Myths And Facts Of Online Learning

By Osama A. Morad



Online learning is a delivery form of distance education. Distance education is characterized by the separation in space (different places) and possibly in time (different times) between an instructor and her students. Online learning utilizes the web (Internet) and its technologies as both a distribution channel and as a computer-mediated communication medium. A typical online learning scenario includes dedicated instructors who structure, schedule and facilitate class activities. Learners complete a variety of assignments, perform practices as assigned, participate in class discussions, collaborate with fellow learners and the instructor and summarize their learning.

Because of the complexity and the integrated nature of online learning, it could be and has been a confusing issue to many. In addition to this inherent complexity, several myths have contributed to the confusion and have raised unfounded expectations of online learning. This article will try to refute the myths and restate the facts of online learning and education.



Myth #1 - Online Learning Is Easy

This myth is a direct result of the ease and simplicity with which one can access an online class either as a student or as an instructor. All you need is a computer, a web browser and an Internet access. One can access the online class at the time and place of one's choice. How much easier can it be? Right?

Wrong. While access to online learning is certainly easier than traditional face-to-face classroom learning and while online learning provides an unmatched flexibility and convenience, online learning requires a disciplined approach to the learning process. Beyond the access issue, a learner must assume responsibility for her own learning, must manage her time accordingly and must actively engage herself in the process of learning.

Online learning is a partnership among learners, instructors and web technologies. It places the bulk of the learning responsibility on the shoulder of the learner. In return, it provides the most flexible, most convenient and possibly the most rewarding learning experience. Most online students learn early on that they first must become good learners before they can learn their favorite subject.



Fact #1 - Access to online learning is easy, flexible and convenient. But learners must assume responsibility for their own learning and must act accordingly.



Myth #2 - Online Learning Is Fast

We all have heard it many times before: Learn online anytime, anywhere. You can learn at your office, at home, at the airport. Online learning helps you learn faster.

Online learning does not magically shorten the time required to acquire some knowledge or master a skill. The duration of most of online classes is usually longer than their face-to-face counterparts. Online students report that they spend the same amount of time, if not more, on their online courses as the time they spend on their face-to-face classes. Online learning does not go faster, it goes smarter.

Learning online allows us to manage our learning times smarter and more efficiently. It breaks our learning time into smaller, noncontiguous chunks of time. With the proper time management skills and proper organization, one can make learning an integral part of everyday life without having to allocate a big block of time to the process of learning.



Fact #2 - Online learning allows us to manage our learning time smarter and more efficiently.



Myth #3 - Online Learning Is Not As Effective As Face-To-Face Learning

Online learning is a new form of instruction delivery unknown and unfamiliar to many of us. Consequently, there is genuine concern about the creditability and ability of online learning to deliver instructions. Is online learning a creditable alternative learning delivery method? Can online learning be as effective as the old and familiar face-to-face learning?

Educational research, in study after study (see www.distance-educator.com), has answered these questions with a reassuring and resounding "yes." Almost all studies found "no significant differences" in the effectiveness of online classes as compared to those delivered face-to-face.

Although online learning is still an infant technology, it has been rapidly applied to deliver diverse subject matters and to accomplish different learning outcomes. Many universities, colleges and organizations have successfully embraced online learning as a viable and attractive delivery strategy. From dissemination of information, to teaching skills both soft (e.g., managerial) and hard (e.g., technical), to influencing and changing attitudes, online learning has proven itself to be an attractive and effective delivery strategy.

The concern has now shifted from whether online learning is effective to how we can exploit the richness of this medium to provide learning and teaching in new ways never experienced before.



Fact #3 - Online learning provides an alternate and effective way to teach and learn. The best of what online learning has to offer is yet to come.



Osama A. Morad, Ph.D., is the president and CEO of rosetta stone LA, Inc. He may be reached at OMorad@rosettaStoneLA.com or at 410-992-0766.