Why Learn Online?

     As a busy mother of three young children, I have personally benefited from the convenience and accessibility of online education programs.  Like many other students, online learning enables me to balance my personal and professional life.  All I need to study and take classes is access to a computer.  Best of all, it doesn’t matter where that computer is located!  Even though I live in Georgia, I can attend Florida State University’s nationally recognized school of library and information studies.  I am not alone.  Mr. Regier, dean of Arizona State University’s online and extended campus program estimates that their enrollment numbers will triple in three to five years with all the growth coming from students continuing their education online (“Study finds that online…”, 2009).

    In addition to removing geographical barriers, online education encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning.  Every student has a way of learning that works for them.  Online learning gives students the ability to access course materials 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  They can review recorded lectures, interact with classmates on discussion forums or live chat sessions, and access a wide range of resources via online databases.  Motivation research has shown that as students get older they are more likely to be motivated to learn in an environment where they can build a sense of community and experience a certain level of autonomy (Moreno, 2010, p. 357).  As more students become comfortable using Web 2.0 tools, online education programs have the advantage of bringing diverse students and teachers together to create a virtual learning community where they can easily share ideas and concepts.

     Finally, for many students, participating in online education is less intimidating as anonymity provides students a level playing field.  Race, gender, and ethnicity become less important in virtual chat rooms where students can have informal conversations and create a camaraderie that may be more difficult to achieve in traditional classrooms.  Seating arrangements are no longer a distraction, stereotypes and biases take a back seat, and teachers often seem more approachable in cyberspace (Coleman, 2010).  Especially for students who may feel anxious answering questions with everyone’s eyes on them, online classes give them the ability to craft responses in a non-threatening environment.

     In conclusion, I believe online programs will continue to grow as more students recognize the many benefits of pursuing their educational and professional goals in a virtual learning environment.

References

Anonymous. (Aug. 2009).  “Study finds that online education beats the classroom.”  Retrieved

     from http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/study-finds-that-online-education-beats-the-classroom/

Coleman, S. (2010). “Why do students like online learning?”  Retrieved from

     http://www.worldwidelearn.com/education-articles/benefits-of-online-learning.html

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

Advantage - Online Courses

The number of students who opt to enroll in at least one online course is exceeding universities' expectations. It is a popular choice. Why? Concurrently, we are seeing a rise of Web 2.0 and social networking sites (SNSs). Is there a correlation?

Universities are quickly realizing that integrating SNSs into online courses provides an added benefit to students' learning. SNSs increase students' feeling of community to connect with fellow classmates (Brady, Holcomb & Smith 2010, 153). Through the SNSs, students experience a high level of relatedness enhancing the online learning experience and improving student motivation (Moreno 2009, 339). The first generation of online courses were too often solitary diatribes or isolated postings. Now, they are dynamic virtual classrooms that use course management systems (CMSs) like Blackboard coupled with SNSs to allow students from all over the world to come together, interact, and discuss course curriculum. The focus of classroom instruction--typically dominated by lectures or teacher-to-student interactions--are replaced by group-based discussion that is predominately student-to-student but moderated by the instructor. The autonomy of the interactions are placed in the hands of the students, a key component to motivating students to learn (Moreno 2009, 339). The intellectual dialogues are increased, as is the learning. A study funded by the Department of Education discovered something interesting about online learners. In a study spanning nine years, it was found that statistically speaking, students in online courses outperformed students in traditional classrooms. Online courses appear to be better than the traditional setting (New York Times 2009).

As a first time online student, I am only now experiencing the integration of SNS with CMS. I have not participated in SNSs prior to this degree. In fact, I try to keep technology use to a minimum. I enjoy lively face-to-face discussions. It would appear that an online degree is not a good option for me. However, given the nature of my degree program, an MLIS, and the lack of programs available across the nation, to be able to receive this degree online is an incredible opportunity. Furthermore, since my degree is not offered at a university within my state, I am able to have my out-of-state tuition fees waived through an Academic Common Market, thereby making my degree program incredibly affordable, more so than in the traditional university setting.

To be successful in an online learning environment, students need to be self-motivated and self-disciplined. They also have to manage time extremely well (Morris 2007). I have honed these three attributes through years of running an at-home consulting business. Another benefit is that online programs provide greater flexibility with students' schedules. Because of my many obligations, including multiple work and family schedules, if I were a face-to-face student, my anxiety would interfere with my ability to learn. Instead, I feel in control of my learning. My motivation to succeed and complete the degree is much higher than when I completed another postgraduate degree in a traditional classroom setting. Ironically, online programs are a wonderful fit for this neo-Luddite.

