“Saying you taught it but the student didn’t learn it is like saying you sold it but the customer didn’t buy it”
| Alfie Kohn |
As promised in our last article, here are some summarised considerations for you to start weighing the options to see if online learning works for you. Be sure to differentiate between learning something for the fun of it and undergoing a structured long-term study programme online. We may be able to respond to short-term online learning options but may find it difficult to follow through with long-term e-learning programmes.
These points are based on the idea of a course that is created purely for online study from start to finish as opposed to a regular class based study programme which is now replicated for the e-learning option.
Online Education Pros
Convenience - This convenience is in relation to study location, time, course duration, etc. For example, without geographic location constraints there are a vast number of learning options students can choose from. This also cuts out any travel time to and from campus or the hassle of student accommodation. Students are free to learn at their own convenience to a certain extent which creates an opportunity for high quality dialog where the learner is able to carefully reflect on his/her quality of ideas and thoughts without time bars attached to their individual information processing. Course work and instructions can also be customised to the students specific field and subject area.
Knowledge Sharing Opportunities - Access to resources are abundant and It is easier to include guest experts or students from other institutions all around the world. This opens up the door to creative teaching methods and with the interactive learning environment this may contribute to self-direction and critical thinking.
Affordability - Generally these courses should cost less than regular classroom academic programmes plus travel costs and/or accommodation costs are completely removed. Where affordability has been an issue, especially for lower income families, students can now continue to work at their jobs while taking classes to fund their own education.
Borderless Education - Students can work on the course from just about anywhere they have access to a computer and the internet. Online courses also provide an opportunity to learn new technologies and practice the use of office softwares, internet usage, etc. which are general soft skills required for work (in most cases).
No Discrimination - Students may get to work alongside classmates not only from their home country but all around the world. There is no discrimination among students due to race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, age, dress, physical appearance, immigration status (e.g refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, undocumented migrants), etc. The platform provides for equal participation from all classmates and the most outgoing student will not monopolise the discussions. Although this may appeal more to people who are introverted as well as those who learn through visual cues and require more time in understanding the material.
Online Education Cons
Limited Social Interaction - There are limited opportunities to interact face-to-face with professors and other students. This is especially true in self-paced courses where it is difficult to develop relationships with other classmates resulting in the possibility of limited local networking opportunities. Most of the communication is through e-mail, chat room or discussion groups, which may not materialise into physical get-togethers. Without a physical campus location, it is a challenge to encourage social interactions.
Technology Cost and Scheduling - Some of the key elements here are computer boot-up time, software programs, and internet connections. Students may be required to learn new or enhanced computer and troubleshooting skills as well as maintain a decently stable internet connection. Students may have to plan and adjust their studying schedule around instructor’s assignment due dates. For example, if the student is undertaking an International programme (cross-border programmes) and that student is scheduling to study in the night then he/she will have to wait for a response from the instructor or classmates which may only be received the next day. This may be extremely complicated for students who have a tight work schedule.
Effectiveness of Assessment - Most educators agree that memory testing is not the best measure of learning in any environment, but classroom tools are difficult to apply in an online programme which makes it difficult to measure program results. The question that still remains is - “are students achieving what instructors have outlined as course outcomes?” Will examination boards be able to effectively monitor a students progress without compromising the quality of graduates churned out?. This still remains to be seen.
Problematic for Instructors - As softwares are getting more and more advanced, instructors are constantly forced to learn to juggle between preparing effective lessons and keeping up with technological demands. Traditional instructors, accustomed to classroom lectures and handouts may have a tough time adopting these new systems and softwares. It may also prove to be a challenge for students as they must be self-motivated and disciplined to progress through their programme in a timely manner.
All said and done, any system, mechanism or mode of study will have their own set of pros and cons. However, it is up to students to weigh the options and decide whether a particular system benefits them or not, and in this case, e-learning.
Our team at Missing Link Consultancy is ready to support you through this journey of self-understanding and to help you access the information you need in order to make the decisions you need to make. To get in touch with us, drop us an e-mail at info@missinglinkconsultancy.com or check out our services to find out more.
Comments