In this new time of technology, there is a new fashion of learning that some students may see as the best way to learn. The number of students receiving their education from an online school is increasing and the feedback from these students tend to be positive. However, the students who grew up in, and have remained in traditional classes see the positives of sitting in a classroom and following a designated teachers instructions. These types of classes show differences that can appeal to students with different learning types. Online and traditional classes both have benefits for their students, even while differing in the topics of pace, environment, and assistance.
The pace of an online class and a traditional class differ in the speed
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When students are enrolled in an online class they have the ability to receive their education while lying in bed, sitting in a library, or gathering with a few other online classmates. People who suffer from social anxiety and bullying feel more comfortable in this environment; therefore, they obtain information more effectively. Close friends of mine were not able to reach their full potential while they were surrounded by multiple people because of the “unnecessary pressure.” They soon came to the conclusion that online classes worked best for them. In contrast to people in isolated learning environments, some students may only prosper with a community feeling. Traditional classes provide an average of twenty students going through the same curriculum, surrounding one another. Those who learn from others mistakes thrive in environments similar to the ones that traditional classes provide. I have witnessed people who do not feel comfortable or confident learning on their own and benefit greatly in a full classroom. Each class setting is designed to help its students, but the variety of environments provide different learning options for
American students in the United States are recognizing the diverse learning styles that non-traditional students are bringing to the classroom. A recent study suggests that, within the next decade, one-half of colleges in the U.S. will close the doors to their physical classrooms as more and more classes go online (Bower 3). Duke University has already begun changing the way they approach student learning by offering classes online. This helps the school attract more non-traditional students who may have families, work full-time, or have a number of responsibilities outside school.
Learning, like religion, is a social experience.” Currently, I have a class that I am enrolled in, often I find myself asking “Why I am in this class?” I learn nothing from this lady, her notes are continuously blurry, and every single student is unable to read them. She talks in circles and expects everyone to be able to follow. Personally, I wish I would have taken an online course for this particular class. Everything I have learned in this class has been solely self-taught. To be prepared for the class, I pre-read the chapter we will be having a discussion about in addition to study the curriculum, still I cannot keep up or understand what is coming out of her mouth. I also feel that I am not the only one in class that is completely lost, which makes me feel better about the whole situation. Whereas I am also enrolled in another class, which I adore and value every single minute. This particular class requires an hour and forty-five minutes a day for four days a week. To think this class I feared the most when I enrolled at the beginning of school. Surprisingly now, it is by far my favorite! I have learned so much information in such a little span of time. It is truly remarkable, the change of mind I have had towards this subject! Credit is due to my professor, she is outstanding! Then, of course, I have this class! Comp 1, which as you know is online. There has been struggles, as I think I would have learned better with face to face encounters with my peers and involved discussion with other students and a professor, although I think I have managed to keep my head above the water so far. All- together, with only my brief personal experience given, you cannot say online courses are worse than an in class
The majority of students prefer studying with group of people. Thanks to the Internet it allows students to work together collaborating with ideas and knowledge at the same time. For example, last quarter in my world politics class, I send out an email with two links that helped the whole class study for the midterm. I send out a Google doc’s link that helped the class organize their notes and a Skype link to answer any questions face to face video chat over the sections that they needed help understanding. The amazing part about Google docs is that multiple classmates would edit the document at the same time. Many students found this studying method useful not because they gain better grades, but they got to meet new students on campus and allowing them to be social connected through social media. On the other hand, Stoll may argue that students may face loneliness and depression, which in reality Internet has help students meet other students and become friends. Therefore, Students should keep studying in groups sessions online meet other students on campus to become
However, when a student takes an online class the student and professor are at a disadvantage of building an interpersonal relationship. For example, a professor is unable to read the nonverbal cues of a struggling student through a computer screen or is unable to tell if a student is experiencing a true emergency. Just as, a student is unable to read their professors nonverbal cues that a particular chapter or assignment is vital to passing the course. I have taken classes on campus and online classes for three semesters now and have learned that regardless of class format a student needs to be dedicated, structured, self-motivated and not afraid to ask questions. A disadvantage of taking an online class is if a web portal is not working properly.
School has been in our lives for the longest time and it has always been a positive experience. It sets students on a path to achieve their education goal and stepping stones to a career! Now with all the advancements in life, students have the opportunity to do online classes. This is useful if the pupil is not able to attend school or their school does not offer some classes that they would like to take. Experiencing both of these ways of schooling, I have an understanding of the differences between the two. The major differences between online school and traditional school are the flexibility opportunities, the communication with the teachers, and the time management/discipline from the learner.
Is traditional schooling really best for all students? It is believed that online courses may be the future of schooling. While online education uses many of the same components as traditional education, the format in which online education instructs students better fits their skill sets, interests, and needs. Three reasons why online classes are preferred is; first, online courses provide a safer, more comfortable work environment for students. Reason two, online classes give students the opportunity to work at their own pace or to work in time to fit their own schedule.
