- Teacher-led: This form on online learning has the most teacher involvement. This type of learning reflects a traditional classroom, except everything takes place online: lectures, test/quizzes, and homework assignments/deadlines. This type of learning is heavily dependent on the use of the internet considering there is very rare face-to-face interaction, thus the importance of reliable and strong internet connection is essential.
- Blended-instruction: As indicated by the name of this type of instruction is a mix of traditional face-to-face meetings and online gatherings. This is reflective of a hybrid course. The need for internet connection isn't as essential as in the teacher-led because there are face-to-face meetings. This form can also be considered "teacher-facilitated" learning where teachers work with a small group of students in a "coaching" way to ensure success in the classroom.
- Self-Paced: Again suggested by the name, this type of learning doesn't involve any teacher assistance. In this case students are solely responsible for their learning, growth, and success in the course. This is great for students who are self-motivated and require little to no assistance from outside sources.
On the other hand the cons that educators see in distance and online learning are as follows: the biggest and most obvious downfall to distance/online learning is the fact that all students do not have equal access to the internet or computers. Learning is considered a social task, thus without face-to-face meetings students are unable to collaborate with the teacher, and their peers to generate new ideas or a deeper understanding about the material at hand. Another downfall to distance and online learning is the fact that the responsibilities of staying motivated, and making sure all work is done and handed in on time falls all on the student's shoulders, and for some students this task is too much for them to handle and they will buckle under the pressure, thus the goal of distance/online learning is null.
While there will always be people who do or don't support the idea of technology in the class room, this offers a new and differentiated way for students to learn, thus maximizing the success of students in their educational journeys.
Additional Links:
- http://www.dso.iastate.edu/asc/academic/elearner/advantage.html - This website offers advantages and disadvantages to online learning that one is able to look at and weigh them against each other in order to determine their stance on distance/online learning.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LO9A_M4iNo - This YouTube video offers the perspective of a student about online learning. It offers the idea of online learning analogous to a single track train.
- https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=80 - This website provides the demographics of distance/online learning giving the "fast facts" about the numbers behind the growing trend.
As a student who has taken several online classes in the past 2 years, I would like to most strongly vouch to your statement about preparation: "Students will be better prepared as they enter higher levels of education where it is their responsibility to pace themselves, and responsible in finding additional research outside of the classroom." I could not have said it better myself, and I could not agree more with this statement. The online classes that I have taken have definitely challenged me in the self-discipline and responsibility department, however the classes have set me up for success in regards to my overall educational experience. I learned, through the challenge of online/hybrid courses, to be on-top of things and to hold myself accountable in all work that is expected of me. Have you taken more than one or two online courses? What is your personal opinion on them? Did you find them helpful in regards to the rest of your classes?
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteI started taking online courses in high school, and have continued throughout my collegiate career. I personally like the online courses that I have taken because the have allowed me to self-regulate myself which is an important trait that I believe can be carried over into the work force. I know that online courses don't work for everyone, but I think that most if not all students should try and take at least one online course because they do teach you how to be responsible for your not only your self but for your studies as well. Do you believe that there is one type of online course that is better than the others? What types of online courses have you taken? (Out of the three noted above)
Kaitlyn,
ReplyDeleteThis is my first ever online class. It has defiantly pushed me to become highly organized. I do believe there are better classes to take online then others. For instance, science should not be taught online. It should be hands-on and be focused on getting students submersed into the mechanical world. Also, math shouldn't be taught online either for the same reasons. Or if it is taught online meeting with the teacher once a week would be a huge benefit for the student. How ever, a writing class can most defentaly be taught online because most of writing today is done via blogging, Facebook, and twitter (not to mention emailing/instamesaging). The only draw back of having an online class is confusion. Not everyone in a class is "tech savvy." Do you think there are better courses for online teaching?
Abigail,
ReplyDeleteI agree that some classes are more successful taught using traditional practices rather than online. I agree that science is one of these classes. There are so many experiments that can get lost through online classes, that allow the students to be hands on and practice what they are learning. I am a very hands on and social learner. Thus when I took my first online course it was a challenge for me because I didn't have that interaction with the teacher, my peers, or hands on learning opportunities. I have read a few different articles about online classes and educators are starting to introduce these online classes to students earlier and earlier within their educational careers. Do you believe there is an appropriate age/grade level where students start benefiting from online classes?
What makes one more successful than the other? I have two ideas. One is the learner. A hard subject for a student is more difficult and isolating online, whereas an easy subject for a student (e.g., someone finds math hard but ELA easy; another person is the opposite). The other may be the content; namely, subjects that require a lot of practice (math, chemistry) or labs may be easier face-to-face.
DeleteThe problem with the latter is that all classes are offered online. We can't just throw all of the ELA and social studies classes online and keep the rest face-to-face.
Kaitlyn,
ReplyDeleteDefenitaly there is an appropriate age/grade level for online classes. I believe that starting in 6th grade students can have an appropriate connection with an online class. Younger grades defiantly need the social interaction of a real classroom (however k-5th should have access to technology). What do you think about age limits on online classrooms?
Abigail and Kaitlyn,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you both that science classes are probably the most ineffective class to be taken online, since science relies mostly on experiments and such. I also agree that 6th grade is an appropriate grade to start online classes. Not that the younger grades can not be introduced to online activities/blogs/websites to enhance and differentiate their learning, however a full online class for younger students would most likely be un-successful due to the amount of self discipline needed as well as how on top of things you need to be. As far as an age limit, I think that a student younger than 13-14 should not be expected to participate in a full-on online class.
The thing to consider in these situations is a blended curriculum, where students come in for things like labs and tutoring but complete the rest online. This is feasible in upper grades when the students have transportation; however, it does create logistical (and legal) issues with liability.
DeleteAbigail and Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of you that before 6th grade the students shouldn't be expected to participate in a fully online course as they are not mature enough yet to take on such a large responsibility. I believe that the advantages of a traditional classroom with face-to-face time with the teacher far outweighs the advantages of an online course for younger students. Although I read in one article that there are online courses starting at the elementary level. Do either of you see your selves incorporating any of the three types of online classes into your teaching one day?
Kaitlyn,
ReplyDeleteI could defiantly see myself incorporating teacher-lead online classes. How every I would have majority of the class be taught in the classroom. Incorporating formative, summative assessments online, project research, and educational games that produce learning integration of technology throughout the classroom. As teachers teaching in the 21 century, which is revolving around technology, we would be neglecting our students if we did not use technology in our classroom.
What do you think Kaitlyn?
Abby, I most definitely agree with you. I, too, see myself incorporating teacher-lead online classes in my future. I think your idea of the assessments, research, projects, games, quizzes, etc., online are a great way to differentiate the instruction in your classroom. Like you said, we are in the 21st century, therefor it is crucial to use technology in the classroom and really familiarize our students with all that technology has to offer.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of you that as educators we would be doing a disservice to our students to not incorporate technology into our lesson. I am still two years away from graduation and I think with technology growing so quickly when I get my own classroom it will be even more prevalent. I don't think that now in the time we live in teaching without technology is a let down to our students because the benefits that technology has to offer.
ReplyDelete