The research that I’ve done has show me the differences between online learning vs. face to face classrooms, the effectiveness of each, the other many styles of learning and how they can all work together. Before I began my research, I had a bias in that strictly learning online is not fully effective for all learners based off my of own experiences, but as I wrap up my research, I learned just because that type of learning didn’t necessarily work for me, doesn’t mean that other types of learners couldn’t benefit from it completely!
Before fully engaging in my research, I learned some helpful tools in researching and how to find credible sources while also deciphering between scholarly and popular sources. The library session and tutorials for citations gave me more confidence going into my research. Throughout my research process, I came across sources that were either all in for online learning, against it, or for the implementation of it into traditional styled classrooms. As I got into my research, my question seemed to be too plain to me. There are obvious differences between online learning and face to face classrooms, which in turn changed my view on my question into that of which style is more effective and how can they work together? This also changed my way of answering the question as there is not one simple answer.
Shout out to Hibbard 4th Floor for a great study/research place!
Many of the sources in my research agree that there are benefits to implementing technology into traditional classrooms, while other sources say that online schooling is gradually changing and being “experimented” with. My “not-so-simple” answer would be that there is not one style of teaching that is more effective than the other because students and educators are all different in their styles of teaching and learning. Online learning can be beneficial to students who have lower income backgrounds in order to get an education needed/wanted for a career. Traditional classrooms can work for many people, but could also not work for say those who have behavior issues or are struggling in certain subjects and aren’t able to get help at home from parents. That’s why the introduction of blended classrooms and flipped learning are gradually increasing among many organizations, educators, businesses and the like.
While there is no definite answer as to which style of learning is more effective, the research will forever be continuous as teachers, students, parents, administrators, businesses, etc. continue to gradually increase the use of technology in different ways whether it be in or outside of the classroom. As technology in itself changes, so will it change in educational uses. (I can’t wait to see how technology evolves in the future while I’m a teacher!)
Educators could continue to ask questions such as:
Is the way I’m teaching effective for all of my students?
What can I learn from other educators/students/parents as to how to implement technology into my classroom?
Students could also continue to ask:
By taking online classes, am I getting the most out of my education?
How can I use the supplemental material to help me in my traditional classroom?
I have learned a lot of things throughout this research process. Some things from my sources that were interesting involved higher education in using technology outside of the classroom so that “in class time” could be more efficient for discussing the lecture and being able to apply it to hands on activities/group discussion. I also appreciated that teachers’ admitted to being unsuccessful at times in implementing technology as it is still a work in progress for teachers and students! As for my follow up question, (How can online learning and traditional classrooms work together?,) I definitely think that they can work together efficiently with the efforts of everyone involved, specifically students and teachers! Meaning that it will take both sides to figure out what is best for each other in teaching and learning styles and how it will benefit you in the long run! I will definitely take to heart a lot of the information I found in my research as I plan to become an Elementary teacher myself!
Looking forward to my final project, I hope to make an argument for the effectiveness of both styles of teaching whether online or in a traditional classroom. I’m hopefully looking to make an infographic and put my crafty/design skills to the test! As for now, thank you for following my research and I hope you enjoyed reading!
Please enjoy this cute video as I close out my research journey! (GIPHY)
Welcome to my final source!!! For my last source, I again searched scholarly sources on Google Scholar and found information to conclude Blended Learning which I had mentioned in my first source. “Blended Learning: Let’s Get Beyond the Hype,” written by Margaret Driscoll, defines blended learning and the steps educators and organizations can use to implement this technique among learners. It also provides examples in which people are using this method of teaching. I wanted to find a source that sort of concludes how learning online and face to face in a classroom can work together, and I think this source does that in some ways. While this article is promoted by Global Business Service (IBM), it provides a broader way of incorporating blended learning not only in the classroom but in careers/businesses as well!
blend·ed learn·ing v.
