Distance Learning vs. Traditional Education

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Teachers expect students to abide by certain rules set forth at the beginning of the classes they attend. Preparation of materials and participation in class discussions are some of the requirements for classes. The rules of each class differ by subject and teacher. In the past decade another variable has been thrown into the pot, the environment in which classes are taught. Classroom rules may have to change to accommodate virtual classrooms. Ellen Laird has been teaching via the internet for many years. Ellen teaches the same courses in the classroom and online and she has written about her experiences with distance learning, also known as e-Learning, or online learning. In reference to the difference between the two types of classes she writes, “The two experiences are as different as a wedding reception and a rave” (Laird).

With the growing popularity of distance education the question in many people’s minds is, “Do online classes and traditional classes have the same standards?” Since both types of courses are held in different environments, there are many difficulties that arise in holding each to the same standard. Given the same classes, students seem to be guided by different standards based on the environment that they are in, Internet or classroom. The standards implemented in distance education are very different from those that are expected of students taking courses in class. The difference in standards all stem from the medium used in the classroom. The standards set for students in distance education go above and beyond what their peers in class are expected to do. Higher standards imposed by distance education require more work from students and teachers, more interaction among classmates, and less contact and...

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...mobility? Dec 2012. LookSmart. Web. 3 February 2014. .

Laird, Ellen. I’m Your Teacher, Not Your Internet Service. January 2011. The Chronicle of Higher Education. Web. 9 April 2014. .

Merisotis, James P., and Ronald A. Phipps. What's the difference? (college-level distance and classroom-based education). June 2012. Institute for Higher Education Policy. Web. 3 February 2014. .

Young, Shannon J., Jerome Johnston, and Susanna E. Hapgood. Assessment and Accountability Issues in Distance Education for Adult Learners. September 2013. Improving Distance Education for Adult Learners (IDEAL). Web. 28 April 2014. .

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