Will Online Learning Replace the Traditional Classroom?
Online learning provides a viable alternative to the traditional classroom but will not replace brick and mortar institutions. On campus learning has many benefits that can not be gained online. Teacher-student interaction as well as student-student interaction plays an important part in the learning process. Learning online can cause students to be detached and may hinder the learning process.
Nizar,
I have also seen many people look down at online education as easier with less rigor and work, These individuals have not taken any online classes in my programs. The way my online degree program is structured, I believe my online students are getting a greater depth in some content areas than my parallel on campus students. Ask any online student, and they will gladly tell you about the work and rigor.
Herbert Brown III
Hi Q'iana
I also agree with your comments. Distance learning, and more recently, online learning, have advanced significantly over the last few decades. There are people who have misconceptions on the rigor and value of online learning, but most of these misconceptions usually disappear once they experience it. I have conducted a study back in 2008, and these were my findings as well.
Hi Gary,
I agree with your perspective that both online and traditional learning will co-exist for many years to come. Both have their respective benefits, as well as their respective need to exist among both learners and instructors. I have been fortunate to have tried both types of these educational paradigms, as a learner and instructor. I have taught introductory 101 classes, as well as graduate capstone courses. I can relate to my students on all levels, and I'm humbled to have such a comforting effect on them. I stress to them that I'm here to help them succeed in this particular course. And this is an approach I follow either online or tradition. However, I do believe that in online learning, the learner requires more discipline and self-control :)
Online learning will eventually replace traditional classroom delivery of instruction? Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer.
Charlotte,
Good points about both delivery formats. I think just as you do that both have and will continue to have a place in the educational world. There are so many different options out there that students today can select combinations of delivery models that will fit their individual needs and that is the benefit each format.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Online learning is a great option that provides students with flexibility and convenience. However, I don't think it will replace the traditional classroom. Other participants have touched on some reasons why, and I agree. There are advantages of face to face instruction and some students need the sense of security the traditional classroom offers. I will add that many corporations do not view online degrees as valid accredited degrees; and tend to frown upon employees and job candidates who take this route to continuing education. Some even deny tuition reimbursement if completed online. Unfortunately, this lack of acceptance has deterred students from taking advantage of or learning more about online education.
Kevin,
Yes, it is going to be fun. Some adjustments are going to have to be made in all sectors that are impacted by online learning. This is so much bigger than just the technology of delivery, it also includes the impact made on the humans that populate these courses. A fun time for all.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Some of the best results coming out of experimental approaches to education (only K-12 at this point) combine the online experience with bricks and mortar presence. Students go to school but when they get there the experience is utterly tailored to their learning needs PER DISCIPLINE. Teachers are present but act more as guides and facilitators. Much instruction is accomplished online with instructors who are not present.
I introduce this mostly to say that what we think of as face to face or as online instruction are BOTH in relative infancy, and we are only beginning to understand how to construct online education.
To (semi) change the subject, I worry that education will become another mechanism of social differentiation. Where the "haves" live on campus and the rest of "us" are not given the choice, the support, or the access to a more tailored approach. The digitalization of education could be an incredibly powerful force for positive change, or it could just be where the masses get their education and get to stay the masses.
We are now, I think, deciding whether to take online education seriously and what it will mean socially.
Should be fun.
Kevin
Troy,
I think your analysis is right on. There are going to be both formats in use for years to come for the reasons you cite.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I don't think online learning can replace the traditional classroom 100%. Perhaps with some fields of study, this might be a possibility. However, areas of study that are very detail-oriented (sciences and math) would benefit most from a hybrid type of course structure. Having the students sit in a traditional class for an hour each week to discuss theory would be a time saver for both faculty and students in the long run.
Q'iana,
I think your analysis is right on target. Both will have a role to play in the future based upon the learning needs of students and institutional delivery decisions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I don't think online learning will replace the traditional classroom, I think it will become more popular as students are allowed to work at their own pace, in retrospect of assignment deadlines. It will also allow individuals an alternative opportunity to increase their educational knowledge in a classroom that may not be available to them in their town or city.
Virginia,
It is amazing how technology has formatted some of our instructional delivery methods such as webinars. We need to always keep in mind what are the most effective delivery formats for the targeted group of students we are serving. As a result we will then select a venue that will keep the students enrolled and moving forward with their career plans.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Nicole,
I think your analysis is right on as both deliveries have merit depending on the student and the situation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kara,
I think you are right.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kathy,
There are places for different types of instructional deliveries and students should be able to selection the one that best fits they learning preferences. I believe on ground and online instruction will part of the instructional delivery model for years to come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
My hope is that we stay hybrid. I think f-f interaction remains important. However, webinars are becoming increasingly like 'being there.'
I do like and agree with your summation. All students are not or cannot adapt to the online concept. Students with different learning styles,
some may prefer or need a face to face environment.
It does not seem likely that online learning will completely replace face to face classrooms. Students have different needs and these different environments meet the needs of diverse students. While some chose online classes due to work and family obligations, and might prefer a face-to-face environment, others choose this virtual interaction regardless of these types of factors. I think a combination of educational situations will be required to continue to meet the needs of students. Technology will permeate the brick and mortar institutions and classrooms, but this will not mean a full conversion to online learning.
