Virtual Learning
Online Education A Review of the Literature
Online education has become a widely accepted alternative to learning in the classroom. Distance education has helped students across the country educate themselves in a world were technology rules and fast paced lifestyles are a part of life. The main advantages of distance learning are: Convenience eliminates travel to a traditional classroom and the freedom to learn at any time are some of the main reasons why so many people opt to learn online. However along with the many perks of an online education there are some disadvantages that follow. Some educators believe that although online education is changing the way that people learn and how many people do learn, that the learning experiences from a the classroom are irreplaceable and are much more valuable to the student. Educators have drawn quite different conclusions in addressing the following questions:
1. How to accommodate different learning styles online?
2. What is the quality of instruction online instruction?
3. Should students' forsake the classroom and learn online?
This review of the literature on online education focuses on these three questions.
How to accommodate different learning styles online?
Millions of people worldwide are using the Internet to share information, make new associations and communicate. Individuals and businesses, from students and journalists, to consultants, programmers and corporate giants are all harnessing the power of the Internet. Even though the internet is so successful at connecting students worldwide many teachers' feel that online learning reduces students' intellectual skills. To help cope with this problem different learning styles must be taken into consideration. Student learners are either visual, verbal, physical; logical, aural, social; solitary or a combination of each. Knowledge of student learning preferences can aid in class preparation, designing class delivery
Online education has become a widely accepted alternative to learning in the classroom. Distance education has helped students across the country educate themselves in a world were technology rules and fast paced lifestyles are a part of life. The main advantages of distance learning are: Convenience eliminates travel to a traditional classroom and the freedom to learn at any time are some of the main reasons why so many people opt to learn online. However along with the many perks of an online education there are some disadvantages that follow. Some educators believe that although online education is changing the way that people learn and how many people do learn, that the learning experiences from a the classroom are irreplaceable and are much more valuable to the student. Educators have drawn quite different conclusions in addressing the following questions:
1. How to accommodate different learning styles online?
2. What is the quality of instruction online instruction?
3. Should students' forsake the classroom and learn online?
This review of the literature on online education focuses on these three questions.
How to accommodate different learning styles online?
Millions of people worldwide are using the Internet to share information, make new associations and communicate. Individuals and businesses, from students and journalists, to consultants, programmers and corporate giants are all harnessing the power of the Internet. Even though the internet is so successful at connecting students worldwide many teachers' feel that online learning reduces students' intellectual skills. To help cope with this problem different learning styles must be taken into consideration. Student learners are either visual, verbal, physical; logical, aural, social; solitary or a combination of each. Knowledge of student learning preferences can aid in class preparation, designing class delivery
Bibliography: Richard A. Munro & Elizabeth J. Rice-Munro, Learning styles, Teaching Approches and Technology. Journal for quality & Participation, spring 2004, Vol.27 Issue 1, p26-32, 70; (AN 12944202) Yi Yang Ph.D. & Linda F. Cornelious, Ph.D. Professor, Preparing Instructors for Quality Online Instruction Department of Instructional Systems, Leadership, and Workforce Development Mississippi State University http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/spring81/yang81.htm