RSA #4 Online Learning VS. Hybrid Learning Vs. Traditional Classroom

Online Source: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3890/is_201010/ai_n56442679/

With online learning gaining popularity, over traditional learning taking place in the classroom, which method of instruction is truly better? According to our reading this week, online learning is successful because of the person who facilitates the learning.  This person could have a background in technology and teaching.  Maybe there are two facilitators, one tech expert and one expert teacher, who work in tandem to create a successful online course.  In either case, the instructor(s) of online learning communities are flexible and “maintain an attitude of being in the together [with] a willingness to adapt and adjust.” (Palloff & Pratt, 2007, pg. 124.)  Teachers of today, also have to be flexible in the classrooms with various learning styles.  The text also uses findings from Rovai’s and Jordan’s (2004) research to say, students perform better with online communities that meet face to face, because of “reduced sense of isolation” and [appealing]to more dependent learners who rely on direct instructor contact to support their learning process.”  (as cited in Palloff & Pratt, 2007, p. 125)  This study focused on the graduate level learners, and did not compare to younger elementary learners. 

After reading the survey results, online learning is duplicating at a fast rate.  Research states that “about 25% of K-12 schools offer some form of e-learning to virtual school instruction” and that using online learning will help attract math, science, and foreign language teachers to both rural and urban school districts (Picciano & Seaman, 2007, p.17).  The main focus is on blended or hybrid instruction which by definition means “30 to 79% of the content delivered online and blends online and face-to-face delivery. Substantial proportion of the content is delivered online, sometimes uses online discussions, typically has few face-to-face meetings" (Picciano & Seaman, 2007, from chart in Appendix).  This blended delivery supports social development vital to a younger child’s learning and other participants who thrive with human interaction through face to face meetings.  Additionally, blended online learning sways those against the quality of online learning, those who argue student readiness, and for those who need to ease into it for professional development.   

McGown states advantages and disadvantages to hybrid learning in the online article.  Among the many advantages is online collaboration, use of web 2.0 tools, and that the learner is “self-motivated” and “disciplined” (2010 p.2).  The biggest disadvantage mentioned is course management.  Setting up an online community is the biggest challenge for both facilitator and students.  The same can be said for class management in a traditional classroom, which is best learned from experience. 

The Champion: Hybrid Learning
All three readings PRO-HYBRID, which means research not only supports online learning, but truly feels the hybrid model provides the best of both worlds: a traditional classroom meets the online classroom.  Perhaps, educators need to tap into this education model for K-12 for hybrid education. 

References

Palloff R. & Pratt, K. (2007). Building Online Learning Communities: Effective Strategies for the Virtual

Classroom, (2nd ed.). San Franciso: Jossey-Bass.

McCown, L. (2010) Blended Courses: The Best of Online and Traditional Formats,  Clinical Laboratory

Science, [Retrieved from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3890/is_201010/ai_n56442679/?tag=content;col1]

 Picciano, A and Seaman PhD., J (2007) K–12 ONLINE LEARNING: A SURVEY OF U.S.SCHOOL DISTRICT

ADMINISTRATORS Sloan Consortium. USA:Sloan-C.  [http://www.sloan-c.org/publications/survey/pdf/K-12_Online_Learning.pdf]

Rovai, A.P. and Jordan, H. “Blended Learning and a Sense of Community: A Comparative Analysis with

Traditional and Fully Online Graduate Courses, The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 5(2), 2004. [http://www.irrodl.org]