1. To combine or mix modes of web-based technology (e.g., live virtual classroom, self-paced instruction, collaborative learning, streaming video, audio, and text) to accomplish an educational goal.
2. To combine various pedagogical approaches (e.g., constructivism, behaviorism, cognitivism) to produce an optimal learning outcome with or with out instructional technology.
3. To combine any form of instructional technology (e.g., videotape, CD-ROM, web-based training, film) with face-to-face instructor-led training.
4. To mix or combine instructional technology with actual job tasks in order to create a harmonious effect of learning and working. (Blended Learning 1)
This definition within itself has four different definitions that contribute to the term “blended learning.” This goes to show that the term means different things to many different people. It also can be a great way to grow into learning online and the steps it will take to do so such as, making the material readily available and providing communication throughout the process in order to gain the education the learner is looking for. Blended learning allows change from traditional classrooms to online learning to move at a slower pace rather than just an abrupt change to fully learning online. (Blended Learning 2)
After reading this source, as well as researching other points of views, I have sort gone into more depth with my initial question which is, What are the differences between online learning and face to face classrooms? I began to think more about which style of learning is more effective and how could online learning and traditional classrooms work together. This source makes me strongly believe that students in traditional classrooms can greatly benefit from the implementation of technology/online supplemental learning in addition. This source finalized the way I was thinking about my question and how I will conclude this research in my final conclusion post!
I’m going to stick with another scholarly source for this one as well! My fourth source is called, “Educators Evaluate Flipped Classrooms,” written by Katie Ash, a writer for Education Week and Digital Directions. I also found this source through Google Scholar. I chose this source because it goes off my previous source answering my question in reading against the grain which is, If the lectures and assignments are due/required completion before class time, is there any type of motive to show up for the physical class? I feel that this source answers it with multiple teachers/researchers putting in their own personal experiences in using flipped learning.
Flipped Learning, as defined in the article is, “replacing traditional classroom lectures with video tutorials.” (Ash 1) In most cases, this type of learning replaces homework with more time to have in class discussions and activities on the material you would’ve learned outside of class, with the videos provided to you. While this may appeal to many educators and students, there are still other types of flipped learning. Andrew Miller, an educational consultant said, “My concern is that if you’re still relying on lecture as your primary mode of getting content across, … you haven’t done anything to shift type of learning that’s occurring.” He continues, “That’s not how all of us learn,” he said. “Just because you flipped your classroom doesn’t mean your students will watch the videos. How are you engaging your kids?” (Ash 2) This goes to show that not all students are capable of learning effectively only using online materials. In the same way, not all teachers are effective in their approaches to flipped learning.
Deb Wolf, a high school instructional coach tried to implement flipped learning into a class of chemistry students who all were at different levels of learning. “For students who had not been challenged in the classroom, this was an opportunity for them to just fly,” she said. “For others, it was an opportunity to take the time that they needed to move slower. And for some, self-paced became no pace,” and teachers had to step in and create deadlines.” (Ash 4) This encouraged other teachers to implement the flipped learning in their own classrooms and to really figure out how to get their students engaged in the material.
In turn, many students come from different backgrounds. Some kids may go home and get help from their parents while others get none. By using flipped learning, students are able to get extra access to supplemental materials in order to help them further understand something they might be struggling in. (Ash 5)
I agree very strongly with this article! It is interesting to me to see how much the educators involved in this article care about their students and how effective they feel their styles of teaching influence their learning for all levels of students. While I didn’t find myself reading against the grain in this source, I did find myself thinking of my research question and how it might be changing from the differences in online learning vs. face to face, to which is more effective- online learning, face to face, or a combination of both? I really hope that my last source in my research can conclude this newly formed question!
