Online Learning Has Advantages

Online courses can be more motivational to students, since they can be more easily tailored to suit individual’s learning needs than traditional face-to-face courses can (Lohr, 2009). One of the most distinguishing features of online courses is their “ability to liberate education from the constraints of time and distance (Chen, 2010).” This feature is what attracted me to online learning. I can read and write at my own pace, where I choose. I am in control. This is a major factor in determining how well I do in my courses.

Chen (2010) says that the motivation of online learners can be determined by the theory of self-determination (Pintrich and Schunk, 2002). This theory says that successful learning (through socialization and making connections) is dependent on how well three universal basic needs are satisfied by the online student. Factors include the need for autonomy, the need for competency, and the need for relatedness. In other words, being in control of the learning environment, being comfortable with one's ability to learn, and feeling a sense of belonging to a group all help determine an online student’s success. This idea is mirrored by Moreno (2010) in Chapter 9 when discussing limitations in using Maslow's theory to measuring success in learning. Moreno points out that Maslow's hierarchy does not cover the need for power, the need for achievement, and the need for affiliation.

In my own experience, online courses have satisfied more of my needs for successful learning than face-to-face classes would, especially in the self-determinant areas of autonomy and ability. Being able to learn material around my schedule in the comfort of my home has given me more time to read and study than if I had to drive the hour each way daily for class. I am confident in my abilities to work and learn under my conditions. Being far from my Florida State school (I live in Kentucky) does cause me to struggle somewhat with affiliation. Often, after my assigned readings or after writing a paper, I feel the need to discuss what I have learned with someone. Fortunately, my family is accommodating in this area. Social networking, integrated within online courses, also helps. I believe that as more aspects of social networking are applied to online courses, the need for affiliation will more easily be met.

Works Cited:

Chen, K., Jang, S., & Branch, R. (2010). Autonomy, affiliation, and ability: relative salience of factors that influence online learner motivation and learning outcomes, Knowledge Management & E-Learning: An International Journal, 2(1), 30-50.

Lohr, S. (2009). Study Finds That Online Education Beats the Classroom. New York Times. Retrieved September 19, 2010, from http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/study-finds-that-online-education-beats-the-classroom

Moreno, R. (2010). Educational Psychology. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.