Although some may argue that online learning is not as productive as learning face to face, I feel that there are many advantages to online learning which make it more effective. The article “Why Do Students like Online Learning” by Stephanie Coleman addresses many of the benefits of online learning environments. Accessibility is one area where online classes work more effectively because you can attend a course from anywhere. Classes are available to those who might have a hectic work schedule and cannot travel to and from a classroom easily. Online classes are also accessible at anytime and students can access materials whenever it might be convenient.
Perhaps the most important aspect of online learning is that it “facilitates team learning by providing chat rooms and newsgroups for meetings and joint work” (Coleman, 2005). Online classes also encourage participation because a student can only be noticed by their contributions to a class. This increases student interaction and allows for an open discussion forum. By having a varied group of students from many areas it also increases diversity of opinion and students are exposed to new ideas and ways that they might not have known before. The online environment is also not as intimidating as a face to face classroom because you don’t have to be concerned with physical surroundings or attributes. It is simply a focus on ideas, beliefs and collaboration which helps bond those sharing the classroom experience.
Through the process of online learning technological skills are practiced and mastered making students more knowledgeable in computer science and emerging technology. You can learn new technology through interaction and the sharing of information with other students thus broadening your skill set.
Another aspect of that makes online learning more beneficial than face to face learning is that more and more learning interactions are internet based. Those individuals who are already using technology to engage in learning will be ready to transition to the next technological phase of education ”online education could be set to expand sharply over the next few years, as evidence mounts of its value” (Lohr, 2009).
Lohr also points out that “the real promise of online education, experts say, is providing learning experiences that are more tailored to individual students than is possible in classrooms. That enables more “learning by doing” which many students find more engaging and useful” (Lohr, 2009). By participating in hands on learning activities in online class rooms students are more apt to retain information and use it in the future.
Of course with all of the benefits offered through online learning none would be effective without the motivation of the student. Online courses are most effective for those who are self motivated to learn. They must possess an intrinsic need to gain knowledge because simply having extrinsic motivation “the motivation to be involved in a learning activity as a means to an end” (Moreno, 2010) would result in a lack of retention a skill that is needed for future success. Having a dispositional interest in the online subject a student is taking will also affect the motivation of the student “dispositional interest has a positive effect on attention, memory, persistence, effort, and learning” (Hidi & Renninger, 2006).
Other aspects of motivation that are important for online learning are goal theory, especially having a mastery goal which “focuses on improvement and increased understanding” (Moreno, 2010, p. 336). It has been shown that “students with mastery goals are those who benefit the most from classroom experience because they are more likely to believe that they can make progress if they put forth effort; they are self regulated; they have intrinsic motivation to learn; they persist when confronted with challenges; they attribute their success and failure to internal, controllable causes, and they actively engage in learning strategies that promote meaningful learning” (Moreno, p. 337).
All in all, I feel online learning is successful for those who are self motivated and are able to meet the challenge of mastering a technology centered learning environment. I have found the experience has broadened my horizons and has helped me to become more self regulated and vested in learning. Through collaboration I have been exposed to new ideas and new ways of thinking. The experiences I have had will stay with me and I will draw on the knowledge gained through online learning throughout my future in education.
References
Coleman, S. (2005, August 14). Why Do Students Like Online Learning? Retrieved September 20, 2010, from World Wide Learn: http://www.worldwidelearn.com/education-articles/benefits-of-online-learning.htm
Hidi, S., & Renninger, K. (2006). The four-phase model of interest development. Educational Psychologist 41 , 111-127.
Lohr, S. (2009, August 19). Study Finds That Online Education Beats the Classroom. Retrieved September 20, 2010, from Times News: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/study-finds-that-online-education-beats-the-classroom
Moreno, R. (2010). Educational Psychology. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
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