Wednesday, September 17, 2008

How much can you really learn online?

While I enjoy this class, especially the convienance of not having to go into the classroom every week, I sometimes wonder how these online colleges really work. My mother constantly sends me junk mail, and the past two weeks she has sent me a link to earning your teaching certification at an online university. here's the link
http://www.theeducationedge.com/RequestSchoolInfo/page1?campaign=Ed3&version=teach&source=wj&schoolSeq=uoponline-kaplanaf-kendellece-teachscape&keywords=&tp1=pb2uiSEEUZc=

I mean yes, some things can be done online, but I really don't think many things could or should be done online. That takes away from so much of what makes learning an art. I know if I had all the education classes I've had in the classroom online I would be completely lost (more so then now!) I might be an "old-school" thinker, but sometimes I need to be dragged into a classroom to be fully motivated and have somewhat of an understanding what the hell is going on.

Take this class for example. If we never met, you never knew anything about me, or anything about the professor, would you feel like you are truly learning?

It's just a thought. What do you all think of these strictly online education universities?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Like anything else, Katie, you get out what you put in. I agree with you that the opportuinty to have success without exerting a maximum effort is certainly there but in reality, if you want to learn and are self motivated, you will learn.

I think I have learned several things already that have been useful, though perhaps cursory. But I am now familiar with blogger.com and blackboard.com whereas I would not have been otherwise. And, I taught myself how to use each so the impact could (and should) have a lasting effect.

/my2cents

Dr. Luongo said...

Thanks for bringing this issue up.

Yes, online learning is different. It is not better or worse...just different. It is not for everyone. However, as Tim stated, you get what you put in.

Think about this scenario: There is a traditional student who goes to class, but does not listen or participate. He never does his assignments until the night before they are due. The professor needs to constantly remind him of his class responsibilities.

Is this more or less effective than the online learner who checks into Blackboard and the boards every day?

Also, to answer your question about knowing you.... I feel that these online postings allow me to get to know my students in a "different" way. Again, it is not the same as seeing someone face to face, but sometimes I find out MORE this way. Does that make sense?

As with anything else, online learning is just another facet of education. Different, not better. ;)

Thanks for posting!

Francine said...

Though I think classes taught strictly online are a great idea for those that may not have the ability to attend in person, I do agree that they are not for everyone. Many people do enjoy interacting in person in a traditional classroom setting, and though many careers rely a great deal on technology, not many operate solely online.

However, I do really enjoy the way this class was set up, as it definitely resembles the way employees at many companies are communicating, both online and
in person. It allows us to learn to implement technology into our projects, while it also helps to strengthen our writing skills, through blog posts. At the same time, it still allows us to sharpen our in-person communication and presentation skills in our face-to-face meetings.