Comparing and Contrasting Online Learning with Classroom (on-Ground) Learning

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Comparing and Contrasting Online Learning with Classroom (on-ground) Learning Online learning has turn out to be more common in recent years. Online learning offers a convenient choice for traditional and nontraditional learners, but it can also present distinctive challenges that are different from those found in a traditional classroom. In a traditional classroom, students must go to classes on a particular schedule. In an online classroom, students will have weekly assignments but also have the freedom to complete those assignments when they have time. When students use technology in a traditional classroom, they have a teacher present to assist them in learning that technology. A student must be able to use his/her computer to send emails, participate in discussion board forums, upload documents and participate in live chat sessions in an online classroom. (Cook) According to Stephen Lieb, adult learners learn best when they are able to perform goal-oriented work in a self-directed manner (Lieb, 1991). He also said that adult learners have to understand or be told “why” they’re learning something so that they’re motivated to learn it. Just learning theory for the fun of it or without a constructive meaning, isn’t very useful to the online learner. Lieb also suggests that the adult learner is practical. The work must be relevant so the tasks have to complement their professional experiences or interests. If they can apply what they learned on the job the next day, that creates a sense of significance with the learner and motivates their activities. Using survey questionnaires containing both closed and open ended items, C. J. MacGregor also compared students in online and traditional classes. She evaluated how the two groups of students rated various features of the classes including: work load, fulfillment, comfort level and alleged amount of learning.

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