Traditional Learning Advantages

The Student: Assertion 1

Students lie at the heart of all education, and when it comes to addressing the needs of the individual learner, distance education provides far more benefits than traditional forms of traditional learning. A primary benefit of distance learning is that it provides students with far more flexibility and convenience. The most direct form of analysis and, perhaps, most obvious indicator of learning effectiveness are student grades and performance scores; however, “the majority of studies find that there is no difference in grade based student learning outcomes between modes of instruction” (Cavanaugh). In other words, a student performs the same in a course, no matter the medium (Bosshardt; Cavanaugh; Cummings; Milic;

One of the most commonly expressed limitations of distance learning is the isolation of the student from other classmates. Communicative interactions are an important component of the classroom and “a student’s ability to ask a question, to share an opinion, or to disagree with a point of view are fundamental learning activities” (Ya Ni). With this in mind, distance education raises the concern that students will feel disconnected. Opponents analyze how potential “lack of a sense of community can affect [a] student’s ability to bond, sense of cohesion, [and] feelings of friendship...” (Shultz), all vital components of successful social interactions. Proponents, however, such as Dr. Daphne Koller, a professor at Stanford University and co-founder of the education-focused technology company, Coursera, argue that “we should not presume, based on the way we were brought up, that rubbing of minds can only happen face-to-face” (qtd. in Škrinjarić). Online courses do not deprive students of exercising social skills; rather, they “substitute classroom interaction with discussion boards, synchronous chat, electronic bulletin boards, and e-mails” (Ya Ni). Communication through online platforms is faster, less intimidating, and puts less time pressure on

For teachers, online learning platforms are more logistically efficient and make communicating with students a simpler process. Because distance learning platforms put curriculum online, it is easy for instructors to make adjustments to their course, such as moving around lessons or editing files and presentations. Distance learning also “provide[s] teachers with a broad spectrum of tools to create and deliver effective, quality education” (Milic). Through online learning platforms, teachers have access to multiple mediums and outlets to teach their course, which makes it easier to connect to students of a varying learning styles and preferences. Additionally, online system programs, such as previously mentioned visualization tools, allow teachers to track their students’ progress and participation levels more directly, creating a more efficient process to “understand[ing their] learners… and becom[ing] aware of who requires [their] support” (Sung-Hee). Through participation level monitors, surveys, online quizzes, immediate quantitative data, and other resources, teachers know right away how well a student is receiving the material. The instructor has continuous insight into his or her students’ perspectives-- an invaluable form of communication when it comes to teaching. This extensive level of communication enhances both the teaching and learning experience. By providing more efficient and