Online Learning...Helpful or Hurtful?

WebEx is one type of online classroom.

Many of today's students are technologically savvy. All types of new gadgets, web tools and integrated learning systems are part of everyday life of a twenty-first century student. One current trend for colleges (and even now in high schools) is the use of online classroom learning.

I am currently enrolled in two online courses this semester in graduate school. I have seen first hand that there are many advantages and disadvantages to online classrooms. I believe that online learning is much harder than the old fashioned "face-to-face" method of learning. When I am in a classroom on campus, I am more focused on the material being presented and I am more comfortable to interact with other students and the professor. When I am in a classroom I feel like I am receiving personal attention and understanding made with eye contact. This personalized learning environment is not present for me online. I feel that it is a much more rigid environment and one that I am not comfortable to ask questions or inquire about more information when I am unclear about something. Some other disadvantages include the fact that technology is wonderful but not perfect. Many times this semester, my computer has frozen and caused me to miss some of the instruction. Also, online learning is not always one hundred percent reliable. With that being said, I know that not all learners involved in online classes feel the same way that I do. Here are some of the major reasons that online learning is both helpful and hurtful.

Advantages:

• Convenience of "going to class" where ever there is a computer or wireless connection.
• Classroom lectures can be recorded and revisited any time on the web classroom site.
• Some students feel more comfortable behind a computer than a classroom desk and may be more likely to ask questions and communicate in class aloud.

Disadvantages:

• Loses the face to face value that some students prefer.
• Technology can mess up and cause extra stress on students.
• Some students may not feel more comfortable behind a computer and less likely to interact with the professor or other students online.

Here is an article about more in-depth pros and cons by Education-Portal.com. The Chronicle gives another article with opinions of online and traditional classroom learning.

I do believe that students do receive the same amount of knowledge that they would receive in a traditional classroom. The content and supplementary readings would not change in an online environment. Because of this, I do think that online learning is completely acceptable once in college. If high schools want to venture into the world of online learning, I think that it should count for high school credit. Credit should not be given for a college-level class even taken in high school. I am pro-technology integration, but I believe that most college students experience more traditional types of learning and should not "get their feet wet" in college by starting with online classes. One exception to my rule of incoming freshmen in college not getting used to online learning would be those students chosing to attend an online university. Two of the most popular online colleges are DeVry University and the University of Phoenix. These institutions offer students the chance to learn from anywhere and have convenience to be at home or any Internet cafe.

I am glad that online courses are available at High Point University and to the majority of college students at this time. I think that having the option to learn in your pajamas at home is a wonderful concept and should be utilized in an undergraduate or graduate experience. Personally, I will stick to the traditional classroom but not without taking my iPad.