Distance Learning vs. the Traditional Classroom
Non-traditional students are finding it easier and easier to maintain a job, a family, and pursuing a college career at the same time. This is possible because more and more non-traditional students are receiving an education using distance learning, as opposed to traditional, in-the-classroom teaching. Distance learning is basically taking college level, credit-bearing courses via the Internet. One of the most obvious advantages of distance learning is that it puts the classroom in your home, office, or wherever you can find a computer and log on to the Internet. However, there is much controversy regarding the quality of the courses being offered on the Internet versus the quality of courses taught in the traditional classroom.
The courses taught in the traditional classroom provide “important aspects of teacher immediacy, which are behaviors that enhance physical and psychological closeness (mehrabian, 1981)” with the student and the instructor. Verbal behaviors such as praising students, addressing them by name and using humor in the class may evoke immediacy. There is also non-verbal immediacy, which is body language such as adopting a relaxed body position, varying one’s vocal expression, moving around in the classroom and smiling while looking at the class (Richmond, Gorham & McCroskey, 1987). This type of behavior allows for a relationship between the student and the instructor to truly develop into something significant. It also allows for the student to develop his or her individuality in the classroom.
Traditional classroom teaching also provides students with the opportunity to have real social interaction with one another. This interaction in turn allow...
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...e learning as effective as learning in the classroom.
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Mehrabian, A. (1981) Silent Messages: Implicit Communication of emotions and attitudes (2nd Edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
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presence within the class they are teaching, if you see this works maybe think about how you as an
The efficiency of online learning versus face-to-face instruction is a growing controversial topic. In his article, “Can You Be Educated from a distance?”, James Barszcz weighs the benefits and disadvantages of online education. In his essay, he discusses the fundamentals and overall quality of distance education, as well as the rationale behind the growing trend. He argues that observation of teachers and social aspects of traditional learning are important for true education, rather than simply obtaining information. Barszcz uses thorough juxtaposition between distance and traditional classrooms unbiasedly so the differences between the two types of education are easily seen, while constant use of studies and surveys add justification to his argument.
Since social interaction seems to be essential for group maintenance and instrumental for online learning by students, many instructors employ a n...
There are many school-wide behavior expectations that will included in my future planning to establish a learning environment and decrease disruptions in the classroom. For this reason, I will teach social behavior to students during my lecture and provide opportunities so they can interact among each other. According to Flannery and Fenning (2014), teachers need to recognize and respond to the need to teach appropriate social behavior at the same time they are teaching the specific lesson (Flannery & Fenning, 2014). I chose these expectations mainly because it helps students meet their needs with a positive behavior and provide opportunities for students to develop social skills. Teachers need to provide opportunities for all students to practice and enhance their social skills (Banks & Obiakor, 2015). Another reason why I chose these expectations is because it enhances student’s positive behavior of culturally and linguistically diverse students. For instance, different resources will be assigned to students where they will be able to practice their skills and change their attitude to become better citizens. For this reason, schools must begin focusing on providing students the skills, attitudes, and knowledge they will need to be successful in the pluralistic and interdependent world in which students will live and work as adults (Diaz-Rico, 2014). Providing meaningful
Tyler, S, Kossen, C & Ryan, C 2002, Communication: A foundation Course, Prentice Hall, Sydney.
The emphasis on social interaction influencing cognitive development impacts on how students are taught. Class room environments need to allow social interaction as a key part of learning activities. This social interaction permits students to learn from both the teacher and their peers through collaborative activities. Teachers that encourage discussion will lead students to think critically and this will assist in providing meaning to new information. (Powell & Kalina, 2009 p245)
The socializing among learners is not at its optimum is most schools. Schools are known as environments for socializing process for learners. It is a place where knowledge, culture, opinions, skills are exchanged and learnt. Teachers can start by involving learners by creating group work and activities so learners can interact with one
Zeichner, K. & Noffke, S. (2001). Practioneer research. In V. Richardson (Ed.). Handbook of research on teaching (4th ed., p. 298-300). Washington, D.C.: American Educational Research Association.
Building upon the learning climate within the classroom, it is vital for teachers to take the time to build relationships with their students, to develop a rappel and level of respect whilst getting to know students strengths and weaknesses as well as their interests. By taking the time to get to know students, teachers are able to cater to students likes and dislikes and levels of abilities through adaption of classroom materials and procedures (Campbell, Gilmore & Cuskelly, 2003) thus creating a more enjoyable and successful learning outcome.
Another concern that some students might have is communication. Some students might not need to have a teacher in front of them and teach the course material to them, to whereas some students might need the te...
With this, the students will be more eager to speak in depth about the lesson or ask questions. When students are interacting more, this causes less of a frustration from the teacher and they are more willing to spend time with the students to make sure they comprehend the lesson being taught, and that they are able to critically think about it. Thus, it enables both the students and the teachers to overcome their titles, where no one is higher than or less than the other. However, although there is a bond between the teacher and the student, it is important that a boundary is set, and not to be crossed by either one. They must remain respectable to each other, and to understand that not everyone thinks the same. The purpose of this relationship is for the teachers to increase the students ' desire to learn.
Face to face students also gain from socialization with peers and interaction with teachers. According to Association for talent development, (2016),”One of the key elements of the learning process is the dynamic relationship shared between
Distance Learning is a system of pondering in which lessons are announced or classes are executed by correspondence or over the internet. Distance learning has become very popular for older adults who wish to go back to school and complete their education or increase their education, but it can be beneficial to many students. Online learning allows flexibility which gives you the opportunity to continue your daily routine or commitments. Many courses can be completed in a shorter amount of time, and you do not have to stay on campus or commute daily with online courses. It is a great way to obtain a higher education.
Technology has had a large impact on the field of education. The proliferation of multimedia resources and limitless amounts of information available through the Internet has fundamentally affected the learning process. Students no longer search through cards and stacks for magazine articles; almost everything is at the click of a finger. Multimedia resources are increasingly utilized in the classroom to help instruct students. Some professors are making conscious efforts to use new technology, so as to introduce and familiarize their students with it. The significance of technology in education is now being elevated to a new plateau. Education through the Internet, the great equalizer, may make it more widely distributed through the phenomenon of online courses. It is the thesis of this paper that online courses are not an effective means to educate traditional undergraduate college aged students (people from 18-22 years old).