the advantages and disadvantages of online learning
TRANSCRIPT
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Online
LearningBy: Joanna Nieves
“The only constant force in the Universe is change.” -- Heraclitus
Definition of Online Learning
The nonexistence of a physical classroom, flexible schedules, and reduced personal interactions
Online education is a type of distance learning---taking courses without attending a brick-and-mortar school or university. Instead, online students and teachers interact over the Internet.
According to the U.S. Department of education, online learning is learning that is undertaken on a computer by means of the Internet.
Types of Online Learning
Distance Learning Cyber Schooling Home Schooling Blended Learning Online public Education (K-12) Online Secondary Education (college
and university classes) E-learning M-learning
Online Public schooling –vs- Home Schooling
Online public schools differ greatly from traditional home schooling, where parents design their own curriculum that is not sanctioned by states or school districts.
Currently, Home schooling is dwarfing enrollment in online schools by 6:1, but cyber education is expected to catch up in the next 5 to 7 years.
48 states and the district of Columbia have virtual schools, while 29 states offer full-time online schools.
Online Public schooling –vs- Home Schooling
Online schools and digital learning tools also cater to the way students are learning today.
Enrollment in online public schooling supported by software provider K12 has grown from about 1,000 students 10 years ago to more than 100,000 today.
Study Island – supplemental education software that makes frequent use of learning games, is designed for digital natives who are accustomed to using keyboards and being online.
Blended Learning
This is where students attend traditional school on a part-time basis and complete their classes online
This model is used as a way for school districts to curb overcrowding issues, and avoid the costly process of building new schools or expanding existing campuses.
Online Secondary Schooling
Nearly 30% of colleges and university students now take at least one online class
Online learning enrollment is up nearly 1 million students from the year before (2010)
The phenomenal growth of online education is presenting uncharted challenges for academic institutions.
Online Secondary Schooling
Online programs follow standards, but the academic expectations differ greatly
Online education can be as effective than in-class instruction
M-Learning
M-Learning is the way to learn the tools of communication involving mobile wireless, which creates the premises of an area spreading messages on a global scale.
Mobile telephoning has evolved so much that now allows connections to computers and making consistent data transfers.
M-Learning is a new educational paradigm that creates an environment in which pupils access to course materials, instructions and applications anytime and anywhere.
M-Learning
Advantages:› Students can study anywhere as long as
there is access to an internet connection› Can work at own pace› Can accommodate different learning styles
through different activities› Flexibility in class time› M-Learning is relatively cost effective
M-Learning
Disadvantages:› Lack of personal community and
connection (bad for blended learning)› Focuses on memorization over learning
core competencies› Underutilized talents and facilities› Too much downtime› Mobile can be an “issue” in itself› No way to ground social networking and
web 2.0 tools
Collaborative Learning
Facebook Twitter IM Email Wikispaces Edmoto Etc.
Online Learning:
In a recent survey of 1,021 experts, 60% agreed that by 2020 “there will be mass adoption of teleconferencing and distance learning…”
“On average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction” – Steve Lohr, New York Times, 2009
Advantages to Online Learning:
Automatic retention – you do not have to take notes**
Fosters more interaction among students and instructors
The knowledge you want first
Learn at your own pace, flexibility
Anytime, anywhere, accessibility
Advantages to Online Learning:
Work-Ability
Applicability
Speed
Variety
Cost Effective
Advantages to Online Learning:
Promotes online and computer skills Reduces travel time Can work around work, family and
other activities Helps to build self-knowledge and self-
confidence and encourages student responsibility
Ability to test out if interested
Disadvantages to Online Learning:
Learners with low motivation and bad study habits can easily fall behind
Lack of routine structure Students may feel isolated from
classmates or instructor Instructor may not always be available Slow Internet connections or older
computers make accessing course difficult
Disadvantages to Online Learning:
Hands-on or lab work is difficult to simulate in a virtual classroom
Lack of student customization Lack of personal community and
connection Lack of quality assessment and feedback,
which may hinder learning A lot of downtime and “play” issues Digital divide may short circuit
improvement
Disadvantages to Online Learning:
Underutilized talents and facilities Cost is still equivalent if not more than
brick and mortar school Course availability Employment Working Alone Missing out on non-verbal
communication
Disadvantages to Online Learning:
Potential for less networking opportunities
No facilities to use or access
Exclusion of fun campus activities
COMMITMENT
Overall Findings:
Overall, there are both positives and negatives to online education.
The student chooses
Good Experience
Not for everyone
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Borden, Jeff. The Future of Online Learning. Elearn Magazine: August 2011. web. 5 October 2012. http://elearnmag.acm.org/archive.cfm?aid=2024704
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