David,
I would agree that education will continue to evolve in both areas. We already see extensive use of hybrid classroom models at traditional universities. We also see flipped models were most of the knowledge content is provided in the online component of the course and the traditional classroom time is used for more discussions and other interactive activities.
Herbert Brown III
I strongly disagree. I do not think that online learning will replace traditional classroom delivery of instruction. Instead, as society becomes more technologically advanced and reliant on the internet and computers, online learning will become a second alternative to the traditional classroom rather than a replacement. Having a face-to-face interactive, classroom learning environment is still important in appealing to the different learning techniques for students.
Onyema Anene
I think that online learning will continue to play an increasingly more important role in the educational system in the U.S. It makes perfect sense for adult learners, students in the military, and even students who also have to work in order to afford school to take classes online. We are already a convenience society, and the availability and access to online learning is a reflection of that mentality. I think that online aspects have been and will continue to play vital roles in the traditional classroom setting as well. These aspects include tutorials, assignment submission, communication with the instructor, and other tools available to aid student learning. I do not believe that online learning will ever completely replace traditional classroom instruction. I think that for some learning styles, classroom instruction is preferred and better. In addition, there is the experience of sitting in the same space, sharing ideas and learning in a group. There is a lot to be said for that type of environment, and I think there will always be a place for it.
Tony,
What about telemedicine? There are systems being used today for counseling (remotely), telemedicine, and others that would fall within the categories you list. I would agree in general that these areas are probably not best for online learning; however, they do exist in some places and to some extent.
Herbert Brown III
Tony,
I agree with the idea of enhancement. Can you speak a little more to the way you view this? Any personal examples?
Herbert Brown III
I believe that we will see a hybrid format emerge in the future...education will be more self paced and available online..but there will be a classroom format (whether in video format or in a real classroom)that will cater to different types of learners.
David Pittman
Yes Michael...most on ground instructors see that nexus... it's not about replacement, it's more about enhancement.
I agree Lynn, less hands on and more conceptual is the best for online....
I disagree, simply due to some of the necessary face to face type curricula that exists today specifically in the health and behavioral health fields ...Counseling for instance is something that requires a up-close presence, to listen to the voice inflection, to catch facial or eye movement, and gestures...very difficult to do in an online setting...
Humanities, social science, math, and much of the gen eds---all good for online or hybrid applications...
Errol,
Online can be a very effetive tool to reach new student populations for brick-and-mortar schools. I personally put two programs online at a brick-and-mortar school in the last couple of years and it saved the programs. The numbers of the programs had dropped greatly and the online intitiative over doubled the numbers over night.
Herbert Brown III
While there will always be the students who prefer face-2-face classroom against the online class brick-and-mortar schools are discovering an economic fact: the online classroom can be a cash cow while costing the school far less in expenses (no physical buildings, no need for tenured professors, no need for huge salaries, no need to pay gas and electricity, etc.) There are numerous instances where face-2-face schools that have been struggling were saved because they added online components. In all of these cases the online school now supports the face-2-face school. While this will not occur for all schools it ill occur for enough where the online offerings will grow, with some face-2-face offerings being eliminated.
Calvin,
All of these are absolutely factors that adminstrators look at to strengthen their online programs and I believe online programs will continue to grow....but replace traditional universities completely? What about the billions of dollars tied in to college athletic programs? What about the students that don't learn well in an online environment (based on their learning style) will they just not be able to get a college education? What about the students that want the personal, face-to-face interaction with people, not through video, but actually connected in person with real people - will they just be out of luck? I believe the economics will continue to drive both learning environments; however, I believe online will continue to grow.
Herbert Brown III
Charles,
Many other states are moving to provide more online solutions as well. North Carolina does not have a K-12 online mandate, but they have had an online Virtual High School for many years that provides students in smaller schools with the opportunities of the largest schools with courses such as: Latin, Russian, advanced computer courses, etc.
Herbert Brown III
Meir,
Both forms of learning are here for the forseeable future.
Herbert Brown III
Racquel ,
I believe this is becoming a bigger issue in institutions that are looking at the "numbers." If you have an online class with 12 students and an on-campus class with 13 students, you can just combine the two classes and pay one instructor for a single 25 student class. As you mention, if on-campus students are "forced" in to an online course structure or strongly online hybrid format, they are likely to be fairly upset.
Herbert Brown III
Racquel ,
It certainly depends on the audience and the individual.
Herbert Brown III
I do believe that online will replace the traditional classroom. This is a result of two factors:
1. The advances in technology and the new generation that is so used to the technology that it is their preferred method of learning.
2. The economics of the situation. One instructor located in some location can teach classes anywhere in the world. Lower cost of living lower cost for the instructor. No more small classes. Better cost ratio for the schools.
Herbert, that is a great news, because I am always predciting that online education popularity will soon decline, that was a good move in Florida.
YES, but.. Subject dependent and student depend. With more than one learning style and different types of knowledge to be acquired, as well as depth; there is NO one right answer.
I do not think the online learning model will totally replace onsite learning environments because of several reasons. First, some student and professors need the face-to-face interaction. There is sometimes a void when it does not exist. Second, not everyone has access to the necessary technology for online education. Rural areas and sometimes inner city areas do not have very good (or any) access. Third, there is value to the "hands on" classroom, libraries, etc. Complementing those are the extracurricular activities that make the college experience whole for some people.
