"Improvements in communication technology and virtual teaching methods are making online education an increasingly viable option for many students,"
(Retrieved June 5, 2009 from
http://memphis.bizjournals.com/memphis/stories/2008/07/28/focus2.html)
The benefits of online learning are many. Online learning offer students the option to take course at anytime from anywhere. Course materials are avaliable 24 hours a day 7 days a week and students are becoming more technologially savvy, learning how to use the internet as an educational medium. In many cases students learn at their own pace and for some students online learn is much less intimidating.
Teachers benefit from online educating as well. Teachers report that time spent with students online compared to students in face-to-face classrooms is nearly cut in half (Thomas). Education online is less expensive for students and teachers alike, when it comes to gas money, and ware and tear on their cars. It also reduces the paper load by way of email. there are significant savings for institutions of learning when classes are not held on the physical campus. Because there are no geographic barries to online learning; colleges earn extra income by charging extra fees to students who do not live near the institutions. Students also have the option to take several courses at once and complete a degree program in less time.
Some concerns about the disadvantages of online learning are: you can miss out on some dynamics of learning in the classroom and the traditional "real life" college experience of the student-teacher relationship and the face-to-face interaction between fellow classmates. Other disadvantages include the opportunities to participate in the many clubs, sports, social events, and community service activity offered to students on campus. aslo where it is generally obvious if a student is having trouble understanding in a face-to-face classroom setting, it is not always obvious in online classes and some students get lose and you may not be able to reach them in time.
Online courses offer students and teachers the flexability to tend to family and work obligations, although online learning requires increased self-disapline, self motivation and time management skills.
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/education-article/benefits-ot-online-learning.htm
http://www.essortment.com/family/onlineacademic_sgkj.htm
http://www.worldwidelearn.com/education-advisor/question/online-campus-programs.php
http://www.teachingcollegeenglish.com/2009/03/09/online-education-benefits-everyone/
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