Is Online Education More Effective Than Traditional Learning? One of the fastest growing uses of technology is for online education. Student enrollment in online university degree programs has increased in recent years, but more interesting is the increase in kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12) students who are foregoing recess and pep rallies to study in virtual classrooms. K12 is the largest provider of accredited online learning for grades K-12. It offers tuition-free and private supplemental learning, blended online/offline programs, and full-time online programs in the United States and internationally. K12 allows students to learn at their own level and has a strong social community with regularly sponsored events. Great as all this sounds, the trend towards online learning raises the question of just how effective online education is compared to traditional education. Already a giant in online university degrees, Kaplan has begun offering programs for students in grades 6 to 12, tailored to each learner.
Study: Online learning less effective for some Report contradicts federal study claiming web-based learning is equivalent to or better than face-to-face schooling By Dennis Carter, Assistant Editor Read more by Denny Carter Classroom students scored 84.5 percent on the first exam in the economics course, and online students scored 83.3 percent. Higher education’s embrace of online courses could hurt the performance of some groups of students, according to a study that contradicts the findings of a 2009 report from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) showing that online students perform as well, or better, than their peers in face-to-face settings on average. Research published by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) suggests that males, Hispanics, and low-performing students might fare worse in web-based classes than they do in the traditional classroom—a problem exacerbated by the high rate of online course adoption at community colleges and “less selective institutions,” where these three groups are most likely to attend.
Professors Regard Online Instruction as Less Effective Than Classroom Learning - Distance Education By David Shieh Washington Online courses may be gaining a foothold in higher education, but substantial skepticism over their effectiveness remains, according to results of two recent surveys. The surveys, conducted by the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, also found "widespread concern" that budget cuts would hamper distance-learning programs. The preliminary results of the surveys, which polled faculty members and administrators separately about their opinions of distance-learning programs, were unveiled here Monday at the American Council on Education's conference. The survey of faculty members found that while a majority of faculty members acknowledge that distance instruction offers students increased accessibility and flexibility, developing and teaching online courses can be burdensome. Full survey results are scheduled for release in April.
Benefits of Online Learning | Education Guidance | WorldWideLearn.com Online learning is on the rise. According to a 2013 report by the Babson Survey Research Group, over 6.7 million postsecondary students were enrolled in at least one online class in 2011, compared to only 1.6 million in 2002, and higher-education institutions continue to refine and enhance their online curriculum. In 2002, about 72 percent of these schools offered some form of online learning, and that number has steadily increased to nearly 87 percent in 2012. Colleges also have emphasized the creation of fully online degree programs, and 62 percent of the schools surveyed now award degrees entirely through distance education. Student demand is among the many factors contributing to the growth of online learning. Possible Advantages of Online Learning Convenience and flexibility: Schedule Flexibility: Students can access their course at any time, from anywhere they can log on, in most cases. Student enrichment: Cost-effective choices: Sources: Apple's New Math.
Is Online Learning Right for Me? How could there possibly be any disadvantages of online courses? Read on. 1. Online courses require more time than on-campus classes. Believe it or not, you will spend more time studying and completing assignments in the online environment than you will in an on-campus course. 2. Just as there is a dark side to that controversial property known as the Force, there is a dark side to Internet-based courses. 3. An Internet-based course demands that you develop personal time-management skills. 4. In an online course, no one can hear you scream. 5. In my opinion, it's a much better situation for the student. 6. It's a sink or swim proposition and you can't have it both ways. 7. I also think it's an advantage for the instructor. 8. This freedom can be dangerous if you don't learn how to handle it. 9. Personally, I think it is far better to let students find their own way. 10. Only you are responsible for your learning. Copied with permission from Sean Chamberlin, Fullerton College
5 Disadvantages of Online Learning Everyone's different. And because we're all such unique individuals, we all have distinct learning methods that best help us forge through our educational pursuits. Some of us learn best through hands-on methods, while others have terrific memories and find that sticking to text books help them best retain the material at hand. Here are 5 disadvantages of online learning to keep in mind at all times when searching for your potential education institution: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 5 Internet Savvy Study Tips for Online Learners Common Requirements for Applying to Online Schools
Challenges and Disadvantages of E-learning and Distance Learning Challenges and Disadvantages of E-learning and Distance Learning Higher Education e-learning and high school virtual schooling is currently broken. Here are some of the challenges (and ultimately opportunities) that I see in the distance learning and e-learning literature as I’ve reviewed it. The question becomes…can high school and higher ed e-learning meet the task? 1) Lack of customization to student’s interest (also length instead of modules) 2) Lack of student motivation 3) Lack of personal community and connection (not blended learning) 4) Its a banking model of education (which is partially inevitable) 5) Not experientially based–its simulation based at best 6) Not necessary based on the best science regarding How People Learn 7) Lack of quality assessment and feedback, which hinders learning. 8] Mostly disconnected to the needs of employers, which means its disconnected from the desires of students and parents. What do you think? Like this: Like Loading...
Why E-Learning is So Effective E-learning is hot. And for good reason. If done right, it can produce great results by decreasing costs and improving performance. Also, unlike a one time classroom session, the elearning course is available for others. This includes the static elearning course as well as any ongoing conversations in networked communities. Recently, I had a conversation with someone new to elearning and it struck me that she didn’t fully understand the value of elearning. E-learning Supports the Organization’s Goals Improved training costs. E-learning Supports the Learner’s Development Real-time access. E-learning Nurtures a Learning Organization & Community Ongoing access to resources. Elearning is good for the environment. One of the challenges with making elearning effective is how you manage the courses and access to resources. If you’re using a learning management system you might consider how that impacts the learning. Elearning is cost effective and can produce great results. Tidbits:
Advantages of Online Learning The Internet has helped the tutoring industry in many ways over the last several years. There are so many advantages of online learning that traditional tutoring just can’t compete. The benefits are on both sides of the spectrum, for the tutor and for the student.The programs that allow tutoring online have come far over the last several years. The option to use strictly email is still one method of receiving help but not necessarily the best. The back and forth nature is not always the most beneficial to either the student or the tutor. Now there are many online ways to receive tutoring that is interactive. Students today are very computer and electronic oriented. The flexibility that online tutoring offers is one of the most beneficial advantages of online learning. Now tutoring sessions can be set up at any hour that is convenient for the student and the tutor, location no longer plays a role in the process. The online tutoring sessions are also typically secure programs.
USDE 2009 Report on Effectiveness of Online Learning The following excerpts are from Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies (Washington, D.C., 2009), conducted by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development. It was prepared by Barbara Means, Yukie Toyama, Robert Murphy, Marianne Bakia, and Karla Jones. Click here for the complete report. Abstract A systematic search of the research literature from 1996 through July 2008 identified more than a thousand empirical studies of online learning. Executive Summary Online learning—for students and for teachers—is one of the fastest growing trends in educational uses of technology. Online learning overlaps with the broader category of distance learning, which encompasses earlier technologies such as correspondence courses, educational television and videoconferencing. These activities were undertaken to address four research questions: 1. Key Findings Conclusions U.S. Like this: