I would have posted this review last week, but was unable to post to my blog.
Like other reviews of the article that I have read, I too was initially surprised at the effectiveness of online learning versus traditional classroom experience. I believe the advances in online technologies and the increased awareness of online techniques has enhanced the online experience considerably over the last few years. Because more people are attracted to the flexibility that online education provides, there has been a greater effort in making and measuring the experience.
The article lists three advantages to online learning;
- greater flexibility
- availability of resources
- ''just in time" learning.
Greater Flexibility
There can be no denying that people are interested in the tremendous flexibility that online course provide. This is especially true for those pursuing post graduate degrees. The cost and inconvenience of relocating, looking for another job and unsettling families can be staggering. Online classes over the best of both worlds; quality education and it eliminates the need to relocate.
Availability of Resources
I was surprised, with the widespread us of the internet for research and information gathering, that this would be listed as benefit of online classes. Even in traditional classes, resources are readily available. I would also be concerned that faculty is not as available as they would be in traditional classrooms.
"Just in time"
I am not exactly what the article was referring to with 'just in time', but if they mean that courses can be selected and taken at any time, then I agree, to a point, with this advantage. The only issue I have is that there may be a sequence that is not always a obvious when looking through a course listing. This is a relatively easy problem to solve.
Finally, I have enjoyed online experience that I have had in the past. I don't think online training works for every discipline, but for those that apply, it is a great advancement in eduction.
Glenn,
ReplyDeleteThe funny thing I'm finding in my district and others is that online programs are discouraged when pursing a graduate degree. For example, I am only allowed to take at most 2 grad courses at my high school. This policy was changed in the past 5 years. Before then you could pursue your whole degree online. So though online learning provides great flexibility, one has to hope they aren't handcuffed by learning requirements from their respective schools.
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