To be online or to be in the classroom? That is the question.
Which is more effective traditional face-to-face classroom learning or online learning? The very best instructor either online or in the classroom needs to be practiced first. I learned in a traditional classroom with faculty face-to-face interaction for my undergraduate degree. I also had the privilege to learn in an online learning earning my graduate degrees. Presently I teach online where I totally understand face-to-face classroom learning and online learning by being an instructor in the classroom and online. I think it is important to be an effective online instructor to have already taken an online course of some sort to gain the insight hands-on mindset experiences on what the student is going through in the course.
The dependence on academic in-class learning has gaps in education. I am a firm advocate on academic learning online. When I had instructors teach me in the classroom traditionally speaking and told the class to read the chapter before they come to class most students did not read the chapter from the textbook at all. The effectiveness of the instructor to student was not really engaging at all. Students figured it was not their major and why should they take much consideration into their learning by reading the chapter ahead of time. I understand that is very sad but that is the way it went.
On the other hand you cannot participate in the discussion online if you do not either read the chapter, review a journal, or other communicative ways. I found my experience for online learning to be more effective where students did engage and support their education through the online learning world. At first when I started an online program I was unsure on the effectiveness in online learning. To my surprise I learned more online than I did sitting in a classroom. I guess the only way someone can realize how wonderful and rewarding online learning experiences are is to actually take part in a continuing education, college, or university online course. That is the answer.
Hi Lee, I totally agree with your evaluation of the two environments. I give online learners a lot of credit because the expectations for them are much higher and consequently, I agree, they learn more!! Tina
Yes totally agree. Online learning can occur as most effective when a student is energized and confident as being in a threaded asynchronous discussion. If a student is in synchronous live chat discussion then the pressures toward conforming to learning the material online can be an arduous task. Students can release and accumulate more information in a threaded discussion. I taught at a university and had synchronous live chat discussions weekly for two hours in going through 21 chapters in eight weeks. So as a fact I know students do not respond well in a militaristic synchronous live chat discussion. Students want to enjoy online learning by responding when they get a notion to post to the course room like we are doing now. Don't we want online learning to be fun and enjoyable and also educational? Synchronous discussion learning is only good from my expert opinion in small group meetings and class projects. That would really be all synchronous learning would be good for in my expert opinion. Online learning can be advantageous towards the tools used properly either synchronous, asynchronous, or a blended hybrid mix approach of both.
I think that online learning can be a great experience for those who are comfortable using a computer. I think for those who may be intimidated by computers and the online experience, online learning may seem daunting.
On a personal level, I have really enjoyed my online courses.
Good point, Andrew. A student's affinity for engaging via the asynchronous computer interface has a strong tendancy to be a determining factor of how much he/she will participate in the online classroom.
Anyone -
What might be some effective techniques to help those "daunted" students get past their intimidation?
I currently teach Online and in the classroom. I have also taken courses online and in the classroom. I personally believe the students learn better in the Online environment because it shifts the work load from the instructor to the students. It requires the students to actively participate, read their textbooks and think critically. In the on ground campus, the instructors shoulder more of the responsibility and the students can easily rely on other students. It also tends to weed out the students who are eager to learn and those who are just going through the motions. I have also found that how the online classroom is set up makes a huge difference for the students. Online classrooms that have minimal to no active participation or interactions seem to lack in the ability to engage and motivated the students.
Aprilan,
There are some studies substantiating online instruction having superior results in some instances. You make some excellent points. As you indicate, the interactivity of the online classrooms seem to have a direct correlation to levels of student success.
Like Aprilan, I also teach both online and on campus. I agree with a lot of points that Aprilan made regarding the interactivity of the on line learning environment. I also feel that having an instructor live and hands on is a great benefit to students who need extra attention. Not all students learn at the same pace and being able to accommodate the slower learner is much easier in a classroom setting. Also keeping an online student motivated who may be struggling is harder to accomplish if we do not have direct contact with the student. Students who are chronically late with assignments or who submit poor work and are struggling with the coursework may not be getting the attention or instuction they need to perform optimately.
Donna,
All excellent points. There are pros and cons for each environment in today's technology state. Your experience as a teacher in both environments has undoubtedly provided you insights on leveraging the benefits for the student in each environment.
That's a great question to as Dr Vaillancourt, there are a few things that I do in my online courses to reach out to these daunted students. One thing right at the start of the course, I'll reach out to the students in responding to their introductions. Then ensuring that they know my door is always open for contact via email, phone, in the class, etc.
Then in weekly announcements, I'll post what's due in the week and when. This way, my students will always know what's expected of them and they'll know what needs to be done in the class.
Vincent,
Individual outreach to each student and clarification of expectations are two superbly effective 'ice-breaking' techniques for online instructors to implement. Thank you for sharing.
When students have a fear of the computer they do find the online courses can cause anxiety. Good instructors need to monitor for this anxiety.
Ward,
Very true. When an instructor monitors for this and finds one of the students to be exhibiting symptoms, what are some positive measures the instructor may implement? Thanks for your input.
The effectiveness of an online learning environment vs an on-ground one depends on a few different factors. First, is the student better fit for one or the other? The student will not succeed in an online learning environment if their expectations of the course are off base. For instance, I have a lot of students sign up for online courses thinking they are easier because they can be done at will. I spend a lot of time counseling these students, letting them know about the commitment an online class requires. Second, the same can be said about the instructor. There is a different type of commitment you make when you teach online vs on-ground. I enjoy both because I like the variety in the different types of instruction. But if you get an instructor who does not like or agree with some of the methods used in online learning-this will make for a difficult time for the student and the learning process may be compromised.
Nia,
Your insights and experience reflect what many of the experienced online instructors have expressed. The commitment needed to teach online is sometimes identified as requiring a bit more overall. Any specific thoughts on what ways the commitment for online is most different from on-ground?
Two things come to mind as being major differences between on ground and online. One, is whether a student has the ability to motivate themselves. Some students need a class to meet at the same time weekly with a teacher standing in front of them in order for them to remain engaged in the course. Online classes might not be the best option for that student. The second thing is the type of work in an online course can be different from an on ground course. I am mainly talking about the amount of writing that online classes require. If a student hates to research and write then online might be a problem for that student. I think it is up to the instructors or administrators to let students know what they may encounter in these courses so they can make a sound decision about their method of learning.
Nia,
Two good pionts with good rationale. Also, good recommendation for instructors and administrators. Good post. Thanks.
I have been lucky enough to teach both methods over the past 13 years, and do not believe there is any one "right" way for everyone.
The thing that appeals most to me about teaching online is the opportunity it provides for those who otherwise would not be able to start or continue their education.
Dave
David,
well said. Opportunity and/or access to the formal education offered is a key. The medium used for delivery can, and should, support multiple learning styles and instructional approaches.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Does the student have the ability to motivate themselves? I agree that some students need a class to meet at the same time weekly with a teacher standing in front of them in order for them to remain engaged in the course. I have been teaching in a class for several years as well as online. I think that the expectations of the student need to be addressed up front prior to enrollment. This is key for both the instructor and the student. It takes dedication and commitment from both the student and the instructor in either environment. There are many factors in considering which is the best choice for each individual. Although there are many influencing factors, both types of students have the same goal in mind and that is our responsibility as a ground instructor or online instructor to make sure we do our best to help them achieve success.
