02 Track 2

Unit 10

The future of Education

Chapter 1

Internet Learning: The Future?

Page 175

Internet Learning: The Future

Internet Learning Set Me Free! by Sam Tseng

When I was struggling with my chemistry class last semester, a professor suggested that I join a study group or get a tutor to supplement what we were studying in class.

I couldn’t afford a tutor and my schedule at university was so erratic − I couldn’t arrange anything with classmates, especially ones I barely knew. Then a friend suggested going online.

I can’t believe I didn’t think about it earlier! Online learning is perfect for me because it offers so much flexibility. Whenever I have free time, I can seek out lessons that revisit what my classes have been covering.

And unlike being in class, I can pause the videos or watch them many times until I understand the concepts.

Another great thing about online lessons is that there are so many different educators out there, each with their own unique style and perspective. So if one teacher’s approach doesn’t work for you or you need a different viewpoint, you can always try another site.

Each site also specializes in different subject areas. When I want to learn about a science or math concept, I visit the Khan Academy website, which explains topics using simple language and diagrams.

For arts or philosophy, I go to Ted-Ed, which offers lectures from experts all over the world. These sites have become so popular that prestigious universities like Harvard and Stanford have started offering free online courses as well.

I love online learning so much that I’m going to do a full online course offered by my university.

I know that this requires an attention to deadlines that free lessons don’t entail, but the freedom to work when I want will be so helpful when scheduling my other classes and getting a part-time job. Going online has opened up a whole new world for me − I think it’s a trend that’s here to stay.

Internet Learning isn’t for Everyone by Jess Wachter

This spring I had an internship in Paris. Since I had time, I decided to take a couple of university courses online. I also looked for study material online to supplement my course, as recommended by Professor.

At first, I found that resources online were plentiful and varied. However, I spent a lot of time locating lessons that offered reliable content, and for the specific topics I was searching for.

When I did find classes with helpful material, I often felt there was something missing. I soon realized that I was missing the teacher, student and student-student interactions of a conventional classroom and it was having a negative effect on my learning.

I realized I learn best in a social environment with lots of opportunities for discussion. Studying on my own was boring and there were too many things to distract me online.

I also didn’t have the motivation or encouragement you get from teachers and classmates. Because I assumed I could study any time, I almost stopped studying completely until everything was due at the end of the semester!

I think I’m the kind of person who needs the pacing and regular deadlines of a class. To be fair, I certainly found material that was very helpful. But I was spending as much time on these lessons as I was on my own classwork and didn’t have anything to show for it.

I hear there are now online courses available where you can get your work marked by professors and be awarded a certificate if you pass. But I can’t see people choosing to do these courses as a replacement for an actual university course and degree.

It’ll be a long time before employers and companies recognize such online credits or degrees. It’s really great that quality education is being made available for free, but for me, online lessons probably work best as something extra to support my classroom experience.