Nia,
Good point about the social skills. The kids' social skills today seem to be developed primarily online (facebook, twitter, etc.). I agree that sometime in the future - probably distant future - technology will develop to the point where the majority of formal schooling will be available totally on line. Thank you for your post.
I think online learning will eventually replace the traditional classroom, in all levels of education, post-secondary and secondary. Secondary education is already making use of online learning for students that must attend summer school or are suspended for disciplinary issues but need to keep attending their courses. We are using e-books more and more on multiple levels of education. My preschooler has access to an e-book library. He is 3 years old and can manipulate the desktop computer, laptop and iPad. I live in a state/city where schools are overcrowded and one viable option is to teach students online. I think it is just a matter of time before high school diplomas in addition to college degrees can be obtained in an online format. I do hope however that there are adequate supplements to assist individuals with developing social skills.
Hi Ward,
I understand your point. Today's technology certainly doesn't accommodate all. Do you think the technology could advance to the point of replacing face-to-face sometime in the future?
I don't believe that it will. There are many different types of learners and there need to be programs that match student learning styles. Some students do well in online programs and others do not.
Hello Vincent,
I agree, the trend will continue to move students into the online environment. Big improvements will make it much more effective with enhanced interactive media and increased synchronous instruction.I appreciate the insights.
That's a very interesting question, I do believe in our connected world that we will move towards online learning entirely although most likely not just the way we perceive it. I can foresee more interactive media integrated into online classrooms and more synchronous elements replacing the live face to face lectures. With the high cost of gas, many of my current students have moved towards online classes rather than traditional classrooms and I think it'll be a problem that will only increase.
Hello Tanya,
Your point is well taken. Another consideration might be economic feasibility. If the 'convenience factor' of online classes overwhelmingly causes diminishment of students attending certain subjects in the traditional classroom, could it (someday) become cost prohibitive for some schools to maintain those classes in the brick/mortar setting for a handful of students each term?
Hi Dr. Vaillancourt,
How are you? I do not beleive that online learning will eventually replace traditional classroom delivery instruction. The type of classroom setting is determined by each student's preference.
Dr. M,
I am aware there are several universities that have setup f2f classrooms in the Second Life space. Students walk down the street, walk into the building, then walk into the classroom (virtually) to attend a f2f, synchronous, class session. This aspect provides for physical proximity to be removed as a barrier for class attendance while maintaining many of the benefits of f2f learning. These are interesting times. Like you, I expect the technology to further propagate distributed learning environments.
I believe that it will not only replace the traditional learning classroom environment, but evolve to emulate it. I have taken courses for example, in a virtual world, where I was required to attend sessions, interact with other students in Second Life. While this is considered a virtual classroom, I have seen other methods of distributed learning that more emulates the traditional class room environment where as every student and the instructor were required to meet synchronically using web cams. The instructor was actually instructing in an empty classroom and using charts and white boards to project multiple layers of content. Each student had their own face projected to another area of the classroom which allowed the instructor to look for mannerisms and facial expressions and keep the students engaged. It was like a true face to face! I see more distributed learning environments in the future.
Dr. M
Reyna,
Your experince and sentiments as an online student reflect my experience. However, the more 'hands on' educational sectors like medicine, mechanical and culinary have a ways to go, yet in the technology development.
Nevertheless, current technology makes an online physical education course feasible. Using the Wii technology with web-video and biomonitoring (heartrate, temp, etc.) software it is now feasible to provide online PE courses. Who would have thought it possible 25 years ago?
Mohan,
There are many who agree with your perspective. I definitely agree that human interaction is a significant component in much of the human learning that occurs. Many educational learning theories emphasize the importance of human interaction. Do you think advancements in technology could enhance the interaction to the point where all students could learn in a virtual classroom? (Maybe in 100 years?)
I agree that online learning will eventually replace traditional classroom delivery of instruction. In our society today, people are so busy and always on the go. It appears that more students are selecting online instruction versus traditional classroom instruction.