For my third source, I wanted to go back to scholarly sources! I searched on Google Scholar, “How teaching online and in the classroom can work together.” I found a really great book excerpt called, “Teaching Naked: Why Removing Technology from Your Classroom Will Improve Student Learning,” written by Jose Bowen. I chose this source because I wanted to find information to explain how learning online and in a classroom can work together instead of just opposing each other as has been a theme in my past two sources. I wanted to find a “happy medium” that would also answer my follow up question as well. The main focus of this excerpt, is to show how using technology outside of the classroom can benefit students and teachers during face to face class time.
In summary, Bowen starts off by saying how powerful/beneficial technology can be for students but that it shouldn’t be in the classroom itself. “The real advantage of the new educational technologies is that they can force students to engage with the material outside of class, and thereby expand the time and quality of discussion in class.” (Bowen 1) Bowen argues that simply posting readings and videos online for the class is not enough. These things should be posted prior to class time, including a required response from the students not only from themselves but by responding and communicating with other peers’ responses. In this way, the professor can see that the students are putting in the work and the students can be “rewarded” positively. These can also create great visuals for students ahead of class time in order to work productively in small and large group interactions and discussions.
“The future classroom is not a lecture hall. If a student is going to sit passively and listen to a lecture (or watch a film), they don’t need to do it with us in the room.” (Bowen 3) Bowen argues this point from the excerpt to show how valuable interactions between students, teachers, and peers are. If students are investing their money and time into their education, using technology outside of the classroom will allow better time spent in the classroom, meaning all of the lectures should be online outside of scheduled class time.
Amen! (GIPHY)
I think that Bowen’s argument is extremely valid! I found exactly what I was initially looking for in this source to a) see a teacher’s perspective on technology use in the classroom/online and b) how the two can work together efficiently. The information in this excerpt helped me understand how to answer my follow-up question about how learning online and in the classroom can work together. The only thing I find myself going against the grain in, is the fact that not all students are motivated for class. If the lectures and assignments are due/required completion before class time, is there any type of motive to show up for the physical class? I could see students taking the teacher’s intentions out of context and making class time seem optional. I’m interested to research students motives for in class time after watching videos or completing assignments previous to the physical class!
For my second pick, I wanted to find a popular source so I went to New York Times and searched, “online classes vs. face to face.” The second source that I chose in my research is called, “Online Courses are Harming the Students Who Need the Most Help.” This source is an article written by Susan Dynarski, a professor at the University of Michigan. The main reason I chose this article is because I was looking for an opposing view point, and the title itself seemed to do just that. I wanted to find information that would challenge me in finding an answer to my question. (Sounds odd, but I love a challenge!)
In the beginning of the article, it says that the growing use of online learning is negatively affecting students who need a physical teacher in a classroom. While there are many forms of online education, something that I found interesting was the concept of blended learning. Blended learning uses online learning alongside a traditional classroom. This makes it an extra tool in learning without replacing the physical classroom. Statistics show that students do just as well in a blended classroom as they do in traditional classrooms. This now poses my follow up question to the original question stated in the Introduction of my research: How can online learning and face to face learning work together?
The article also explains that students who are never in the classroom with their teacher face a lot of troubles. Many of the classes that can be taken online have easy pass/fail grades which may sound good, but especially for high school students who plan to further their education, they are not as prepared for higher level classes then. This means they are not getting the most out of a class that they could have taken in a face to face classroom. Online classes do have benefits for kids as those who are in face to face classrooms would be able to use the technology to further explain a topic they learned in class and use it as supplemental instruction. On a similar note, kids who are only taking online classes lacked better test scores at the end of terms and had lower success in taking higher level classes after completion of online courses.
By reading with the grain of this article, I completely agree that taking strictly online classes, is not beneficial for every type of student. It showed that some kids who failed out of a face to face classroom were sent right to an online course as a recovery class. By taking online courses after one time failure, the students become unmotivated and are more likely to drop out of the class. “The effects are lasting, with online students more likely to drop out of college altogether.”(Dynarski) By reading against the grain, I think that the article used a lot of statistics and data from online classes in high school rather than all levels of education.
