In order to justify this line of research the authors pointed to several reason (Orellana, 2006). One was very basic, little research had been done on the topic and most of the information available is in the form of anecdotal reports. In addition, magnitude of online education points to the need for more research. The cost of online education, combined with the numbers of students involved, clearly justify this line of research. The primary audience for this research are policymakers. These individuals are not directly responsible for delivering the online education; however, they decide the class size for the online classes. These individuals range from those in Accreditation bodies to University administrator, as well as department chairs. Each level makes decisions that influence the practical size of online classes. The literature review serves to provide a background for the topic as well as to clearly convey why the research is useful. The author described previous research into the topic as well as current standards for accreditation of online programs. The information presented set a good foundation for the current study. The author stated at the end of the literature review that the goal of the current study was to determine the perceptions of instructors on optimal class size and how it related to interactions during online courses. This information would be very beneficial to those involved in setting policies for online courses. As the author stated, the purpose was “to determine instructors perceptions of optimal class size” (Orellana, 2006, p. 230). The classes being addressed were online classes and the author was interested in the best class size for various levels of interactions. The information about the ... ... middle of paper ... ...mpelling study. Although there are some limitations, having good, clear research is important in the burgeoning arena of online education. Although this was targeted at University level courses, the study could easily be expanded to lower level programs. As an avid consumer of online education, it is a fascinating subject. I have had a bachelor and master traditional education as well as an online T2T program and currently an online masters. I see great potential for this line of research. In fact, I plan to investigate it further and incorporate my findings into the classes I teach. References Orellana, A. (2006). Class Size and Interaction in Online Courses. Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 7(3). West, M., & Curtis, J. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.aaup.org/NR/rdonlyres/63396944-44BE-4ABA-9815-5792D93856F1/0/AAUPGenderEquityIndicators2006.pdf
“The rate at which enrollments for online classes and education programs is expanding much faster in both the developed and developing worlds than at traditional universities,” claims Reed Karaim. He also states that “Online courses offer the benefits of greater convenience and also a lower total cost. (Karaim, “Expanding Higher Education”). With more online courses being offered on sites such as Udemy and Lynda as well as top universities such as Harvard and MIT, there is less incentive for students to seek education from universities
Howland, J.L. & Moorse, J.L. (2002) Student Perceptions As Distance Learners In Internet-Based Courses. Distance Education 23(2): 183-195.
O'Malley, John, and Harrison McCraw. "Students perceptions of distance learning, online learning and the traditional classroom." Online journal of distance learning administration [Online] 2.4 (1999). Web. 10 Jan. 2014
Furthermore, some may suggest that online learning is benefiting our students in society. There has been a breakthrough in time and geographical limitations of education via online courses (Ho, 2009). Online education is cost-effective, efficient, and easily accessible (Schmeeckle, 2003). Online classes are used for individual and independent learning in which the student can learn at their own pace (Gonzalez, 2009). Not only is online education beneficial for breaking down barriers, online education has the potential to help students learn material more efficiently. Students are more likely to seek help from their instructors when the material is taught online (Whipp & Lorentz, 2009). Computer use in statistical classes could help decrease math anxiety (Gundy, Morton, Liu, & Kline, 2006). In a study that measured online students’ ability to achieve the same efficiency of course material as face-to-face students, at least 98% of students reported that they had, so one may be lead to believe that online learning is just as efficient as face-to-face courses (Liebowitz, 2003). With all of the positive aspects of online education, one may wonder why there is any debate as to whether or not online education is beneficial for
To build an online course there must be a process; this process needs to incorporate the methods of instructional design and applying these components into an online format. The overall end result is that the student learning outcomes are developed into instructional activities used for learning. Key decisions were made into developing the online design. Part of the process included documentation as to the online design, methods for interactivity, number of contacts with the faculty-member, and methods for online assessment and evaluation. One thing that was important to realize was that developing an online courses was different than developing a traditional face-to-face course. An article written by Nanette Johnson-Curiskis, a faculty member from Minnesota State University has provided some additional cons...
