It will be used in conjunction with traditional learning; we will see more schools offering the hybrid model (blending online and f2f) -but there will be more and more students who will demand online access. I've been teaching online (and in the college classroom) for over 23 years - and have seen it grow exponentially. Some of the basics of teaching still apply, but it is an ever-evolving process.
I welcome your ideas.
- Jerry Voltura
I do not entirely agree with the statement "Online learning will eventually replace traditional classroom delivery of instruction". I instruct in the health sector and our predominant interaction is with "live" patients and every patient is unique in their presentation. Only through "live" role play and skill assessment can you master these skills and learn to communicate with patients and other clinicians. I do believe that online learning can follow up with additional training and higher skill level training. We current offer a hybrid program that involves both online learning with lab sections at "live" sites. This does provide all the essential framework for effective healthcare learning.
Thank you
Cristina,
You make a good point. I don't want a doctor to do surgery on my if they have only done "virtual" surgeries on a computer.
Herbert Brown III
I agree that for most theory based topics where memorization of facts is the primary method of learning, for example in a history class or English where hands-on skills are not taught we are seeing more and more online teaching. However, in careers where performance of tasks that cannot yet be performed by some sort of automation are required the need for face to face education will be necessary for the foreseeable future.
Bret,
I would agree with your statements. We are also seeing strong growth in the blended/hybrid classrooms much for the same reasons you mention about hands-on skills work. Deliver what you can online and meet in person for the other activities. Also sometimes a "flipped" classroom approach.
Herbert Brown III
I do believe that online leaning will replace traditional classroom for the fact that schools are driving the economic savings of having online classes and reaching a larger audience, however the older generations is still fighting the age of technology.
Kevin,
What about educational programs that have a very heavy skills component? Do you want to be operated on by a doctor that has only done online "virtual" surgeries? What about the person who takes your blood at the doctor's office or in the hospital, is it ok for them to read about how to do it and do some virtual sticks before you hire them to actually stick people? Just playing Devil's advocate...
Herbert Brown III
I do not feel online learning will replace the traditional classroom. I feel the face to face interaction in a classroom is a very important ingredient to learning especially for young adults and topics that a student has had no prior experience. To be able to share and have discussions face to face benefits a student's communication abilities and critical thinking abilities in the moment. Online classes do have a place for example professional or continuing education.
Susan,
I agree that online will probably not completely replace traditional; however, many students today complete their entire degree successfully and never have a traditional class or face to face meeting. Many of these students from quality programs still would report that they feel a part of the community of learners (if done well). Many programs also use video conferencing and other synchronous learning tools to maintain that face to face connection. Times are changing, but some programs and students will still want a traditional experience.
Herbert Brown III
Well, education is definitely personal and also experimental. I am in the process of completing my degree online. If this degree was not offered online I would not have been able to enroll in the program. However, my degree is a BS CTS which I have been involved in for 10 years. I have experience in the field which I feel is beneficial to my online experience. I also feel my program is a quality program. In this case - online is an amazing experience and opportunity.
My concern is students directly out of high school or students that struggled in high school. I have read and experienced with my student population that online courses may not be the best choice for this population. I do feel that online courses for professional development are beneficial and I like the idea of a
"flipped classroom" but I still feel face-to-face communication and socializing is just as important as mastering subject marterial.
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
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.
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?
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
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
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
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
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.
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 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.
