Online Learning is Here to Stay

The reason online learning is such an important subject is because these courses are been introduced the entire educational spectrum at a rapid and intense rate.  In this era of recession and consistent budget cutting, school systems are using technology as a more efficient way to deliver instruction.  These courses are being integrated into learning at every level of instruction and are providing individualized programming that diagnoses’ the weaknesses of the learner while it customizes learning modules that are appropriate for that learner. Hence, the learner can work at his own pace in lessons that will assist him in building the skills that he lacks while it allows other classmates to work in their target specific areas synchronously.  Students are not conscious and insecure about the abilities of others.

In determining which is best, I believe that would depend upon the student and the subject.  More ambitious individuals with high intellect and little need for social interaction would probably excel in this type of an environment.  A student who is having difficulty in certain areas and need additional practice in order to grasp a stronger foundation of the subject would also benefit from this type of learning environment.  But there are others who excel in an environment where there is competition as well as those who depend upon their peers to answer questions they may feel insecure about asking the teacher

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I am of the opinion that these programs can improve upon student outcomes and no further justification is needed for the expansion of these programs into education.  I just do not believe, however, that they should be thrust upon all learners because we have finally come to a realization that learning and learners develop differently and there are many styles of learning that are pertinent to educating our society.  Although these programs are individually customized for the learners, they can be tedious and boring.  There is no replacement for a lively class discussion or having an understanding teacher take time out to make simple a problem a student has been trying to figure out for hours.

References

Ferdig, R.E. (2010). Continuous quality improvement through professional development for online K-12 instructors. Lansing, MI: Michigan Virtual University.

Davis, M. R. (2012). New Laws, Programs Expand K-12 Online-Learning Options. Education Week, 32(2), S3-S5.

Arora, R. (2009). The K-12 Online Evolution. Multimedia & Internet@Schools, 16(6), 16-19.