Doug Paluch
EDT 648
AR #7
3-19-03
McGee, D. “The Benefits of Online Learning” 2000
http://home.edmc.net/~vla/articles/benefits.html
The Benefits of Online Learning
By Deb McGee
This is by far the shortest article I’ve reviewed thus far. But it is to the
point and tells what I think is vital information. It gives the reader
a quick
breakdown of what most people find as positives in regards to learning via the
computer world. What McGee states in this article
makes
complete and utter sense in my eyes- I look at the different opportunities that
come with internet-based learning and I find myself
thinking
the same way she does.
McGee states the following as benefits to online learning.
1. Convenience- Because people
may be unable to attend because of remote location, or just the simple fact
that the course on not
fitting one’s schedule, internet-based
studies allow more freedom.
2. Online learning puts you in
control of the learning experience- The learner is allowed to work on their own
schedule, as well as
deciding
how much he/ she decides how much they will get out of (or put in) to the
class. The author mentions that the learner is given
the freedom
of a little more freedom with topics and communication. Leisure is the key!
3. Study during your peak
learning periods- Plain and simple. The learner is allowed the opportunity to
work when it is best for them
instead of
having to meet at a specific time.
4. Learn at their own speed- “In
the face to face classroom, the instructor sets the agenda and presents the
material according to their
schedule.
There is usually little opportunity to re-hear the lecture. With online
learning, you can read, listen, or view the materials repeatedly
if
necessary.”
5. Self-directed Instruction-
The learner is in control of his or her own destiny here. “Online learning
allows you more flexibility in the pace
and
sequence in which you navigate the course materials.” The learner, essentially,
is in control of their own fate, and decides how much they
want to get
out of the class.
6. Greater amount of
interaction- According to the author, despite what one might think, she
believes there is more opportunity for
communication
than the “traditional” classroom. Most university courses involve much lecture
and little response/ question time. It also give
students
anonymity which allows for a chance to open up a bit without people looking at
you like you are goofy for saying the wrong thing.
Physical
attributes and ethnic backgrounds are taken out of the picture.
7. There is an incredible amount
of information available over the Internet on almost any subject- As many
already know, it seems the
Internet is
an unending source for information. A classroom may also have access to these
opportunities as well, but it is much closer to an
online
learners fingertips.
8. Online Learning accommodates
students with different learning styles or preferences- I couldn’t state this
section better, so I’ve quoted
the author- Internet access makes connection
to a vast web of globally posted information quick, cheap, and efficient.
Through hyperlinks in
the course
materials, you access information from a variety of sources that can include
other websites, databases, listservs, online libraries and
archives.
The course materials may include text, audio and visual information that is
linked into webs by the course designer. Your computer
provides
the vehicle to access the information. Web-based access to multimedia means
that you don't need a variety of pieces of equipment
(VCR, cassette recorder, TV, etc.) to hear or
view the course materials.”
Like I said, earlier, this article is to the point. Now I imagine that there
are some deficits to online learning as well, but the author was gracious
enough to
keep the article one sided. I like people that get right to the point. I feel
I’ve wasted much time in life reading authors that choose
eloquence and big words to make their instruction manual type reading more interesting. Very good article.