Many students feel that traveling to a location for instruction is ridiculous, time consuming, and a complete waste of gas. As a graduate, I enjoyed the online instruction. It gave me the freedom and ability to complete the lessons and be home with my family at the same time.
As our society advances our technology advances, thus proving that online instruction will replace traditional classroom instruction.
Hello Dr.Vaillancourt
I don't think online learning replace traditional learning one hundred percent. It may not work fully for tech and medical schools. It is an option for the students to learn in a different set up due the nature of their job or other issues. I can't think about a situation in which all students learn in virtual classrooms. Technology tools may make the learning easier but nothing can replace the real effect of human interaction.
I don't think online learning replace traditional learning one hundred percent. It will not work fully for tech and medical schools. It is an option for the students to learn in a different set up due the nature of their job or other issues. I can't think about a situation in which all students learn in a virtual classroom. Technology tools may make the learning easier but nothing can replace the effect of human interaction.
There are many who would agree. Many more say "not within our lifetimes" but maybe someday. The technology is advancing rapidly.
For instance, online PE might be a possibility in the very near future - look at the Wii activities, if a 'vitals monitoring' device was added. Also, simulators and 'sensor rich' artificial human bodies may eventually provide online 'lab stations' for a very futuristic classroom, without human face-2-face instruction.
Seems like science fiction? Maybe.
I do not believe online learning will ever fully replace the Traditional Classroom. I do foresee a huge growth in online learning in the next couple of years. However, I feel a lot of students, especially older individuals who struggle with technology, will continue to go the traditional route. As the younger generation ages I feel the increase in demand for Online education with increase. Some degrees will never fully make it to an online platform, especially in healthcare where the skills are hands on.
Donald,
It sounds like we are from a similar epoch, as well as being of like mind. I couldn't agree more with your parting thought on this! Since online education is in its infancy and is changing rapidly, there may still be means by which we can get the valuable 'experience' passed on via this new instructional medium.
I hope not, at least the way it is now.
What seems to be negatively happening with a lot of students is related to grammar and spelling, and a dependence upon software in the place of knowing underlying details that were used to create that software.
As far as the spelling and grammar, when I went to school [I'm ancient] we had spelling bees, where we competed directly with one another and where we were exposed to direct analysis by other peers hearing us be either right or wrong. This was also true in many other venues besides grammar and spelling. Part of the problem today is the use of electronic devices which sublimates the direct contact. The use of spelling and grammar "shortcuts" like UR instead of "you are" is at the heart of this, I think. I've observed in a mall two young people, sitting together, texting each other instead of talking directly! I could tell this was happening since they just occasionally commented upon what they were texting the other!
As to the use of software, its like using a calculator in place of memorizing the multiplication tables, its ok in most instances, BUT, I think students should know more about the insides of the software they use. It gives more "sureness" to them if they do. They can then use the software with more confidence and project that confidence to their clients or users in their jobs. They also respond better when it doesn't work right. They will know who to contact and be a better help to the software debugger in figuring out the problem.
So we need to find better ways to get this type of learning into online classes in the future. In Algebra, we have a perfect tool for teaching exactness of thinking, orderly approaches and respect for the importance of correctness and for attention to detail. Electronic and software "tools" should be just that; tools, not taken for granted. A craftsman learns a trade that he does better with his tools. The tools are NOT the skill or the craft. The skill is in how to use the tools to get the job done correctly and fast. We need to clearly differentiate this to students online. This takes insight borne of real world experience on the part of the teacher.
Hire us old experienced and insightful guys and gals to teach online! Experience means nothing unless it is used or passed on to the younger or to the less experienced. Its another win-win for all.
Kevin, you may be correct. The extraordinary increase of electronic access to information and electronic facilitation of human interaction seems almost limitless at this point. It ios probably just a matter of time. Will books be totally unused and kept in museums like the Guttenburg printing press?
