Vivian ,
We are definitely seeing an increase in completely online courses and degrees as well as hybrid face to face models. However, I agree that in the near future at least we will continue to see both learning environments.
Herbert Brown III
Herbert,
I disagree. Just as the use of the computer has not replaced the use of paper, I don’t think online learning will ever replace the traditional classroom. I (and many others like me) prefer the face-to-face learning environment. Not everyone have access to computers—especially older learners who are re-entering the workforce after lay-off from jobs that never required the use of a computer.
Jennifer,
The next few years will be very interesting. Not only is online still growing at rapid rates, hybrid and blended learning environments that combine the on campus and online course technology to develop the best of both are growing very rapidly. This trend is expected to continue. However there are many students that still want a traditional in person education.
Herbert Brown III
I feel that online learning enhances resident courses but cannot fully replace them. We learn by engaging and making connections, sharing stories and getting hands on experiences. I think there will always be a need for the classroom!
Jared,
Much of this does come down to preference. However, when we look at the trends, there continues to be tremendous growth in online degrees, programs, and courses. We are also seeing tremendous growth in hybrid learning environments. Even those that are not teaching online are seeing how valuable and helpful some of the online teaching tools are and are incorporating them in to their traditional courses.
Herbert Brown III
I do disagree with this statement. My reason is students have different learning styles. Even though an online course can incorporate all of the different learning styles, there will always be students who prefer the face to face interaction of a traditional classroom.
I do not feel that a total replacement will occur, but I do think that online education will eventually be the "norm". Of course there are many programs that require hands-on learning (medical fields) and most simulation programs I have experienced do not come close to the real thing. Also with the increase of nontraditional students, online learning has provided these students the opportunity to juggle family, work, and education more effectively.
It seems that online education is becoming more popular. I feel that some students are able to benift with online education and others need the personal contact.
I do believe we are headed for a time when Online teaching will become the more popular way to teach. The traditional college classroom has become too expensive to maintain.
I do not disagree that on line learning will completely replace the classroom learning because the students need both ways to learn. After they do their web-base training they still need the hands on to complete the learning process.
I don't believe that online learning will completely replace the traditional classroom, but the hybrid between the two is certainly the growing trend. While there are amazing online only programs, I still personally like a good face-to-face meeting!
Troy,
When students believe they cannot get a quality education online is it based on their "perceptions" or discussions with others. On a few occasions they have taken a "bad" online course and developed that opinion. The only way to change that perception is to show them a "good" online course and show them the benefits to using online tools, etc. By including some of those tools in face to face classes, they start to see how effective the tools are and it might change their perception.
Herbert Brown III
I do not agree because some student through their believe system believe they can not get a good education by taking course online.
Although I do not believe online learning will eventually replace traditional classroom delivery of instruction, I am convinced that online learning will continue to grow at a rapid pace. Traditional classroom learning will remain relevant to learners who are technophobic and/or learners who naturally prefer to learn in the face-to-face environment. However, with an increase in the availability of online learning accessibility, students are better able to navigate and explore educational options and preferences, and opt to attend institutions based on prestige, discount price, amenities, and technological innovation among other factors, yielding significant benefits to students (Newman Couturier, and Scurry, 2004). Moreover, online learning is convenient to learners considering it facilitates learning anytime and anywhere.
Newman, F., Couturier, L., & Scurry, J. (2004). The future of higher education: Rhetoric, reality, and the risks of the market. San Francisco, CA Jossey-Bass.: Jossey-Bass.
Sarah,
All the research suggests that online learning continues to grow at strong rates and blended learning is also growing rapidly. Many people that are not teaching online are realizing that the tools used in online instruction can be very effective with their traditional classroom students as well.
Herbert Brown III
I think eventually there will be more and more online teaching. You see it going on. Where the traditional classroom will remain is, where there is medical training (the field I am in). We must give instruction in tube feedings, wounds, etc.. so students need the hands on and instructor feedback right there. I think the online environment is great and I hope to continue to see more of it!
Sarah
Herbert,
The Knowledge perspective is good to a certain point. Surgeons must practice on live bodies, welders must weld metals. Lawyers must show up in court.
But I must add that the border between theory and practice goes on diminishing. Pilots use flight simulators, surgeons use robots...
Jack,
I agree in many ways from the "knowledge" perspective, but what about the skills perspective? Is it enough for a brain surgeon to study the knowledge of it online and then perform those skills based only on that knowledge? Can welders learn their art by only studying the methods and processes in an online environment? What are your thoughts about skills-based pathways?
Herbert Brown III
Jack,
I agree in many ways from the "knowledge" perspective, but what about the skills perspective? Is it enough for a brain surgeon to study the knowledge of it online and then perform those skills based only on that knowledge? Can welders learn their art by only studying the methods and processes in an online environment? What are your thoughts about skills-based pathways?
Herbert Brown III
Peter Drucker once predicted: The Future of Academic Knowledge will be online. I agree.
