I think one of the biggest disadvantages of online learning environments is the perception that face-to-face learning is the more authentic college experience. I think the proliferation of online-only colleges and schools feeds this collegiate caste system. The degrees obtained by those who have physically attended universities are likely to be deemed superior in a side-by-side comparison with the online-degreed. I am just thankful that FSU is an actual, physical university which also happens to offer online classes. I hold my breath and hope the rest of the world (professional peers, employers) do not make a distinction between the two degree paths. I also count on people’s personal knowledge of me and my motivation as a reason to give my online education its due.
It is difficult in an online learning environment to accomplish what Moreno describes as the “social goal” of wanting to get recognition from one’s classmates and teachers, and to make friends. A survey among teacher education students reveals that online students feel isolated and a lack of social support in studying. These students also lament the lack of opportunities to meet with other students and the instructor before or after class. They also found the lack of immediate help or feedback discouraging. The students in the study felt, and I concur, that the online group activities which many instructors assign are somewhat awkward.
The New York Times article we read for class points out that most universities' use of online learning systems is largely limited to posting assignments and other non-interactive purposes. Therefore, it would be misleading to overstate the proliferation of online college learning environments.
It is difficult in an online learning environment to accomplish what Moreno describes as the “social goal” of wanting to get recognition from one’s classmates and teachers, and to make friends. A survey among teacher education students reveals that online students feel isolated and a lack of social support in studying. These students also lament the lack of opportunities to meet with other students and the instructor before or after class. They also found the lack of immediate help or feedback discouraging. The students in the study felt, and I concur, that the online group activities which many instructors assign are somewhat awkward.
The New York Times article we read for class points out that most universities' use of online learning systems is largely limited to posting assignments and other non-interactive purposes. Therefore, it would be misleading to overstate the proliferation of online college learning environments.
No comments:
Post a Comment