Chapter 5 - Empowering Students With Technology

Chapter 5 - Building Knowledge Without Boundaries: Online Learning

It is possible in the near future that online learning will become the predominant way in which students learn. One fear of naysayers is that the quality of education will be sacrificed with online learning. There are many pros and cons of online learning.

Some students feel safer expressing themselves online. No one can tell by your online engagement that you are overweight, have sits, or wear braces. It is hard to exclude each other when you are learning online. To be successful, you cannot be a hermit.

Students who have failed courses while they were sitting in classrooms can be very successful learning online. Students who enjoy computers are usually motivated to do well because they like the visuals and kinesthetic experiences of using computers. Students have to be self-disciplined and be responsible when engaging in online learning. As in most cases, not all students in your classroom will be a good online learner. Differentiated learning will still be expected.