¶ … Online Learning as Effective as Classroom Learning
Online Learning Verses Classrom
In the contemporary times, developments in technology have expanded access to education. The internet and other technological advancements have created an efficient platform that facilitates online learning. This has redefined the traditional approach of learning which is done in physical classrooms. Students using this approach are not required to be physically present in classrooms in order to learn. There has been a steady increase in the number of students enrolling for online courses. This development has resulted in debates on the effectiveness of online learning platforms when compared to traditional learning in classrooms. This research aims to determine if online learning is as effective as classroom learning.
Literature Review
In order to compare online learning and classroom learning, it is crucial to analyze existing literature and researches on the topic. This approach will ensure that the research has a comprehensive outlook on the effectiveness of online education in contrast with traditional learning methods. The literature review suggests several outcomes. Firstly, the number of students enrolling for online education is growing and will continue to do so in the future. Secondly, students and stakeholders in education are accepting online learning. Thirdly, online education is flexible and student centered increasing its popularity. Fourthly, if traditional learning is not as effective as learning in traditional classrooms, other benefits of online learning become irrelevant. Finally,
Since its inception in the 1990s, online education has developed rapidly (Mitchell, 2009). This can be attributed to the society's changing perceptions about technology and technological advancements realized over time. The numbers of institutions that offer online education have increased significantly. Online learning is convenient for students since it is flexible and accessible for students who previously could not access education. Considering the increasing popularity of online education, it is prudent to explore the effectiveness of online education.
It is crucial to define some of the terms, which are synonymous with online education. These terms include internet or online courses, face-to-face, virtual interaction and learning effectiveness. Internet courses refer to lessons, which convey learning content using online platforms. Face-to-face classes refer to classes where there is physical interaction in order to convey learning content. Virtual interaction refers to the interaction of individuals via virtual platforms. Finally, learning effectiveness defines education that represents the unique quality of a learning institution.
Learning Effectiveness
According to Swan (2003), it is imperative to determine the effectiveness of online learning in order to encourage its inception as an acceptable learning approach the journal states that if traditional learning is not as effective as learning in traditional classrooms, other benefits of online learning become irrelevant. Swan (2003) defines learning effectiveness defines education that represents the unique quality of a learning institution. The conclusions in the article are that online environments have the capability to support learning outcomes that are equivalent to those realized after face-to-face instructions. Despite this, the author suggests that unique characteristics of the medium used to facilitate online learning may facilitate or impeded some kinds of earning. In order for online education to be efficient, it is suggested that the unique constraints should be ameliorated, and their advantages need to be capitalized upon by educators.
According to Legutko, (2007), the evidence collected shows that there are comparable learning outcomes disregarding the nature of the class either traditional or online. For many teaching instructors, the shift to online classes is a matter of grave worry. Some teaching instructors claim that online learning cannot reach the standards of in-class teaching. According to results from previous studies show that the claim from other instructors that in-house learning is better than online classes. This status is supported by results of the students during their midterm exams. The experts claim that the only barrier in switching to online learning from the traditional method of learning is the ability to adapt to the new method. In traditional learning institutions, many aspects make this system unique from the other modern method of online learning (Orellana, 2006). When an individual is a learning environment, there is active participation between the student and the instructor. This is different from the online system since the level of interaction between the student and the instructor is low. The aspect of direct contact between the instructor and the student is a crucial factor in ensuring the level understanding the content being presented. Students get the chance to asked questions hence students learn more efficiently than in other models.
Perceptions
According to Mitchell (2009), there are some concerns about the quality of education provided...
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