Before beginning the comparison it must be noted that all learning
situations differ. There are high quality and low quality
traditional settings, and the same can be said of e-Learning.
Very often the efforts of the individual teacher and student
are the greatest factors. With that said we will over-generalize
to state some potential differences of online learning.
When we discuss e-Learning in this section we will consider
mainly online classes. It should also be noted that
e-Learning could be taught entirely by computer ( CBT
) or be self paced (tutorials) either of which would have
even larger differences with the traditional classroom.
Traditional:
Although most learning takes place outside of the classroom,
most of your time spent as a learner has probably been in
a "traditional" classroom. Traditional classroom learning
is often focused on the instructor. Information tends
to flow from instructor to students, and as a result can be
more passive for students. This is often characterized
by the phrase "sage on the stage" because the instructor (considered
to be the expert) must somehow transfer his or her knowledge
to the learners (assumed to be less-knowledgeable).
It should be noted that many instructors in the
traditional classroom utilize a very learner-focused framework,
like the online classroom described above. While this
is a potential, it is also rare. Since most instructors
were taught in instructor-focused classrooms it is very hard
for them to break from this mold. However, in the online
environment, an instructor that tries to continue the instructor-centered
model will likely fail to maintain it. The online classroom
technologies (and student tendencies in that environment)
are much more suited for a learner-focused environment.
Online:
Online learning is focused more on the student. More
information (in the form of questions or comments) often flows
from the student to the instructor (or CBT system). As a result of learners
constructing their own learning, they are considered to be
more active. This type of active learning forces
instructors (or CBT designers) to be "guides on the side"
of the learner. Online learners have more responsibility
for their learning, and instructors spend much more time providing
resources than delivering content.
Traditional classes and online classes often use
different technologies, types of media, and forms of interaction.
These new types of technology and interaction contribute to
the focus on the learner. With its wider range of technologies,
media and forms of interaction, e-Learning (in a well planned
setting) can help instructors meet a broader range of students
needs.
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A Typical Traditional Classroom
Environment:
- Instructor-focused
- More "passive" learning
- Instructors "deliver" knowledge
- Outgoing, verbal, high-achieving, students participate
the most
- Technology may be used, but is not central to the
role of being a learner
- Various media may be used, but most delivery is
by the spoken word, with some written support
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A Typical Online Classroom Environment:
- Learner-focused
- More "active" learning
- Instructors "guide" the learners
- Instructors "model" good learning techniques
- A much greater percent of students actively participate
in discussions
- Technology helps students explore resources and
construct their own meanings
- Technology may help instructors use multiple forms
of media, and reach a wider variety of learning styles
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