There are many new technologies that impact our educational system in today’s society, from podcasting to teaching and learning through instructional television. Students have many opportunities to learn in different ways. Many of the new technologies are allowing students to learn at a distance. The use of iPods are becoming more popular for students to review lessons and lectures while commuting or going about their daily business. While others are learning online at their own pace. How does this affect our future and the traditional face-to-face courses? Will they become obsolete? This is a question that both intrigues and concerns me. Ngu (2002) defined online learning as,
Learners who follow online instruction are expected to engage in a self-paced learning strategy (Fischer & Scharff, 1998); and in addition, they are expected to engage in a variety of online communications such as asynchronous (or synchronous) interaction with other learners and instructor, virtual field trips, email, and voice communication through internet audio streaming (Wang, Hinn, & Arvan, 2001; Kumari, 2001; Carr-Chellman and Duchastel, 2000; Fischer & Scharff, 1998). The nature of collaborative learning within the online course design normally encourages group participation to generate online group project or ideas to solve an issue. (paragraph 3)
Ngu described face to face instruction as,
In contrast, face-to-face instruction requires academic staff to give lectures and have students attend face-to-face tutorial. This face-to-face instruction requires lecturers to engage in interpersonal contact, social contact, and non-verbal communication with students. It is possible that direct contact with the instructor in traditional face-to-face settings may still contain some stigma that prevents students from communicating freely with their instructor. (paragraph 3)
Although both methods are engaging, which is most preferable and benefits the students the most? According to Lester and King (2009), “Course format appeared to have no impact on perceived knowledge gained. The averages were virtually identical for both online and face-to-face students” (p. 15). Students perceptions changed but the end results were the same. Does this mean we can do away with face-to-face instruction without any discord? In my opinion, both methods are beneficial and should be continued. Students should have a choice in their preferred learning environment. Some prefer interacting with people face-to-face. Whereas, others may want the convenience of working at their own pace on their own time with an online learning environment. The use of new technologies can have a great impact on technology. But which method of instruction should be up to the students. (I am referring to those who select their own educational path, post secondary of course!)
References:
Lester, P., & King, C. (2009). Analog vs. digital instruction and learning:
teaching within first and second life environments. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 14(2). Retrieved April 10, 2009, from http://commfaculty.fullerton.edu/lester/writings/face_sl_study.pdf
Ngu, B. (2002, November). Online instruction versus face-to-face instruction at UNIMAS. International Journal of Educational Technology, 3(1). Retreived April 10, 2009, from http://www.ed.uiuc.edu/IJET/v3n1/ngu/index.html
April 11, 2009 at 5:40 pm |
You ask, which method of instruction should be up to the student? Students would prefer any method of instruction that is not boring. They need to have some involvement in how lessons are presented. With that in mind, using the best methods that can catch the attention of the students have to be used more often. In this age, technology is key to doing that. The students are already familiar with iPods, collaborative software, etc. The students respond best to digital formats as well as hands-on activities. Why not allow them to use tools they already use to relay concepts they may otherwise deem uninteresting if it is presented to them in a face-to-face lecture method which is not student centered anyway?
April 12, 2009 at 2:58 am |
The idea of that home-school connection really pulls in students. They enjoy being able to do what interest them. When I use certain materials that coincide with what they may use at home, they get so involved they do not even realize they are learning. I love it! Hopefully this will make them enjoy learning so much, it becomes less of something they have to do and more of something they want to do. Thanks for your response.
Jolandra
April 11, 2009 at 10:49 pm |
“This face-to-face instruction requires lecturers to engage in interpersonal contact, social contact, and non-verbal communication with students. It is possible that direct contact with the instructor in traditional face-to-face settings may still contain some stigma that prevents students from communicating freely with their instructor.”
That’s an interesting take on their research. It’s interesting because it’s the opposite of the primary criticism I’ve seen of online learning environments: the impersonal nature and lack of face-to-face hinders communication. I find it to be a highly personal thing myself. I have grown to really enjoy the online format, but I do wish it included more synchronous communication with the instructor and the class as a whole. Certainly, too, some subjects require resources and hands-on activities that make online learning not feasible at this point (chemistry labs, for example). Probably the most exciting thing, to me, about online learning is that it opens up so many opportunities that might not otherwise exist. For example, students can take Latin courses from a large, urban school online that a small, rural campus might not be able to offer. Home schooling is certainly being transformed, as well, as online learning is exponentially expanding the available curriculum.
April 12, 2009 at 2:55 am |
I enjoy the asynchronous format because it allow me the opportunity to think about my responses. However, I agree other forums would help meet the needs of all students. I realize some students would prefer some synchronous interaction within the course. Skype could allow us that interaction but the problem seems to be getting everyone online at the same time. One of my purposes for selecting the online learning environment was for the convenience of working around my crazy schedule. Thanks for the reply.
Jolandra
April 13, 2009 at 12:18 am |
Jolandra,
Many people were convinced a short time ago that print books were a thing of the past and that libraries were going away. Today, we find that sales of print books are up in addition to ebooks and audio books. Far from going away, libraries are more popular than ever. These issues are not unrelated to face to face and online learning. I think that online learning will not be taking the place of face to face but will offer an alternative delivery mode as well as a means of extension and enrichment, rather than replace face to face instruction. I think we will continue to see face to face for some time to come. We continue to see schools being built in our area and we continue to find enrollment increasing. At the same time, online programs are growing as well. To me, this is evidence that both delivery modes will continue to grow.
April 13, 2009 at 2:44 am |
Peggy,
Yikes I had not made that comparison before. I am a librarian and the thought of eliminating print resources seems unreal. I have heard of that before but I knew it would not occur anytime soon. I think having that option of books is just as valuable as having the choice of face-to-face versus online. There are many kinds of learners. Some prefer one method over the other. Thanks for your response.
Jolandra