Douglas,
I would argue that a hybrid model of online and face to face is more likely to exceed fully online programs. Completely online programs are difficult in some skills areas, but even those areas can use a hybrid of both sets of tools to provide the most effective learning environment.
Herbert Brown III
It seems to be going that way. Personally I don't think computerized learning will ever be as good as face to face learning but the world is changing. Just look at how texting, social media, games etc. have captured millions of people. I'm 67 and have seen the Beatles get knocked for long to only be outdone by Heavy Metal long hair, to only be outdone by "bald" heads.....Live long enough and you kind of see that things seem to keep moving along. So I suspect that learning will also keep evolving.
Neer,
I appreciate how you view blended instruction. Not many people are tracking the growth in blended instruction, but from my personal observations it might be growing faster and stronger than fully online instruction.
Herbert Brown III
Angela,
What about learning that requires a heavy skills/hands on component? Can welders learn to weld by watching videos on YouTube? Do you want a surgeon working on you that only did "virtual" surgeries? Online continues to grow and we also see the blossoming of hybrid learning environments, but can ALL education go online?
Herbert Brown III
Tanya,
Well put. We are of course seeing a blending of the two as well in the form of hybrid or blended courses and even flipped classrooms.
Herbert Brown III
Great discussion question.
I don't think that online learning will replace face to face structure, however, I see a strong potential for a blended structure. I see the internet as supplementing and augmenting the traditional classroom environment. There are certain fundamental interactions that schools and colleges facilitates that are difficult to replicate online. If the traditional class ceases to exist, who will teach K-12 the basic skills of mannerism, and to be kind to others?
I feel that the online environment will never replace the face-to-face classroom. The more an instructor shows their presence and makes the course interesting and exciting, the more the online environment will be used by students in the future. Some students have a difficult time learning in an online environment because they do not have the time management skills and self-discipline necessary to succeed in an online course.
I think online learning will replace traditional classroom delivery because it is just more economical. Online learning eliminates overhead cost like rent, electricity, and the need of equipment like copies, and computers. Online learning allows student across the country to enroll or take the same class. Online classes also provides more flexibility to students
I disagree. I think there will always be both campus and online learning. Online learning is ideal for busy working adults, non-traditional learners, and students who live too far away from the school they might want to attend. I can see a future where every brick-and-mortar school has an online component but I don't think traditional university is going away. Some students want to sit in a classroom and experience live classes. Some students want to work on classes from home. There are also students who try online and cannot handle the self pacing and switch. The same goes for brick-and-mortar. As long as there is a need for both - we will see both options.
Niki,
What you describe is the bigger issue with education - not so much the delivery platform as it is the delivery of the content. But in today's information age and digital stimulus constantly changing, we also expect instructors to "entertain" us in the traditional classroom instead of taking responsibility for our own learning. Online education makes us take responsibility for our learning. I believe what you describe is also why instructors are starting to embrace the flipped classroom models where they use the technology to deliver the basic content which then frees up class time to have more meaningful application of the course content (discussions for example).
Herbert Brown III
I have to agree with Diane. Online learning is fine for some classes and where as on ground classes may be better for other classes. I as a student pick and choose which class I will take on line and which class I would prefer in the class room on ground. I would prefer on ground classes if the instructor kept my interest. But since most instructors that I have had follow PPT slides for lecture then there is no reason for me to waste my time sitting in a classroom when I can take the class on line.
Good question, however, it is a difficult question to address. Having worked at both traditional and online universities each has a peculiar attribute it brings to the table. Face-to-face is a given at a traditional university. Online has rigor that students know about not to see their professors face-to-face. However, they work at pace second to none. Time management is be utilized with online classes than at a traditional university. I do not think that online learning will eventually replace traditional classroom. however, they are complimenting each other now. My daughter will graduate from high school next year. Part of her final requirement is to take an online class as an elective. The school system is gettg her ready for a hybrid class which a combination of traditional and online classes.
Dr. Emmanuel O. Okafor
I hope not :) I see the benefit for many online classes, but I do see the need for in person instruction as well. There are many nuances a person misses when taking all classes online, including how to emote effective body language, tone of voice, active listening skills,etc. Also, I think we are social beings and do need in person interaction with others. I believe a balance is nice (some online and some in person) but I hope in person learning is never eliminated completely.
David,
I agree. Online learning has been realizing that boom as has the hybrid/blended learning environments. Unfortunately regulations have taking a toll over the last several years as the US Dept. of Ed. placed restrictions in place and now states are using those restrictions to levy high prices to other states and organizations that want to offer online programs in their state and are clearly seeing it as a money making venture. It is disappointing.
Herbert Brown III
Hi Dr. Brown,
I am convinced that there are some types of classes that will require face to face contact especially in the hard sciences were virtual laboratories cannot duplicate actual empirical experiments or processing. Conversely I am convinced that there will be a boom in on line learning if it is not inhibited by regulation and taxes. There are political reasons for interfering with this growth education industry and they must be overcome. I believe they will be.
David
James,
Interesting view of online learning and its effectiveness. Some would argue that it is effective for some, but others need a stronger social element to learning provided by face to face learning. What about specific training in technical fields? Do you want a surgeon working on you if they have done all "virtual" work...they have logged 500 hours in the simulator, is that enough to do the real thing on you? Just playing devils advocate.
Herbert Brown III
Susan,
I agree schools need to focus on the basics; however, some of these online learning tools could easily be used to help remediate students through their academic preparation and ensure they have the basic education they need to be successful and still be technologically literate as well. Most jobs today require these technology skills and are vital to their success in jobs. Most of the training in business is going online or technologically delivered and therefore they need to be ready for that as well. We need to find the proper mix and balance of all of these elements in our education systems.
Herbert Brown III
I agree that online learning will eventually replace traditional classrooms. This approach is actually more effective for most learners. The full online learning will begin in high school. It will be supplemented by home tutors who will also interact online with each student. The school will supply all required equipment and technical support.
This approach will be adopted due to the increasing failure of many High Schools to adequately teach students basic skills in science, and math. The environment is often distracting and dangerous. The cost of the online learning environment will also be far less than that of traditional classrooms. School buildings will be retained only for social and athletic functions.
Who among us does not remember that it was President Lincoln himself who was home-schooled?
Why would higher education lean toward online tools when high school students are not equiped with strong academic basics? We already are seeing many high school students (even with AP classes) placed in remedial courses because they are not deemed college ready.
Susan,
Your comments to me would suggest that we might need to incorporate more online learning experiences for our students in at least High School so they are prepared for higher education. The reality that higher education is using more online tools and offering more online programs suggest to me that we need to properly prepare these students to be successful.
Herbert Brown III
