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| http://www.tickld.com/t/106954 |
A major debate in education in all grades the last few years, has been whether or not online learning is effective as face-to-face learning. This has become more prevalent as technology and the internet are more easily accessible. For example, some private schools issue iPads and/or laptops to all their students while many public schools now have at least one computer in each classroom. All schools have a computer lab or media center with access to computers so that students are using and more familiar with the internet and technology each year.
Some feel that students need to be in the classroom, to interact with the teacher, to discuss topics with classmates, and to fully engage with the subject. Others feel that all of this can be accomplished through an online course as well. And I can see how they are both right. I think it ultimately comes down to the learning needs of the student and the type of teacher structuring a course.
An in the classroom course can be terrible and painfully boring if the teacher just lectures every day from Power Points and likewise for the online teacher if they only assign writing tasks and do not enrich the experience with technology. That said, the type of student can also determine the success of either version--either they are motivated and participate or not.
I can see both sides of the situation and ultimately feel that it comes down to the learning needs of the student as to what makes for a more "successful" course. Some students do not work well in a classroom setting and need that online, individual experience to connect to the subject while others need that engaging group atmosphere to excel.
It really is a matter of what works best for each individual student (and for each particular course). The difficulty is that most courses are not taught in person AND online, so often the student has no choice. I have liked that the EPI program tries to poll the students about whether or not they think online or hybrid classes are effective. I agree that it depends. Both methods have pros and cons.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that it depends on the student and how the course is structured. I think that distance learning is especially effective at the higher grade levels and college when students have decided on their own whether or not to continue their education. How the course is structured is also important. The online course materials must be sufficient to replace information gained in a lecture (although some courses to have video lectures) and the instructor must be sure to maintain contact with the students and provide feedback in a timely manner.
ReplyDeleteI, too, agree that it is a matter of what works for he individual student with one caveat: we must not let them start sole online learning too early. It is easy to forget that one of the functions of our schools is to socialize our children as a part of the community and a member of society. If we let them go it alone online too soon they might become even more disconnected from their fellow citizens then people are now!
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