Keyboard vs. Chalkboard: Will There Ever Be A Clear Victor?
Jan 13th, 2006
And the debate rages on.
With online classes increasing at such a rapid speed, many educators posit that we will soon see the decline of the traditional classroom.
And people just can't seem to decide: they praise online education for its convenience, yet condemn it for its shortcomings. Will we ever make up our minds?
From The Oracle:
Despite some misgivings, the educational system seems to be shifting toward online classes. Online classes abandon the traditional classroom setting. Instead of sitting through lectures, students learn by doing research and reading online, completing digital assignments, taking online quizzes and participating in discussions boards. Professors often communicate via e-mail or a group Web site such as Blackboard.
Many embrace this new phase of education, because online classes offer flexibility and Accessibility.
" (My online classes) were very convenient,&lrquo; sophomore Chase Dafnis said. " You could do your class work whenever, wherever and, if you are really daring, in the nude.&lrquo;
This form of long-distance learning can benefit those who otherwise couldn't receive an education, be it because of transportation or other obligations.
Proponents of online classes point out that the lack of student-teacher and student-student communication often causes problems.
" You can't just walk to their office and work the problem out on the white board,&lrquo; junior Sarah Koh said.
Students who procrastinate or have a hard time managing their time could have difficulty adjusting to this new method of education. In addition, students may often have trouble with the technological parts of the course.
(Picture courtesy of Think Quest)
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