I strongly agree with this source in that implementing online classes can be useful but not by going away with the face to face classrooms completely. This source can definitely be the opposing side that I was looking for with my first source. I learned statistics that I didn’t know about before reading this, which made it valuable in my research. I think something that I’m still looking for is a more in-depth study of how online classes and face to face can work together and not just oppose each other. This source helped shape my thinking for answering my question!
The first source that I chose to use in my research is called, “Teaching in a Digital Age: How Educators Use Technology to Improve Student Learning” written by Katherine McKnight, Kimberly O’Malley, Roxanne Ruzic, Maria Kelly Horsley, John J. Franey, and Katherine Bassett, all of which are involved in the research of technology in classrooms. I found this source by searching google scholar. I started with this source because it goes along with using online classrooms as their primary way of learning. I wanted to see if it could change my preconceived bias for strictly learning online. Although this source is written by researchers, it is partnered in the promotion of Pearson Education Inc. Therefore, there is bias in the use of online learning for education because they are trying to sell readers their products.
The source starts off by explaining how the use of technology is not only growing in and within itself, but also in how it is used in student learning. It summarizes the different phases of the study done on using technology in student learning. It also shows the variety of online uses and concepts such as, Flipped Learning, Blended Learning, laptops, tablets, etc. The middle of the source contains some visual rhetoric to show the depth of technology in school and the benefits it has for the students and the teachers. The article is also concise and organized which made it easy for me to understand and apply to my question to better understand how to answer it.
I would say the argument of this article is, how teachers who use technology in their classrooms can add supplemental instruction and improve learning. In summary, the content firstly explains how technology is evolving by itself and in learning. It continues to explain how teachers have different strategies and approaches with technology in education. The five major themes among teachers using technology include:
Increasing access to learning resources
Enhancing communication and feedback
Restructuring teacher time
Extending the purpose and audience for student work
Shifting teacher and student roles. (Pearson Education 1)
The end of the article says how the use of technology and the context of what is being taught is very critical in the learning process. It ends with what would be another “phase” in research about this topic.
By reading with the grain on this source I can definitely see some benefits of online learning and how it could be great for students. On another note, by reading against the grain, it influences me to think that strictly taking online classes isn’t fully effective as I have experienced firsthand the use of online classrooms. In my own experience, I seemed to struggle because I was only used to interacting face to face and being able to understand a teacher’s tone in their teaching and lessons, whereas by taking online classes, I wasn’t able to have those personal interactions and connections with the teacher. I do believe that implementing it within a face to face classroom could be very beneficial for many people!
As of right now, this source doesn’t completely answer my question because I don’t have the opposing view on using technology in the classroom. It is a valuable source to me in seeing the benefits of technology, but considering the bias, I am interested to see what other researchers and scholars say about the full use of online classes in education. Something that was missing for me was the teachers’ views on using technology. Is it something EVERY teacher is comfortable with? I would like to continue researching to find that opposing side!
The point of this blog is to sort of record my “data” throughout the research I’m doing on this topic. This is my first research assignment at the college level as I am a first year student! My major at the university is Elementary Education, which is why I chose to research on the differences between learning in an online classroom versus learning face to face in a classroom. I’m so interested to see the many perspectives that different groups of people have on which they think is better, worse, or how the types of learning can work together. I’m also interested to see if any of these sources can influence me even further by deciding which styles of learning I want to implement in my future classroom.
Woot! (GIPHY)
To be completely honest, trying to form a question that was not too broad, was a big struggle in beginning my research. What really helped me configure my question into a narrower way of thinking, was the “Who is at the Table?” model. By placing different groups around the table, it made me think that the question I’m asking could be influenced by so many different groups of people. This made the research process WAY easier because I had more keywords, ideas, and people to use in my search engine, and after that the results seemed explosive!
“Who is at the table?” This diagram was VERY useful in my research!
