wii and think of future developments based on this combined with other computer technologies.
Terry,
You're probably right for at least the next several decades. The f2f human interaction maintains a certain quality that is substantial for many folks. Undergraduate campus life is certainly something I would not give up, if I had it to do over again.
I agree...but not within my lifetime. However, because of the cost effectiveness of on line instruction compared to in class instruction, I believe that we are progressing in that direction.
I can envision a future where you learn from your home, work from your home, and even enjoy virtual activities from your home. There may eventually be no reason to ever even leave your home...and face to face social skills may become a thing of the past.
I think it will in some cases, but not all. Going away to college and being in a physical group setting will always have value, just as the internet has not replaced books and magazines.
Kelli,
I personnaly agree with the desire for the social aspects of college life. I fondly remember my own undergraduate years. The changes in socialization dynamics over the Internet seem to be shifting human activity away from the traditional activities. Do you think two or three generations from now this trend will drastically change? Thank you for your insights.
Personally, I do not believe the online world will take over the traditional classroom. Each individual has their own motivations, needs and expectations with regards to higher education. Athletes will still want to go to a traditional college in an effort to move onto the 'big leagues'. Other high school grads will want to attend a traditional campus much like some of their parents and siblings. I will encourage my girls to go to a traditional college as it gives them their first experience of being away from home for a lengthy time and begins their indepenence as adults.
So in closing, I feel it depends on the individual and that both the traditional and online settings will continue to thrive in the market place.