Today’s generation is like no other. The nation as a whole has completely evolved from past times, with technology being one of the greatest improvements. Traditionally, schooling takes place in a classroom setting, but, with the many modifications in our world’s system, we are able to assimilate more modern means of education, such as online learning. However, with many changes comes differences and requires adjustments. The online learning system has proven to be just as effective as traditional learning, with some minor differences, however, nothing of great significance. A few of those insignificant differences include online learning being convenient, especially for the non-traditional students,
When students are deciding on where to go to college, they have the option of choosing between online classes and the traditional classroom classes. Today, some students are finding it much easier to maintain a job, family and start a college career, all by taking online classes. Although some students still prefer to stick with the traditional classroom classes, they still have the option to take online classes. Both online and the traditional classes will provide the educational requirements needed to obtain a college degree and opportunities in the work field. Although the online classes offer just as much as the traditional classes, they are completely different when it comes to teaching methods, course material and time.
This article made some interesting evaluations; online learning was a big dilemma for me when I decided to go back to school. While I possessed the discipline to attend online, I did however lack the skills needed to maneuver within my course of study. After attending a classroom-based school with some online classes, I made a decision to continue my studies online. The teachers design and interaction meets my level of understanding and when I’m not sure of an assignment, I simply contact them via e-mail. I feel the author did a great job in addressing his chosen topic, showing both the strengths and the weaknesses of his study.
Many people think online education can be more expensive than a traditional school setting. Previous generations did not have the option for online learning experience, so why should we start now? An interesting point about online education is that LeBaron (2010) states, “The largest school in the U.S. is the University of Phoenix Online, with a whopping 380,232 students. That’s over 5x more than the largest public school, Arizona State University, which has 68,064 students” (para. 7). Despite the cost effectiveness, distance education is becoming the educational model of the future.
Those who disagree with me think that online learning allows a student to learn at their own pace. Students are able to take the time to understand and figure out problems with the resources that are provided. The convenience of learning in an environment that is conducive to that particular students learning is provided by the student. If the student feels comfortable they are more apt
On-Line Learning originated in the 1800’s for academic possibilities to possibly reach people. When online learning was established it was in the form of conformity courses. With the use of television and radio, distance learning grew from 1920 to 1970. The future is currently unfenced for online education now that technology is less expensive and more cordial than it was some 10 years ago. There are many reason people take online courses. The demand for a job with good benefits is scarce in today’s society. Many organizations do not allow their employees to be excused from work to attend school. It is something the employee must do on his or her own time. It is almost impossible for you to get hired on a job without a degree of some form. Some may have a difficult time being away from their families; therefore online learning would be a great asset for those who would rather spend time with family.
People have a lot of options in educating themselves online in today’s time and technology. Online education has improved a lot in the past twenty years. Even though it has had its setbacks, it continues to show promising results. Online education has many benefits with little to no disadvantages. It provides flexibility in scheduling and offers various options in educational online programs. In the past decade, education has evolved into a more technological-driven world.
There are many advantages to online learning, it affects the way people can learn. According to “Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students”, “students have a greater willingness to write or work on computational skills”. “They say student like the immediate results of having online learning.” Another advantage is that students can learn at their own pace. With learning at their own pace they will be able to actually know the information well. If, they are in a regular classroom setting they may no...
Online learning, also known as distance learning or online learning, has become a new and successful means of receiving an education in a highly technologically enhanced environment (Regan, Evmenova, Baker, Jerome, Spencer, Lawson, & Werner, 2012). Kaymak and Horzum (2013) defined online learning as using Internet technology to gain knowledge and skills through the use of synchronous and asynchronous learning tools. Allen and Seaman (2013) stated that about 6.7 million students attending colleges and universities across the United States were successfully enrolled in at least one online course in 2011. There is an increased interest in online learning that continues to grow as a result of the amplified demands from the work place and the escalating availability of nontraditional educational options and providers (Allen & Seaman, 2008).
Beside that“… [that] some U.S. states are now requiring young people to take a least one online course during their schooling” (Loertscher, Koechlin 50). The term of the online learning, it is demonstrated through some software have been provided by private cooperation to schools. These software such as Blackboard, Webex. Litmos, and others. Therefore, the online learning has become more available and reliable because of the technology development in the 21st century inspire of technology. When it comes to the online learning been provided by the schools and other educational institutes some argued that, it will reduce the education cost, saves time, and provide more quality of the learning, but other said it will not make any differences and lower the quality of