John,
As the changes continue, there may be a shift in this as well.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Saudat,
Yes, this is a widespread (but diminishing) viewpoint. Some research is indicating evidence that some online courses maintain comparable quality, retention and student success. The changes are continuing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Although online learning will likely become more prevalent, I don’t believe that it will completely replace traditional classroom learning. I believe there is room enough for both venues of learning.
This question resembles the question, ‘will online dating replace face-to-face dating’...no. Human beings are very adaptive, however, they need a balance of human communication in their everyday lives.
Some learners learn best when they are face-to-face, while others thrive in an online environment that lets them learn at their own pace.
What we will likely see in the future is more universities having hybrid programs whereby some courses are offered ‘on ground’ and others are offered online. This way a student can choose what they feel would be a best fit for their learning style as well as their lifestyle.
Karen Bisset
I do not think that online instruction will completely replace classroom instruction. I think that too many lobbyists will see to this. However, I have seen many significant improvements from when I started my online doctorate program in the 1990s and during my 8 years as an instructor. The online libraries and classrooms are much better today than 15, 10, or 5 years ago.
There has always been a stigma about online or for-profit institutions too. However, today many of the people doing the hiring earned a degree or two from an online institution -- so I have seen this stigma changing in the business world. But will online replace a Harvard or MIT classroom -- no, but it is becoming more and more of an equal -- as long as congress doesn't allow itself to become too swayed by lobbyists for brick and mortar institutions.
I think it will continue to grow, but I think it will be a long time before (if ever) it becomes the norm. In all the schools I've attended or taught at, they are pushing online courses. It is often just so much more convenient. But I think this argument is a lot like the one about books becoming obsolete some day because of eBooks. Right now a large portion of society still prefers the traditional. So I think it will just be a long, long time before either happens.
I believe both styles are necessary, and can complement any learning style effectively.
I'd like to think there is room for both in any future because there are pros and cons to both. As we move towards a more technologically driven world, I struggle with the idea that traditional classrooms become extinct much like I wouldn't like to see all societies become "civilized". I learn a great deal from tribal culture when I travel abroad-that would be lost if it was all about the new way of doing things.
Online learning will not replace traditional classroom delivery of instruction for a number of reasons. Online learning is most applicable to working adults because of its generally asynchronous nature which allows maximum flexibility and inherent economies. Commuting costs are eliminated as well as time saved in traveling to and from the classroom.
Additionally, some students simply do not do as well in an online environment. I have had students bemoan the fact that there is no one the 'have to face' in the classroom when they have been derelict in producing required assignments. Likewise, some students need the F2F social interaction that comes with on ground education. I find that these students are typically the younger students just entering college. However, even traditional on ground institutions are integrating online with on ground instruction and creating blended curriculums.
John
Desiree,
I remember it the same fond way, but I was fortunate enough to get a full scholarship. My sisters and brothers did not have the opportunity. They also have experiences in life that I have not had. They are fine in their lives, too.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I disagree, although online learning is vastly becoming a widely used method offered by for-profit institutions, the traditional classroom still takes preeminence and in some cases is deemed to have more credibility in terms of instructional quality, better retention and student success rates.
Students may want to "escape" to college to gain freedom from their parents but with freedom comes responsibility and the learning is invaluable. I feel that I learned as much about life skills as an undergraduate living away from home as I did academics. I think going away to college and having this transition period into adulthood is a wonderful rite of passage.
Robert,
I can see how that would be a good implementation, but it does seem the convenience factor is by far more prevalent than it being seen as an alternative model for students were truly not able to attend. Does it seem that way from your vantage point? Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Alexander,
Excellent response. Agreed. Thank you for the considered dialogue.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Over the past 10 years we have seen a large shift from traditional classrooms to the online learning model. Online education will not replace traditional classrooms but it should rather be seen as an alternative model for students that previously were not able to attend college based on factors like age, geography and convenience.
Robert Schuetz
I believe the jury is still out on the quality of an online education and the employability of those with degrees earned online. As competition for good jobs that support a real middleclass American lifestyle increases, employers will find ways to further distinguish job applicants.
Markets are funny things. Just when you think you have one cornered a new one opens up and the old one goes away. If online degrees do not provide the value promised by the institutions awarding those degrees, a new market will open up and the old one will go away.
There are many degree holders in the U.S. currently unemployed or underemployed. Additionally, the cost of education is increasing so fast that many people can no longer afford a university degree.
Who knows, the next big trend may be trade schools? I personally know plumbers, longshoremen, warehousemen, truckers and other tradesmen that earn more money than attorneys.
But, to answer your question on how do we play the hand we have? I don't put all my eggs in one basket and save for a rainy day. (smile)
Alexander,
Yes, today that may be true, but in 100 years it may be very different. In Gutenburg's day they may have been saying that scrolls would not ever be completely replaced by books. Technology and popular opinion continue to change things. Especially as the generations pass. Except now, there is much greater change within a generation. Just a thought...
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
william,
This is a prime motivator for many things.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
David,
Good perspectives. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Leigh,
Very good insights. Thnak you for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think it wont replace but if will become the dominate way to give course instruction. Most scools have realized that online courses are a big money maker. This will eventually make online learning grow every year with all colleges.
