Alexander,
Thank you for sharing your insight.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Technology is great and online learning has its place, but online learning will never replace face to face learning. Mentors interacting in the same physical space with their students has been the preferred method of instruction since the time of Socrates. Every human advancement in the arts, sciences and humanities has been conducted by a person or persons schooled by traditional means. Even Bill Gates attended Harvard and Steve Jobs attended Reed College. Did you notice that all the leaders, even today, have a TRADITIONAL education?
Online learing is convenient for non-tradional students and allows institutions of higher learning to extend their reach, attract more customers (I means students) and make more money.
When I see someone who received their entire eduction online make a contribution to the betterment of mankind, then I will consider the alternative to a traditional classroom being replaced by online learning.
Otis,
Good point about the current situation. It seems that situation will likely change in another 25 years, as well as many other factors (e.g. technology, etc.) Do you think it may be replaced with those changes? Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Hi Dave,
I do not think that online learning will ever completely replace the traditional on ground class room. I feel that the older generation of students, especially those who are returning to school after a long period time, will not be comfortable with the new technology and the online delivery process. I was out of school for 25 years between degrees when I came back, even the traditional on ground class had evolved. I was forced into the online environment because of my job hours and children's athletic careers. I was fortunate to be computer literate. However, most people in my circumstances lean to face-to-face learning because of their comfort zone. Online learning is the future but it is not for everyone.
Samia,
Very good explanation and summary. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Gary, well put, I had included other factors to your, factors that will have an impact on the need to have both F2F and virtual class rooms.
Samia
I believe that both will continue to exist but the balance may shift to more online rather than F2F. This will be impacted by a number of factors including: geography(world-wide),age, cost, infra-structure, to name a few.
Samia
James,
Interesting veiwpoint. Many see the merging of the two media, but I see your point. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
No, not at all. Many peoples learning styles do not swerver them well in an online environment.
Also, many technical and health field related subjects require hands-on classes.
Last, I see a dicotomy developing with in person college degrees, versus on line degrees.
Latasha,
Yes, the maturity level of the student toward responsibility is an important component.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I disagree. Because some students work well on online classes and oothers need that face to face authority to keep them on track. online classes for student that are responsible can make it others can not.
Jingxi,
Hang in there. The instructional tools and techniques are advancing (not as fast as many would like) to help make teaching online even more productive.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Francisco,
It appears that the future online classrooms will move decidedly in the direction you indicated.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I don't think so. When kids go to college, they are not just learning academically, they are learning how to socialize, which you need face to face contact.
For adult learner, online learning provided a lot of flexibility. But for certain subjects, many people need the personal contact. I teach math, economics and management. I think most students can learn by themselves in economics and management through online class. It is very difficult to learn math online. I do not want to teach math online!
thanks
Jingxi
I fervently hope not but this depends on the Colleges and Universities. While the top ranked institutions will continue the traditional route of in classroom instruction (I don't mean to imply that these institions don't have online courses), lower ranked intitutions seek to increase enrollment and reduce costs by taking the online route.
Unfortunately this trend will continue to grow. I say unfortunately because I believe that there is no substitue for in classroom learning. Online classes that are live and can be accessed through web cam and headphones permit students to engage in an energized environment of participation and interaction. This is the type of online class that I would wholeheartedly support and is in the best interest of the students as it permits instant feedback and communication, unlike the its current online counterpart with time lapses.
Avis,
Yes, there are many who prefer the traditional college format.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I do not think online learning will replace the traditional classroom setting. There will always be folks that require the traditional way of learning. The young folks look forward to the campus learning. However, online learning is more accepted in our society. More adults are engaging in online learning because it allows them the time to fit education into a busy schedule. Online learning has provided more opportunities for those people that want to succeed but did not have to time for a traditional classroom.
My best, Avis
Kenneth,
The hybrid option is gaining in use within many institutions. Very good point.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Barbara,
The technological advanced in this relatively short time have overcome significant barriers to distance learning. Time will tell.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Amy,
Yes, there are many learners, in today's society, who find the technology barrier to be a significant barrier to their learning.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