The question I’m trying to address with research is, “How Does Learning Online Differ from Learning Face to Face in a Classroom?” I also intend to use a follow up question which asks, “How can they work together?” This question is of interest to me as I’m going to be a teacher myself and have lived with a family of teachers, being able to see different implementations of technology in the classrooms. More broadly, I think this question is important to many people but especially to three groups: students, educators, and parents. As a parent, you want your kid to have the best education whether it involves using technology or not. Educators play a large part in this as they are discovering what works for certain students and what doesn’t for others. Lastly, the students are truly impacted the most at this point. Education is a leading factor into getting jobs/careers. Using technology could make taking classes easier for people of all backgrounds and statuses in order to pursue a career.
In my initial research, I wanted to find a source that shows some of the benefits there are in taking online courses. I also entered into this research with a little bit of personal bias on the negatives of taking only online classes without implementing face to face interactions. I think the major thing that I will have to argue is which I prefer more and why. As of right now, I have some ideas forming about answering this question, but nothing official. I do really believe that there are major benefits for both, but I’m also excited to talk about/explore the differences and find those opposing views!
The third source I chose is called, “Blended Learning: Let’s Get Beyond the Hype”.
I’m still analyzing this research source and am very excited to see how this could be applied to my follow up question about how online classes/technology could work alongside face to face classrooms. I look forward to comparing this source with my first two and hopefully tying them all together in the end to answer the full question!
The fourth source I found is called, “Learning Together: Exploring Group Interactions Online”. I’m looking forward to seeing how one type of online exercises such as group projects and work can be applied to education and my final question.
The second source that I chose in my research is called, “Online Courses Are Harming the Students Who Need the Most Help”. This source is an article written by Susan Dynarski, a professor at the University of Michigan. I feel as though this source completely opposed my first source, which is exactly why I chose it. I wanted to find information that would challenge me in finding an answer to my question. (Sounds odd, but I love a challenge!)
The article starts off with that “sandwich effect”. It sort of gives a “compliment” educators and students involved in online learning, and obvious benefits that one could see even if they are not all for the online learning such as budget and connecting to anyone who has internet access. It then goes on to say how the online learning can be a negative thing to many students.
Something that I found interesting was the concept of blended learning as I talked about in source one. In source one, it briefly stated that the concept could be used as a source of technology in the classroom, but in source two it goes on to say that blended learning can be essential for many students as they also have that interaction with a face to face teacher. Statistics show that students do just as well in a blended classroom as they do in traditional classrooms. This now poses my follow up question to the original question stated in the Introduction of my research: How can online learning and face to face learning work together?
In summary, this article explains that students who are never in the classroom with their teacher face a lot of troubles. Many of the classes that can be taken online have easy pass/fail grades which may sound good, but especially for high school students who plan to further their education, they are not as prepared for higher level classes then. This means they are not getting the most out of a class that they could have taken in a face to face classroom.
The last part of the “sandwich effect” is brought back again by online classes do have benefits for kids as those who are in face to face classrooms would be able to use the technology to further explain a topic they learned in class and use it as supplemental instruction. Kids who are only taking online classes lacked better test scores at the end of terms and had lower success in taking higher level classes after completion of online courses.
By reading with the grain of this article, I completely agree that taking strictly online classes, is not beneficial for every type of student. It showed that some kids who failed out of a face to face classroom were sent right to an online course as a recovery class. By taking online courses after one time failure, the students become unmotivated and are more likely to drop out of the class. By reading against the grain, I think that the article used a lot of statistics and data from online classes in high school rather than all levels of education.
I strongly agree with this source in that implementing online classes can be useful but not by going away with the face to face classrooms completely. This source can definitely be the opposing side that I was looking for with my first source. I learned statistics that I didn’t know about before reading this, which made it valuable in my research. I think something that I’m still looking for is a more in-depth study of how online classes and face to face can work together and not just oppose each other. This source helped shape my thinking for answering my question!
The first source that I chose to use in my research is called, “
No Name 