Disadvantages of Online Learning: Maybe Not for Everyone?

When I first began searching for and considering graduate programs two years ago, I relegated online/ distance learning to last-resort status. This was not because I thought it was inferior, but I presumed that like my undergraduate studies, I would ‘go’ to graduate school, meaning face-to-face classes. When I got a full-time job in my future career field, though, I quickly changed my mind because it was hard to think of giving up a job that provides practical, real-world experience. So, I became a distance learning student and gradually became aware of the many advantages of online learning. After being an online grad student for two years, I have also come to realize that it is not a one-size-fits-all environment, and the many advantages to online learning that I enjoy are perhaps not advantages for every learner. Instead, the flexibility, autonomy, interactions, and/or levels of motivation necessary may make serve as disadvantages for some learners.

Online learning continues to grow in both popularity and numbers, with a broad spectrum of students enjoying the benefits of online classes. As several recent studies note, the prospective advantages of online learning extend beyond increased access and flexibility (New York Times Bits Blog, 2009; Clark, 2009). A study on online education by the U.S. Department of Education, found a small but significant difference in test scores for students learning in online vs. traditional classroom environments, suggesting that online learning is “not just better than nothing—it tends to be better than conventional instruction” (New York Times Bits Blog, 2009, para.4). Proponents of online learning propose that online education can tailor instruction to individual student needs and provide practical applications of skills rather than just basic instruction in them. In my various online courses, I have experienced this myself, particularly with teaching-based projects I can implement in my current job that benefit me as a student yet also provide a new service and/or resource for patrons at my library.

Nonetheless, the research in the Department of Education report, as well as several other studies (Northwestern University, 2010; Clark 2009), does note that “most” of the comparative studies were done in adult continuing education and collegiate courses, which also happens to be the area in which they project the largest growth in online learning (New York Times Bits Blog, 2009). Studies suggest that online courses are designed primarily for working adults, with some younger students joining the trend as more colleges offer, if not require participation in online education (Clark, 2009, para 2.). Still, the online learning environment may not be a “good fit” for younger students with “poor self-discipline and time-management skills” (Clark, 2009, para 12). In my experience as a student who initially preferred face-to-face classes, online learning requires something of a tradeoff. In exchange for the flexible hours to post to discussion boards, attend synchronous class meetings after work, and collaborate through a variety of web 2.0 tools, students in online classes need a certain level of self-discipline and motivation to complete readings and assignments; I found this to be particularly true in one online course that optional class meetings and discussion forums, meaning that we had to self-regulate on the assigned readings or we would be cramming to get them finished before assignments were due. Younger or less experienced students may not be able to strike this balance between autonomy, self-discipline, and motivation.

One study of the relationship between motivation and online learning notes that “practitioners and researchers alike have come to understand that to be successful in online courses, it helps to be a highly motivated, self-regulated learner” (Artino & Stephens, 2009, p.146). This is perhaps because online learning environments are “relatively autonomous” compared to traditional classrooms (Artino & Stephens, 2009, p.147). As Chapter 9 in the Moreno text explains, motivation is strongly interrelated with learning and underlies achievement (Moreno, 2010, p.329). Motivation can also vary from student to student or even within an individual student depending on their age, the subject matter they are studying, and even the context in which they are learning (Moreno, 2010, p.329). Although students may enjoy the benefits of online learning like honing their technology skills and learning from home, not all students fall into the “highly motivated, self-regulated learner” category.

I have a coworker, for example, who is an adult learner in an asynchronous online graduate program. Even though s/he likes the flexibility of the classes, s/he admittedly lacks the motivation and/or self-regulation to complete readings and assignments in a timely manner, which affects success in the courses. However, when my coworker took a face-to-face course in the same program, s/he did very well because of the different social dynamic and added structure of the class. Studies suggest that as students get older, they seek both a sense of community with teachers and classmates as well as autonomy, which can affect their motivation and learning (Moreno, 2010, p.357). Students like my coworker who are motivated to some extent by social goals may not be fulfilled in online learning environments, where the social dynamic and interactions can differ from face-to-face learning.

A final prospective disadvantage to online learning is that such classes can have negative outcomes for language minority and lower performing students (Northwestern University, 2010). A survey of professors found almost half of them felt that students in the online course received an “inferior education” (Clark, 2009, para. 13). As the primary author of a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, David Figlio notes, “not all internet courses are created equally” (Northwestern, 2010, para. 13). In the end, although I think online learning is a wonderful opportunity and learning environment that works for my schedule and needs, I think it might not be the best option for all students, like those who need a little more structure, motivation, personal/social interaction, or who have specific language or learning needs.

Artino, A.R., Jr., & Stephens, J.M. (2009). Academic motivation and self-regulation: A comparative analysis of undergraduate and graduate students learning online. The Internet and Higher Education, 12(3-4), 146-151.

