John ,
That is the trend. Online learning is still growing at a strong pace. However, some students still want a very traditional classroom experience. Blended classrooms that combine the best of both are also growing in popularity.
Herbert Brown III
I don't think it will completely replace the traditional classroom but more and more technology will find its way into the classroom where it will expose these students with the latest and greatest tools to succeed.
Well said James. I also think that the need for a face-to-face interaction is in our nature.
Diane,
I agree it will probably not replace it in the immediate future. However, we will continue to see a strong increase in online options and opportunities as well as strong increases in blended and hybrid instructional environments.
Herbert Brown III
I do not think Online Learning will completely replace the traditional classroom because there are student who prefer, are more comfortable, and need that face to face interaction with an instructor. Their learning style dictates the need for the traditional classroom.
Ligia,
If you don't think online will completely replace the traditional classroom, what level of impact do you think it will make? It is certainly making an enormous impact right now according to the research. What about blended or hybrid classrooms?
Herbert Brown III
Disagree...College on campus is a chance to make friends, meet people and get the "typical" college experience.
Mark,
Online learning is still growing at a strong pace. Another area is blended or hybrid instruction that blends the best of both environments. That is another area that is seeing strong growth. I too believe that in the foreseeable future we will continue to see all types of classrooms.
Herbert Brown III
It is hard to say with the word "eventually" in the question. However I think for a vast majority of classes perhaps. Online classes fit the lifestyles of so many learners that they are increasing in popularity. There are still some students that prefer the classroom and I also think there is just some content that needs the classroom experience.
Rashunda,
Online is certainly growing; however, I agree we will likely see both delivery methods in to the foreseeable future. Blended or hybrid learning environments are also growing rapidly.
Herbert Brown III
Personally I do not feel that online learning will eventually replace traditional classroom delivery of instruction. People have different learning styles. Some people prefer face-to-face learning environments opposed to online. Online learning takes much discipline and independence. I have had the opportunity to experience both types of learning. When I was younger I do not believe that I had the discipline that I have now to successfully complete an online course. Traditional learning was more accomodating for me when I was younger and fresh out of high school. I do feel that more opportunities to take online courses will be made available but there are some instances such as science courses where online learning is not possible. Meaning the lab portion of science courses.
No it won't replace it. It will just be another option to get an education. And some things need face to face teaching. I can't teach an entire massage program online. They need to demonstrate skills too.
Dr. Wendie,
The continued strong growth in online teaching and learning is certainly being documented in numerous studies. I also see a huge increase in the faculty I work with that want to teach blended/hybrid. They see the value of both the online teaching tools and resources as well as the benefits of the traditional face to face interaction. Students are certainly expecting even their traditional classes to incorporate technology and more and more online teaching tools.
Herbert Brown III
In my opinion, I do not believe that the traditional classroom environment will disappear.
I do believe, though, that the online environment will continue to grown because of the importance of technology in the world.
Some students want to be in a classroom. That is where they want to be.
But, with emerging technologies, online education will continue to grow.
Dr. Albert
Michael,
Online does continue to grow in all markets. Blended or hybrid environments are also growing exponentially. Most traditional classroom instructors are realizing the power of online teaching tools and are integrating them in to their traditional classrooms.
Herbert Brown III
Online learning cannot replace the traditional classroom, however, it can and does supplement the learning environment. Okay, maybe I should rephrase that remark. Online learning has replaced classroom learning for working adults and the traditional classroom is well still geared towards the traditional college (young adult) student.
Lori,
I would argue that an Anatomy class can benefit from online technology because you can have even more detail and can add animations to body layers and elements that could enhance the learning. However, I also agree that it is not for everyone and some skills (welding metal together) has to be done at some point with your hands and not just virtually. We will also continue to see an increase in blended or hybrid environments that provide the best of online tools and traditional on-campus courses.
Herbert Brown III
I disagree that the online classroom will replace the traditional classroom. Some students will always require face to face classroom. Students learn differently and some students do require seeing a teacher in a classroom every week. For example, anatomy classes with labs, how would you do that class online? Being able to see models, perform dissections, or look at things first hand under the microscope helps with the learning process. So, yes many students love the online learning, I think that the traditional classroom will always have a place in education.
Lori Zander
I do not believe online learning will replace the traditional classroom. While the online learning environment is attractive to many students it does not work for every student. Online learning takes a person who has good reading skills and will not procrastinate. Students that are procrastinators will not be able to keep up with the coursework. It is also important for the student to have good time management skills in order to make the necessary time for class. All students will not be able to persevere and be successful without the face to face environment.
Pamela Asbury
Michael,
The data still shows a continual rise in online teaching and learning. Another area of strong growth is the hybrid classroom and the flipped classroom models that accommodate both the online and traditional structures in one course. ALL of my on-campus courses are taught in a hybrid format. Instructors are realizing the strengths of the online learning tools and integrating them in to their traditional courses. The students typically benefit from these models.
Herbert Brown III
