In today’s age and society, technology is becoming a huge part of everything we do, from online clubs and societies, to entertainment, social networking, and even online education. Some say we rely too much on technology, and some believe that this is where we need to be going; imagine a totally virtual world. Where everything including school can be don from the comfort of your own home. E-learning is not just the school of tomorrow; it is the school of now. Anne McGrath has written that “technology can lift classroom teaching to new heights,” and I believe this is true. A whole world of resources is available at your fingertips. Save money, work at your own pace, it’s accessible, convenient and can help foster good habits, how does an online school not sound like a good idea.
Of course, it is true that online schools tend to cost less than a traditional brick-and-motor institution. Some argue that schools wish to change over to an online format to cut costs and save money. In some people’s eyes it’s all about the money. However even online schools require funding, there is expensive software and equipment that must be kept updated, as well as server fees and payroll for the teachers teaching the course. It is not only cheaper for institutions to run, but is as well, typically cheaper for the students. A student can pay a low as half for a program or course. There are also other areas where one may save. Someone can save money on transportation, living because you don’t need to be near the school to take the course, as well as other small things like childcare. Additionally, schools can save even with the government cutbacks. The average recorded cost of a traditional student is about $8 322, but actual spending can be as high a...
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...e to face-to-face learning.
• plagiarism was a problem for many students.
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Source 9: Synonym
The Advantages of Traditional Schools
Stacy Alleyne, Demand Media
May 18, 2014 http://classroom.synonym.com/advantages-traditional-schools-3706.html • Provides the environment for interaction between students, teachers, and peers.
• “With face to face interaction you develop lifelong contacts, memories and experiences ... These types of interactions humanize the educational experience in a way that online learning does not.”
• While online schools rely on the self-disciplined of student, traditional schools have a set structure and routine for students who want or require more guidance.
Source 10: SREB
Overcoming Doubts About Online Learning
Southern Regional Education Board
November 2009
May 20, 2014 http://publications.sreb.org/2009/09T02_Overcoming_Doubts.pdf •
“It is the interaction and the meaningful learning activities that occur during the face-to-face time that is most important."
This article discusses the use of the Internet in the classroom and how it can be used to personalize education. The effectiveness of the Internet in the classroom is evaluated at the Henry Hudson Regional School in Highlands, New Jersey. A faculty member at the school explains that the Internet was introduced to their classrooms to expand limited electives, advanced placement, and foreign language offerings. The use of the Internet allows small schools to provide an education that would not be economically possible without it.
With the wave of technology being a part of the main stream educational process, online learning is being considered as an option for most parents of a K-12 learner. Although it is a great way to learn it involves time and commitment from both students and their families. It is also making it easier for home schooled students to get their lessons, as well as for the resources parents need in teaching their child at home.
The popularity and availability of online schooling, also referred to as virtual schools, cyber schools, e-learning, and distance learning, is growing rapidly throughout the U.S. I think the idea of virtual schools is wonderful, especially for those who are home bound or have medical conditions. Students at virtual schools can learn at any time and any place about any number of subjects, which is quite convenient. Students from rural areas can have the wide selection of courses usually only available to students in large suburban or urban schools.
In 1999, Mark Bonner of PricewaterhouseCoopers accurately predicted, “Online learning will rapidly become one of the most cost-effective ways to educate the world’s expanding workforce.” Fifteen years later, his statement is truer than ever, as the price of going to a four-year university skyrockets, and technology required to get the same degree online becomes more available. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, from 2000 to 2010, the average cost for undergraduate tuition, room, and board at public institutions increased over forty percent.
While certain aspects of learning in an online environment and learning face-to-face are similar, they also are remarkably different. I am more familiar with a face-to-face learning environment in which I physically attend class. Despite this, an online learning environment is something I am acclimating to. At times I miss the traditional approach, but also am beginning to enjoy the regimented flexibility it affords.
... Students taking online classes might find it easier to attend family gatherings, travel, and attend to personal needs. An online class allows the students to work on their own time, whereas the traditional classes they have to stick with a schedule. There are many differences between taking an online class and a traditional class, time, communication, teacher-student ratio, time and the teaching methods. Both courses still have some similarities between them and what they require the student to do.
His final suggestion to teachers is to, “fully reconsider their students’ specific needs and redesign their online courses and learning activities to involve their students.help them benefit from the online learning environment.” Works Cited Chia-Wen, T. (2013).
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.
Those who disagree with me think that online learning allows a student to learn at their own pace. Students are able to take the time to understand and figure out problems with the resources that are provided. The convenience of learning in an environment that is conducive to that particular students learning is provided by the student. If the student feels comfortable they are more apt
As time goes by, advances in technology will provide more and more avenues for learning by way of the computer. The Internet has opened the doors of the world and unleashed limitless possibilities in research and education. It may be only a matter of time when the classroom is brought online to all children and attending a school classroom outside the home is a thing of the past. Looking back over the last 20 years, I never would have imagined that computers would come this far and impact our lives so much. Just imagine where they will be 20 years from now.
Finally, you have to think and make decision on whether you want to do online or traditional education. There are several aspects between traditional education and online education that are similar but there are also aspects that are different. One of the many that are alike is the requirement for books and papers; however, the two factors not alike are the cost and equality between all students. Some may feel that traditional education is better because you have person to person communication with the instructor. When you are balancing a lot of things you sometimes tend to fall asleep during class. You have to look at your life and your daily responsibilities when you determining which educational setting is best for you. There are a lot of factors you have to look at when you trying find the type of education that fits your lifestyle
“Charity sees the need, not the cause.” (German Proverb) Many people may question “What is charity?” According to Webster’s dictionary, Charity is defined as the benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity. Charity to me is significant because it gives you a feeling of inner satisfaction while helping out your community as well. If you have the capability, then you should be able to share it with those less fortunate. The community we live in has a huge influence on us personally – it fosters safety, responsibility and sustainability – so it is important that we take our community seriously for the greater good of humanity and for our own personal benefit.
The future of education is very promising to younger generations. From Kindergarten though college many changes are brewing. On the horizon are things like smart objects, full-length online courses, and prosthetic devices designed to equalize education.
Andy Carvin states “ internet access in schools isn’t worth a hill of beans if teachers aren’t prepared to take full advantage of technology” (2000). Schools spend a lot of money on computer hardware and software as well as other technologies without realizing that many of their employees are unprepared to include them in their teaching and use them to their advantages. Educators often use technology as a classroom management tool rather than an educational one, allowing computer time as a reward for good behavior (Clark & Gorski, 2001). The problem with this is that students learn to use the computer for games and such because it is their reward instead of using it on their own time for educational purposes. This is teaching them the wrong idea. Margaret Honey, director of the Center for Children and Technology in NYC said it best, “The bottom line is, you don’t just put technology into schools or into homes and expect miracles to happen. The technology is only as good as the program that surrounds it” (Meyer, 2002, p.2).