Clark, K. (2009). Online education offers access and affordability. U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved from http://www.usnews.com/articles/education/online-education/2009/04/02/online-education-offers-access-and-affordability.html.

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

New York Times Bits Blog (2009, August 19). Study finds that online education beats the classroom. Message posted to http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/study-finds-that-online-education-beats-the-classroom/.

Northwestern University (2010). Rushing too fast to online learning? Outcomes of Internet versus face-to-face instruction. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100628092756.htm.

Online and Plugged In: the benefits of online learning

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.

Online Learning Has Many Advantages

I absolutely love being able to earn my degree entirely online! Online learning has so many advantages that they outweigh the disadvantages in my eyes. I love having the freedom to work from home and not have to leave my family and go and sit in a classroom. After being at work all day, that is the last thing that I want to do. By taking online courses, I can work on my homework while my kids are doing theirs or I can do it when they go to bed.It takes a very organized and dedicated person to be able to take classes online. I am a little OCD so for me this works out well, I love being able to have things planned out and being able to know my assignments ahead of time is also great.An online learner has to motivated as well. In chapter 9 of our text book, Moreno defines motivation as the pshychological process that directs and sustains a student's behavior toward learning (p.329). It would be very easy to get behind on your assignments but if you stay organized an on top of things, this should not be a problem. I am a quiet person and probably would not interact as much with my classmates and instructors if I were in a typical classroom. I also feel like I know my classmates and instructors more than being face-to-face with them.Online learning has come a long way. We know have the ability to see our instructors and classmates via web cam, we can hear them speak using programs such as Eluminate. "Until fairly recently, online education amounted to little more than electronic versions of the old-line correspondance courses. That has really changed with the arrival of web-based video, instant messaging and collaboration tools" (NY Times). It will be very interesting to see how it changes in the next 5-10 years. The main thing that sticks out to me is "convenience". In an online article from Kennesaw Univeristy, they discuss the advantages of earning a degree online. They states that online learning allows working adults and parents with the opportunity to earn a degree without making too many sacrifices " (Kennesaw.edu). This is why I chose online courses. It allows me to continue my lifestyle while completing my degree all in the comfort of my home. What could be better?

Online Learning Has Great Advantages

I am all for the online learning environment and there are definite advantages to this method of learning and these feelings are supported by the NY Times article assigned this week and the US Department of Education report contained therein. I do believe it takes a very regulated and disciplined person to be successful in these types of classes, but even people who are innately that way would still have a period of adjustment. Albeit there is the easy temptation to slack off and it is not hard to fall behind quickly in assignments, but those can be worked around. The advantages I see, and that are supported by Means, Toyama, Murphy, Bakia and Jones in 2009, as well as what I have experienced myself are as follows. First, you are able to "go" to class when you want to, if there is not an assigned time slot, which I find to be beneficial. This allows you to devote the time you need to get the work done because you are doing it at a time that is available to you. This will probably increase time spent on the assignments or lessons. In addition, there is no travel time associated with this type of learning, unless one has to get access to the technology. (That would be a huge disadvantage, I guess as another part of the debate). You are also able to use different modes of learning to make the experience much more complete and satisfying. If the instructor is one who makes themselves readily available and part of the lessons. That is a huge advantage as well to ensure the flow of the course and the learning process. The instructor would be available in an anonymous way to help struggling students, as necessary. Additionally, rigid office hours would be negated through the use of blackboards or email.

Chapter 9 of the Moreno (2010) textbook dealt mainly with students and their anxiety levels in class and factors that may negatively impact student learning or motivation to learn. The online environment can combat some of those anxiety issues, as well as remove any socioeconomic or cultural differences that may prevail in classroom affect (Moreno, p. 358-359). Students who are shy about speaking up in a class may find themselves much more apt to freely become involved in the ongoing discussions throughout the lessons. There may be the instance in a face-to-face setting wherein a student is regularly able to “hide” by not participating in lessons and their brilliance is being missed because of their shyness. In an online environment, the students are all required to speak up and their input will be treated respectfully and equally. In addition, what I learned from the reading was there is a greater opportunity for self-assessment and reflection because that can be built into the lessons that are on line, which was found to be a part of better success by Shen, Lee and Tsai in 2007 (as cited in Means, Toyama, Murphy, Bakia and Jones, p. 45). This was a new advantage for me, as I had never thought of this as being an available part of an online lesson and one that can actually improve the academic success of students in these programs. One last advantage, which as I previously stated can also be viewed as a disadvantage, is students will learn more about technology through online lessons and materials. This gained knowledge will increase the students’ research skills at an earlier age and that should help them succeed in higher education (Donlevy, p. 120).

References:

Donlevy, J. (2003). Teachers, technology and training: Online learning in virtual high school [Electronic version]. International Journal of Instructional Media, 30(2), 117-121.

Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., & Jones, K. (2009). Evaluation of evidenced-based practices in online learning: A meta-analysis and review of online learning studies. Washington, DC: US Department of Education.

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

New York Times, (2009). Study finds that online education beats the classroom. Accessed on September 23, 2010, http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/study-finds-that-online-education-beats-the-classroom.

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.

Advantages of face-to-face learning environments...

If you ever been in a classroom where it was a face-to-face learning environment, then it should be very clear as to what the advantages of face-to-face learning environments are about. But if you have never been in this type of environment before, I will recall the idea and advantages of the face-to-face system that has been used for many years. Face-to-face learning environments provides a community within a classroom. It gives a good sense of accomplishment and self-awareness to not only the teacher but the students. Some advantages are: Discipline and time mangement skills, Interaction with other students and most impotantly the instructors. Also, non-Isolation from communities, credits are more likely tranferable, unlimited access and knowlege to technology, and the list can go on and on.

There are many advantages for face-to-face learning environments, but with advantages comes disavantages. Disadvantages such as: Time flexibility, dress code, no note taking, and etc. Please do note that these disavantages are from the comparison of face-to-face learning environments and nonface-to-face systems such as online learning environments. I am not trying to slander nor take anything away from online learning environments, but I do think the face-to-face system is an essential key to ones success in life. Its like one those things that you can't live with but can't live without.


http://www.suite101.com/content/online-college-courses

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/
Second thoughts on online education
by Steve Lohr
September 8, 2010

Moreno, R(2010). Educational Psychology
Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

In favor of Online Environments

Based on personal experience, I am taking the position in favor of online learning environments. This is not to say that I don't like the typical classroom environment, but for many years of my educational career the usual classroom setting involved a teacher in front of the class, lecturing for an hour. This would often result in my dreading the prospect of going to school, which is not the best frame of mind to be in when being presented with new materials to learn. What's exciting is that, over the last two years in my current degree program with Florida State, I have learned that there a been a shift in pedagogical philosophy in terms of how to best educate students. Current trends suggest that instruction which engages students, builds upon their prior knowledge and encourages interactivity and creativity in both lesson plans and assignments provides stronger benefits to student learning than the typical classroom lecture scenario (Diaz-Rico & Weed, 2006; Moreno, 2010).

Many of the benefits listed above are also considered to be the strengths of the online learning environment. Faux (2009) describes Online Education 2.0 as “a forum where information is exchanged, not just presented, and where solutions are collaborated, not just given.” The New York Times “Bits” blog (2009) also promotes the benefits of the online environment as a way to better tailor learning experiences to individual students' needs. Again, just from a personal standpoint, I can attest to the suggested benefits of online learning. The majority of the classes that I have taken with Florida State have had required virtual classroom sessions, with only this class and TSL-5325 being asynchronous. Yet the design of the classes have been such that there were very few times in which I wasn't interested in attending. I believe that the main reason for this is due to the interactivity that was built into the sessions by the instructors. When I first started at FSU I was nervous about virtual classes being held in the Elluminate classroom, but I no longer feel that way because it's an extremely user-friendly application and the instructors have used it in a variety of ways that held their students' attention. Faux (2009) feels that another benefit of the online environment is that the fear of failure among online students has decreased, due to the element of privacy that is inherent to the virtual setting. This assessment seems fairly accurate, as there have been very few times where I have felt anxiety in an Elluminate session. The few times that I have felt somewhat anxious occurred when I used the microphone function for the first time and when I was involved in a group project and didn't want to let my classmates down. The usual Elluminate session generates much more interest and curiosity than feelings of anxiety.

Chapter nine of our text spends time discussing the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, which is important to think about when considering whether or not to take online classes. I feel that the online environment is probably better suited students who are intrinsically motivated: those who are “involved in a learning activity for it's own sake” (Moreno, 2010). Learning from home can provide many benefits, such as creating a schedule that fits around work and family activities. This environment can also present challenges, such as when a favorite sports team is playing an important game during a scheduled class session or if a thunderstorm causes a loss in internet service. I think that students who are intrinsically motivated will be able to successfully overcome these challenges. So far I am extremely satisfied with the online education that I have received with Florida State and would recommend the online learning environment to anyone who is considering earning a college education.

Diaz-Rico, L. T., & Weed, K. Z. (2006). The crosscultural language and academic development handbook: A complete k-12 reference guide (3^rd ed.). New York, NY: Pearson Education, Inc.

Faux, E. (2009). Online learning 2.0: The next generation of higher education. Educationnews.org. Retrieved from http://www.ednews.org/articles/online-learning-20-the-next-generation-of-higher-education.html

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

New York Times Bits Blog (2009). Study finds that online education beats the classroom. Nytimes.com. Retreived from http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/study-finds-that-online-education-beats-the-classroom/