Works Cited
Brady, K., Holcomb, L., Smith B. (2010). The use of alternative social networking sites in higher education settings: A case study of the e-learning benefits of Ning in education. Journal of Interactive Online Learning. 9 (2) 151-170. http://www.ncolr.org/jiol/issues/viewarticle.cfm?volID=9&IssueID=29&ArticleID=149

"Bits, Technology." 19 September 2010. The New York Times. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/study-finds-that-online-education-beats-the-classroom/.

Moreno, R. Educational Pschology. Wiley, 2010.
Morris, D. (Nov 2, 2007). Pros and Cons of Online Education for the World Citizen. Articles Base. http://www.articlesbase.com/online-education-articles/pros-and-cons-of-online-education-for-the-world-citizen-250687.html

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Advantages of Online Learning Enviroments

There are many advantages in online learning. Online learning gives people like me an opportunity to receive a college education. People that do not live close to a college cannot attend without moving. If you are older with a job, bills, a home, and a family, then moving is out of the question. Online learning is very beneficial but it is still scarce. Although colleges are starting to offer more online learning, most universities only offer limited online courses. If major universities would offer full online degrees in every field, it will be money well spent. It will bring in a new wave of students that do not have the chance to earn a degree now. Especially in these economic times, the majority of people want to return to school.

Online learning is a great tool for students at the college level. But there are many disadvantages in total online learning for K-12 students. Students at this level require more attention and face to face learning. But integrating technology and online learning into the classroom can be effective. Students are surrounded by the new age of technology and they love it. Anytime that technology can be integrated into their lessons, it will surely motivate them to learn. “When properly used, technology can promote students’ engagement and motivation to learn.”(Moreno,372) The more online lessons that are given, the more motivated the students will be. Many elementary and high schools are now using online learning to some degree. One effective example is online reading sites that are used by reading coaches at the elementary level.

Another advantage of online learning is that it offers different levels of material. Every student is different; it may take longer for some students to comprehend the material being taught. Online learning is a great tutoring mechanism for students. Students can start at a level that they are comfortable with and work their way up until they are at the same level as the rest of their class. “The real promise of online education, experts say, is providing learning experiences that are more tailored to individual students than is possible in classrooms.”(The New York Times) As students work their way up in the online programs they become motivated to learn in the classroom.

As technology moves forward, education must also move forward. The pros of online learning definitely outweigh the cons. “The competencies you will master in dealing with the online learning environment will serve you well in the workplace.”(Plymouth University) The Internet skills that are gained from online learning will help prepare students for the future.


Works Cited
"Advantages of Online Learning." Plymouth State University. http://www.plymouth.edu/online/advantages.html.

"Bits, Technology." 19 September 2010. The New York Times. http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/study-finds-that-online-education-beats-the-classroom/.

Moreno, Roxana. Educational Pschology. Wiley, 2010.

Theories of Motivation and Affect

Motivation is an important factor in education since it can impact both the learning and teaching processes. Therefore, the purpose of the activities scheduled for this week are to demonstrate how motivation (e.g., intrinsic and extrinsic) can impact the learning process. Moreover, the activities this week help to demonstrate how students are often motivated by different goals they establish throughout the learning process.

Assignment #1 Blog Debate

Learner Motivation & their Learning Environments: The first assignment you will complete this week is focused on how online learning environments impacts students’ motivation to learn.  In particular, this activity will help you focus on different factors that may impact students’ levels of motivation to succeed in online or face-to-face learning environments. 

Part 1:

§  Critically read the NY Times news article found at the following link: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/study-finds-that-online-education-beats-the-classroom    While reading the article, reflect on the following questions:

1) Do you need to be more motivated to complete courses online or face-to-face?

2) How does a person's level of self-regulation impact their online learning success?

3) What other motivational factors impact students' online learning success?  How are these factors different from face-to-face classroom settings?

4) What are the advantages and disadvantages of online learning environments? and

5) What are the advantages and disadvantages of face-to-face learning environments?

Select one of the following debate topics:

1) advantages of on-line learning environments,

2) disadvantages of on-line learning environments,

3) advantages of face-to-face learning environments, or

4) disadvantages of face-to-face learning environments,

Provide a blog posting that reflects the topic and position (pro/con) that you have chosen.  Your post must include information from:

1. 
   
   the assigned article,
2. 
   
   textbook chapter,
3. 
   
   personal experience,
4. 
   
   another external/online resource that supports your position on the topic (e.g. website, blog, research article, news articles)

Complete your blog posting by 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, 09/26/10 . 

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/study-finds-that-online-education-beats-the-classroom/