I have enjoyed watching online learning develop over time. I believe the online world allows all students access to information in ways that are interactive and valuable. I also think the flexibility to engage with courses within one's own timeframe is a brilliant luxury that is of tremendous benefit to this generation and the world at large. No longer are students reliant on a specific instructor and his or her personal delivery of material. I believe the structure of online classes can get a bit repetitive, but is no worse than most face-to-face environments. I appreciate that the information itself is seen as the driver of learning and progress. That being said, there is no substitute for applying information to the world and synthesizing higher levels of understanding. The submission of video artifacts and portfolios clearly serves as a supplement to the traditional knowledge only courses and will elevate online learning to the next level. Field experiences, journaling, collaborating with peers within real world contexts is a logical extension to the factual foundation provided in many online courses.
