Introduction Online learning, also known as distance learning or online learning, has become a new and successful means of receiving an education in a highly technologically enhanced environment (Regan, Evmenova, Baker, Jerome, Spencer, Lawson, & Werner, 2012). Kaymak and Horzum (2013) defined online learning as using Internet technology to gain knowledge and skills through the use of synchronous and asynchronous learning tools. Allen and Seaman (2013) stated that about 6.7 million students attending colleges and universities across the United States were successfully enrolled in at least one online course in 2011. There is an increased interest in online learning that continues to grow as a result of the amplified demands from the work place and the escalating availability of nontraditional educational options and providers (Allen & Seaman, 2008). The implementation of online learning in many universities has proven to be a successful method of course delivery (Regan, Evmenova, Baker, Jerome, Spencer, Lawson, & Werner, 2012). Dickson-Dean, Galyen, and Moore (2011) proposed that online learning can promote successful learning opportunities for students as well as rewarding benefits for all educational stakeholders. Factors that contribute to the success of online learning include, but are not limited to, flexibility and accessibility, cost reduction, increased retention, and varied learning opportunities (Neely & Tucker, 2010). Online learning and associated technology is becoming increasingly adaptable and can be used to meet the educational needs of all students while providing opportunities for differentiated instruction (Krishnakumar & Kumar, 2011). Online learning provides both students and instructors with opportun... ... middle of paper ... ...necessity to develop their classes to attain learning desired by adults (McAnally-Salas et al., 2010). Diffusion of innovations provides a perspective on what drives adoption of new innovations (Tabata & Johnsrud, 2008). Technology is a driving force in the process of diffusion due to its growth and the innovations that drive its increase of popularity and need (Soffer et al., 2010). The Internet reflects online learning in a convenient, attractive manner which leads to more adults pursuing online learning despite the diffusion process among online faculty members (Soffer et al., 2010). Influences, recommendations, and identification of barriers can help increase the rate of diffusion for online faculty within educational online opportunities. Instructors are to guide, motivate, and engage the learner to ensure that the integration of technology is successful.
Click here to unlock this and over one million essays
Show More...ve data along the ten-year period when a new technological advance would have been made to evaluate whether there was a correlation between a given technological advance and enrollment in distance education courses at that time. A correlational design will be used because a correlation will be drawn between online education and institutional growth at both Missouri Western State University and Northwest Missouri State University. Although this study will correlational, it is not causal. As with many other studies, there could be issues with the third-variable problem and the directionality problem. Simply stated, there could be another variable that causes an increase in enrollment of distance education courses other than technological advances. It is also a possibility that a boom in enrollment would influence technological advances rather than the opposite.
As online learning continues to boost in popularity, more institutions of higher learning are focusing on a common occurrence practiced among universities and colleges offering online courses (Street, n. d.). There is significant growth in the online market because students working full time are the fastest growing part of the learner population and they bring commercial tuition dollars with them. It is estimated that five of six online students have some type of employment and would not be able to attend customary face-to-face classes (Thomas, 2001). The quantity of universities offering online education courses and the amount of students registering for online courses are on the rise.
One of the major advantages of an online degree program is the flexibility it provides to someone working a demanding job, living geographically removed from a college campus, or that simply finds it most convenient for a host of other reasons. These challenges of the modern workforce have in fact been the big driver behind the exponential rise in online degree programs over the past decade. Furthermore, the flexibility provided by an online degree program enables tailoring a program matched to personal learning style and pace.
Distance education (DE) has historically had a low success rate. "From past to present, dropout rate of students is [sic] one of the main problems regarding to [sic] distance education. Related research showed that approximately 30% and 50% of distance education students fail to complete distance education courses" (Horzum, 2012, p. 1). One institution, the University System of Georgia, is searching for new methods to improve the distance education model, for studies have revealed facts documenting that distance education graduation rates have declined and withdrawal numbers have increased despite the fact that traditional face-to-face instruction have remained unchanged; moreover, Coastline Community College interviewed several students regarding online education, and a substantial percentage of those students interviewed stated that they never intended to earn an online degree program (Nash, n.d.). Distance education courses were not taken seriously, nor where they viewed as a beneficial form of learning, for there are no p...
Even though convenience and flexibility have great appeal, online classes can have a downside because they are not for everyone. Students that procrastinate or require some kind of external motivator will have trouble with the flexibility of online classes. In fact, in 2003 U.S. Department of Education discovered that misconceptions of the learner’s responsibilities caused higher dropout rates among students taking online classes. These misconceptions included lack of time management and self-motivation (Wojciechowski). Although these factors affect the flexibility and success of an online class, students can develop good study...
There is good reason for the growth in online learning in college environments. Student populations have diversified since the introduction of the personal computer and internet (O’Malley and McCraw). Students with geographic, job, or other constraints are now able to benefit from a college education because advances in technology have enabled learning for those for whom higher education was previously not within the realm of possibility.
Elloumi, F. (Eds.), Theory and practice of online learning . (pp. 115-135). Retrieved March 3, 2011, from http://cde.athabascau.ca/online_book/ch5.html
With online education, the instructor delivers the content, but students must take greater initiative to access, learn, and understand the material. In addition, students have to actively seek help. Online students may lack the motivation to learn independently. Students, especially those new to higher education, may become easily discouraged when faced with particular academic challenges and drop out. Online education makes it harder to maximize student learning outcomes because the resources that foster learning in face-to-face environments are substantially diminished. In other words, online instruction may not provide sufficient student support. In face-to-face classes, students have their classmates, learning centers on campus, professors ' office hours, tutors, and teaching assistants to support and help them with their various learning needs. These resources guide them, clarify and reinforce the material, and allow them to succeed in their
Now a days students who attend college have many other obligations they must fulfill in order to be successful. The opportunity of taking online classes allows them to be able to get an education as well, while not interfering with their usual routine. Online education comes with many benefits that can help a student’s life be more successful in many
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,
Education in modern society can be taught in a completely different method than in the past. College students, or even high school students, are given the choice of being enrolled in an online course for certain subjects rather than a traditional class. Many students contemplate over the decision to enroll in an online course because of the differences compared to in-class instruction. When making the decision of which style of learning to enroll in, students need to take in consideration the necessary requirements, amount of access, and the methods of teaching for either an online or traditional style course.
“In 2016 it is estimated that 5.8 million people are enrolled in at least one online academic course. That’s more than one in four students (Consortium).” There are several advantages to taking online courses, yet there are many disadvantages as well. What governs the individual’s direction remains founded on the circumstances surrounding the person along with weighing the advantages and disadvantages of said styles of education, such as costs, convenience, and flexibility so you can take the time to work and to go to school, and student/teacher relationships. Consequently, it is up to the individual to choose whether they want to invest in online learning or the traditional classroom learning when it comes to furthering their education.
Many people think online education can be more expensive than a traditional school setting. Previous generations did not have the option for online learning experience, so why should we start now? An interesting point about online education is that LeBaron (2010) states, “The largest school in the U.S. is the University of Phoenix Online, with a whopping 380,232 students. That’s over 5x more than the largest public school, Arizona State University, which has 68,064 students” (para. 7). Despite the cost effectiveness, distance education is becoming the educational model of the future.
For a while now, a certain method of teaching has become popular in many colleges across the nation: online education. Online education is learning with the assistance of the Internet and a personal computer in place of attending a classroom with other students. Many online classes offer students the opportunity to learn while not having to leave the comfort of their home. Colleges in America are offering more and more courses online as an alternative to the traditional way of learning in a classroom. However, many disagree with the notion of providing online classes to students.