Social_impact_E-learning

Social Impact E-Learning Critiques about online learning have been met with substantial research supporting online learning as a better method to teaching. The term distance learning, as online learning is also referred by, implies a sense of separation and isolation. However, researchers have found that while online learning does not replace human interaction  it provides the opportunity for new and more varied interactions amongst students.

Using the computer as a means for communication comparatively has some clear differences when it comes to conversing in person (3). Communicating in person often relies heavily on body language, tone, pitch and other visual cues. There is a limited avenue of expression in this nonverbal form of communication. However, the social compromises of online learning also provide the possibility for more free expression not often granted in live classroom discussions. One implication of this is that some course that are majority consist of face-to-face interaction do not work well in an online environment and should be reserved for traditional schools(3). One such course is public speaking. Presentations do not work well online because some schools either have limited bandwidth or sometimes the bandwidth is not stable and because presenting in front of a computer does not help a student build the confidence needed for presentations in front of real people. Moreover, students are more on their own when they need help with presentations because they cannot practice and help each other over the internet.

The pressures of working or discussing in large groups is removed in online communities. With the right facilitator, online discussions can have a less threatening and more evenly distributed range of communication. The computer screen allows a discrete level of anonymity, which may be particularly more comfortable for shy students. Furthermore, students may be more inclined to answer and ask questions more freely as the somewhat distressing feeling of thirty pairs of eyes are not on the student. The additional media outlets of online learning allow students to collaborate beyond the classroom. In one example from research done by Mark Kretovics an Assistant Professor at Kent State University, learning outcomes for students in an online language class were actually more successful than the real life class. Despite going against expected findings and theories, the survey revealed students in the online class to be performing the same or better than students in classrooms. What is even more surprising is that the class was asynchronous- allowing students to be online at their scheduled convenience. This example reveals the success of online learning environments even in language-based classes.

While there are doubts concerns about online learning, it is evident that online learning has helped many students in their education. Web applications has is helpful in terms of student collaboration and students' expression of opinions. However, online learning still cannot replace traditional education because some courses' success rely on people learning together in the same physical space.

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