The Benefits and Weaknesses of Online Learning „ Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” George Bernard Shaw

Definition of Online Learning The nonexistence of a physical classroom, flexible schedules, and reduced personal interactions Online education is a type of distance learning---taking courses without attending a brick-and-mortar school or university. Instead, online students and teachers interact over the Internet. According to the U.S. Department of education, online learning is learning that is undertaken on a computer by means of the Internet. Definition of Online Learning

Types of Online Learning Distance Learning Cyber Schooling Home Schooling Blended Learning Online public Education (K-12) Online Secondary Education (college and university classes) E-learning M-learning Types of Online Learning

Online Public schooling v s Home Schooling Online public schools differ greatly from traditional home schooling, where parents design their own curriculum that is not sanctioned by states or school districts. Currently, Home schooling is dwarfing enrollment in online schools by 6:1, but cyber education is expected to catch up in the next 5 to 7 years. 48 states and the district of Columbia have virtual schools, while 29 states offer full-time online schools. Online Public schooling v s Home Schooling

Online Public schooling vs Home Schooling Online schools and digital learning tools also cater to the way students are learning today. Enrollment in online public schooling supported by software provider K12 has grown from about 1,000 students 10 years ago to more than 100,000 today. Study Island – supplemental education software that makes frequent use of learning games, is designed for digital natives who are accustomed to using keyboards and being online. Online Public schooling vs Home Schooling

This is where students attend traditional school on a part- time basis and complete their classes online This model is used as a way for school districts to curb overcrowding issues, and avoid the costly process of building new schools or expanding existing campuses Blended Learning

Online Secondary Schooling Nearly 30% of colleges and university students now take at least one online class Online learning enrollment is up nearly 1 million students from the year before (2010) The phenomenal growth of online education is presenting uncharted challenges for academic institutions. Online Secondary Schooling

Online Secondary Schooling Online programs follow standards, but the academic expectations differ greatly Online education can be as effective as in-class instruction Online Secondary Schooling

M-Learning is the way to learn the tools of communication involving mobile wireless, which creates the premises of an area spreading messages on a global scale. Mobile telephoning has evolved so much that now allows connections to computers and making consistent data transfers. M-Learning is a new educational paradigm that creates an environment in which pupils access to course materials, instructions and applications anytime and anywhere. M-Learning

M-Learning Advantages: Students can study anywhere as long as there is access to an internet connection Can work at own pace Can accommodate different learning styles through different activities Flexibility in class time M-Learning is relatively cost effective M-Learning

M-Learning Disadvantages: Lack of personal community and connection (bad for blended learning) Focuses on memorization over learning core competencies Underutilized talents and facilities Too much downtime Mobile can be an “issue” in itself No way to ground social networking and web 2.0 tools M-Learning

Collaborative Learning Facebook Twitter IM Email Wikispaces Edmodo Etc. Collaborative Learning

In a recent survey of 1,021 experts, 60% agreed that by 2020 “there will be mass adoption of teleconferencing and distance learning…” “On average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction” – Steve Lohr, New York Times, 2009 Online Learning

Advantages to Online Learning: Automatic retention – you do not have to take notes** Fosters more interaction among students and instructors The knowledge you want first Learn at your own pace, flexibility Anytime, anywhere, accessibility Advantages to Online Learning:

Advantages to Online Learning Work-Ability Applicability Speed Variety Cost Effective Advantages to Online Learning

Advantages to Online Learning: Promotes online and computer skills Reduces travel time Can work around work, family and other activities Helps to build self-knowledge and self- confidence and encourages student responsibility Ability to test out if interested Advantages to Online Learning:

Disadvantages to Online Learning Learners with low motivation and bad study habits can easily fall behind Lack of routine structure Students may feel isolated from classmates or instructor Instructor may not always be available Slow Internet connections or older computers make accessing course difficult Disadvantages to Online Learning

Disadvantages to Online Learning Hands-on or lab work is difficult to simulate in a virtual classroom Lack of student customization Lack of personal community and connection Lack of quality assessment and feedback, which may hinder learning A lot of downtime and “play” issues Digital divide may short circuit improvement Disadvantages to Online Learning

Disadvantages to Online Learning Underutilized talents and facilities Cost is still equivalent if not more than brick and mortar school Course availability Employment Working Alone Missing out on non-verbal communication Disadvantages to Online Learning

Disadvantages to Online Learning Potential for less networking opportunities No facilities to use or access Exclusion of fun campus activities COMMITMENT Disadvantages to Online Learning

Overall, there are both positives and negatives to online education. The student chooses Good Experience Not for everyone Overall Findings

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