March 2002 — Editorial

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Online Learning

By Dr. Sylvia Charp, Editor-in Chief

These online programs must also consider the following:

1. The need for interaction is imperative. Courses with little interaction have high drop-out rates. E-mail, chat rooms and discussion boards remove the feeling of isolation and provide opportunities for discussion.

2. Instructors who know how to interact online with students, and are willing to give the time and effort involved, are successful. Too many students in any online activity destroy the relationship required between instructor and student. Also, responding to a great deal of e-mail almost becomes an impossibility. There is a need for professional development for online instructors.

Dr. Trudy Abramson, professor of computer technology in education at Nova Southeastern University's Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences in Florida says: "Postsecondary educators are not required to undergo a teacher education process." Therefore, doctoral courses on online learning environments and instructional delivery programs, including the process of teaching and learning online, are offered at Nova University.

3. Cost is a factor. Online learning can be expensive. Tuition may cost as much, if not more than its on-campus counterparts.

Conclusions

E-learning is not a passing fad. Students indicate online courses can be as effective and even better than campus courses. Arizona State University, in comparing test results of online MBA students with those in the campus program, found online students scored higher. However, the outlook for e-learning institutions to make money is still to be proven.

Generally, graduate university and corporate e-learning programs are successful and are expanding. We do not have sufficient evidence on the value of e-learning for undergraduate and high school students. It is noted that e-learning d'es offer courses not available on campus with many more choices for learners. E-learning opportunities will continue to grow. And for some learners, it may be the only option. However, e-learning can not duplicate what is effective in the classroom. It allows learning which may not be possible otherwise and fills a real need, especially where quality material is available.