Will Online Learning Replace the Classroom?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/avi-yashchin/will-online-learning-repl_b_4935348.html

Section 1: The Benefits of Online Learning

It is no secret that the classroom is a place to learn. But what happens when online learning becomes a big part in the classroom? There are benefits that comes with online learning, such as, affordability, convenience, accessibility, customization, and preparation. This article provides the ways that students benefit from the use on online learning. It explains in depth each of the benefits to give a better understanding to online learning.

"Allowing students to take courses on their own time, at their own pace, online learning systems are far more convenient than their in-person counterparts. Forums and online communities built around courses add to the usability of these distance education programs." Giving students time to work at their own pace with benefit their grades in the long run. The reason why it is important to look at online learning is because of the students. The students will able to work at their own pace and be able to better their learning. The most important thing is the students. As teachers that is our main focus. 

For example,"Internet-based platforms have empowered us to replace or remotely facilitate many historically interactive processes — like shopping, dating and banking. Attaining an education might be the next frontier for web-based expediency." There are many things that online learning can promote, like the interactive processes. The Internet is a powerful tool, which the students need to be aware of. 

What we can takeaway as educators is that there are many benefits that online learning can offer students. Students can access the work that is done in class and work at their own pace. As educators, we need to look for different things that will benefit our students' learning, which online education is a good option. 

Section 2: Traditionalists vs. Innovators

Are you the type of person that uses technology to communicate with others or do you communicate face-to-face? 

When is it okay to be a traditionalist or an innovator? The answer is there needs to be a mix in the classroom. Students need to explore new ideas to help their learning progress. This article also provides the different ways to help students mature in their learning to help them be successful in their futures. 

"Schools have always been centers for both innovation and tradition. Educational delivery is most likely to blend both in-person and online learning, but ultimately it is up to the success of the innovators and the preferences of young learners as they mature into college students, job-seekers and professionals."

For example, “The lessons from any number of industries teach us that those that truly innovate — fundamentally transforming the model, instead of just incorporating the technology into established methods of operation — will have the final say.” This shows us that there is more than just incorporating technology into methods. 

We can takeaway that success of the innovators and the preferences of young learners as they mature into college students, job-seekers and professionals is because of educational delivery. As educators we need to have our students' best interests at heart. 

In conclusion, this article provides the benefits of online technology and what it can offer to the classroom. The main thing is that teachers need to focus on the students' learning to help them better their learning!