In a traditional class when working on group assignments students get to work on the assignments together inside class and outside the class. Students get to get to know more of one another in a traditional class and get to physically accomplish their tasks in the classroom. Online classes have no face-to-face communication with any of their peers and that makes it harder for them to accomplish assignments because it makes it harder for them to build team relations within the students. Ferdig, R. E., & Roehler, L. R. (2003) state that: “Researches has suggested that the use of discussion forums has the potential to increase interactivity in classrooms”. Face-to-face communication within a classroom is a better way to interact with other colleges and its a better way to build team
Not all students can adapt to virtual learning, as students have to be good readers and the online program may lack the auditory support found in traditional classes. They also must be self-motivated and organized so as to keep track of their work and assignment due dates. Students wishing to take classes that require direct instruction and use of materials not available at home, such as science classes requiring lab work or cooking classes, may have to enroll in classes elsewhere. There has also been some concern “that students who are enrolled full-time in online public schools may suffer from a lack of opportunities for socialization, and consequently may fail to develop important social skills” (Sivin-Kachala & Bialo, 2009, p. 2). There are both pros and cons to virtual learning.
Furthermore, some may suggest that online learning is benefiting our students in society. There has been a breakthrough in time and geographical limitations of education via online courses (Ho, 2009). Online education is cost-effective, efficient, and easily accessible (Schmeeckle, 2003). Online classes are used for individual and independent learning in which the student can learn at their own pace (Gonzalez, 2009). Not only is online education beneficial for breaking down barriers, online education has the potential to help students learn material more efficiently. Students are more likely to seek help from their instructors when the material is taught online (Whipp & Lorentz, 2009). Computer use in statistical classes could help decrease math anxiety (Gundy, Morton, Liu, & Kline, 2006). In a study that measured online students’ ability to achieve the same efficiency of course material as face-to-face students, at least 98% of students reported that they had, so one may be lead to believe that online learning is just as efficient as face-to-face courses (Liebowitz, 2003). With all of the positive aspects of online education, one may wonder why there is any debate as to whether or not online education is beneficial for
Today’s generation is like no other. The nation as a whole has completely evolved from past times, with technology being one of the greatest improvements. Traditionally, schooling takes place in a classroom setting, but, with the many modifications in our world’s system, we are able to assimilate more modern means of education, such as online learning. However, with many changes comes differences and requires adjustments. The online learning system has proven to be just as effective as traditional learning, with some minor differences, however, nothing of great significance. A few of those insignificant differences include online learning being convenient, especially for the non-traditional students,
When students are deciding on where to go to college, they have the option of choosing between online classes and the traditional classroom classes. Today, some students are finding it much easier to maintain a job, family and start a college career, all by taking online classes. Although some students still prefer to stick with the traditional classroom classes, they still have the option to take online classes. Both online and the traditional classes will provide the educational requirements needed to obtain a college degree and opportunities in the work field. Although the online classes offer just as much as the traditional classes, they are completely different when it comes to teaching methods, course material and time.
The object/goal of online courses is for students to learn independently in the virtual environment without the “on-the-spot” help of the teacher. The indications are that involvement is a powerful means in the improvement in most of the aspects of undergraduates’ cognitive and affective development. In theory, the author believes online pedagogy would address the problem of students retreating to self-gratifying internet sites where they spend a great deal of time shopping online, chatting on social networks and playing online games. The author states (paraphrasing) “Until now, little at...
Over the years it has been seen that education has taken up several forms. With the advent of technology, education has also been integrated with technology. Previously it was seen that education was achieved through written forms of paper with pen or pencil. The use of pen and pencil can be dated back to the Roman Empire. However, with the developing pace the traditional means of attaining education are changing. The introduction of information technology has brought forth a new way of learning through the internet. E-learning is the new form of education introduced by IT which helps people to attain knowledge through the use of their computers. A portal is introduced by the use of information technology which the students are able to access and to take tests. However, this new technology also brings with it other ethical issues of plagiarism and social contact. Online education is an inadequate alternative for traditional, classroom-based teaching for several reasons: there is no interactive communication between the student and the instructor, potential employers do not value online course work, class offerings are limited, instructor feedback to the student might be delayed for days, and group projects are nonexistent.
Is technology helping or hurting people learn? Technology is increasing every day, and is soon going to be a big part of everyday life. The change of teaching students on online class is way different to what they are used to, and will take awhile to get used to. There are disadvantages, advantages, opportunities, and challenges in the technology in education. The role that teachers play now will change in the future when the major demand for the use of technology hits. There is a big change in the way that students are learning with this new online learning. Technology is changing the learning of students in a big way. Some ways are positive, and some are negative but either way there is a big impact on the way students learn. Sometimes it just depends on the student’s way of learning. Those kind of students should have the choice of what they would rather use a book, or a computer. Students need to be able to decide the type of learning that they want to do to help them learn. Students need to know which way it is that they learn the best. Each person has to find out which way they learn the best to better themselves. Find out the best way that they learn so that it can benefit them in life.
There are some students who find it easier to work in internet classrooms and some others that find it easier to stay with traditional classrooms. I think someone may choose internet classrooms if they have difficulty interacting with teachers and other students. Some people do not like being in the classroom because they do not feel at ease around certain people especially those who treat others with disrespect. It is hard for a student to concentrate and learn a lesson when they have that kind of pressure.