Quick Question: Which is better online classroom or traditional four wall classroom?
For me: It is the online classroom. For you may be different. But, more students are finding that an online classroom is the way for them.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/01/28/19report-s1.h28.html?r=1084433756
and
http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/38786917.html
are two of the latest articles about how well online classes are helping the students learn.
More than a million students now take classes online, and I am one of them for my Master Classes. There were a few reasons why I decided to take my classes online, the main one was I wanted to work on my own time. The second and most financially I didn't want to drive to a building and the school of my choice is 2,000 miles away from me in Wisconsin.
I never was the best student, learning issues have always haunted me. I did good enough getting the grades I needed to play sports and keep my parents happy. College was much of the same, I did excel in the classes I enjoyed and didn't feel I had to take for whatever reason. I knew that I needed to get a Master's Degree, just felt that I needed to do that. Maybe prove people wrong. I have finished four classes now and proudly have to say I have a High A average.
I feel I am learning much more in these classes than I ever did hearing a professor lecture.
So it is just not for students like me who feel that traditional lectures are a bore. The best thing that comes from my online classes is the cohort I am in. Discussing with fellow students and helping each other learn is the best way to go.
The survey found that online learning helps meet the needs of both high-achieving students and those who need additional help.
Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, California has a whole online school that is doing wonderful as far as I hear. So no matter what age group you fall in, high school or college which UWM Psych Prof is proving it is beneficial with the students, you could learn a lot.
Now what if you don't want to pay big bucks to learn something new? Is there other sources of Online Programs that are cheap. YES, if you want to learn something religious, check out http://www.academyofapologetics.com/ It is full of different courses that might be what you need. I am sure there are other examples, please let me know of other online classes that you have found.
The next question is, how low, in grades, do we go? Colleges are finding it successful, High Schools are striving with it. What about Middle School or Elementary Schools? Could a first grade student benefit from an all online classroom?
I have begun using a wiki for my students and know other elementary teachers using wikis and podcasts for their students. Maybe a hybrid of online/traditional would work best for the teacher and more importantly for the students. What do you think?
Update:
Since the original posting of this blog post on 2/3/09 I found this website
http://www.uopeople.com/ So far they will be offering only 2 courses, starting in April to allow you to get a certificate. The cost is free except for Registration Fee and Exam Fees. Which the fee will differ depending on where you live.
Please add any additional programs out there.
I think the research in this area is in its infancy and we still have a lot to learn about the nature of online education, but some of the anecdotal evidence matching what you say is compelling.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave, and yes there is still a lot of research that needs to be iron out, but for me, I do not know if I could do a Master Program any other way. For me, just the fact I am on the computer, puts me at ease and in my comfort zone. As an educator, I try to put my students in the same comfort zone although we are in four wall classroom. Its time to knock these walls down!
ReplyDelete