To What Extent Can online Learning Replace or Enhance Traditional Classroom-Based Learning in Higher Education?

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On the other hand, as Petrides said: ‘‘There is something that forces you to think more deeply about subject areas when you have to respond in writing’’ (Petrides, 2002, p. 72). It is clearly that online technology allowed more reflection than what might occur for some individuals in traditional classroom discussions. This is because online learning can provides students a quieter environment for depth thinking. Generally, traditional classroom has more noise and interference, which always makes us distracted to pay attention to other things. According to Dhirendra Kumar（2010）, most of the online courses cost less than traditional classroom course.

However, it is also have some weaknesses in online learning. Scholar believe that memory testing is not the best method of online learning in virtual learning environment, but traditional classroom tools are difficult to apply. For example, when the online course proceeds to the stage of final exam, we cannot ensure that students do not use other tools. In other words, it is difficult to measure the students' project result. Moreover, from a poll of Traditional vs. Online Degree Credentials, 66% said candidates who gain online learning degrees were not seen as advantageously as a job applicant with traditional classroom learning degrees and this means online degree cannot be admitted widely. From Kruse’s research, some of online learning materials in order to enhance students’ ability and calculate their scores, encourages students to work individually rather than socially or collaboratively (2013), and this may cause great harm to the social relationship. However high-tech environments might compromise the balance of trust care and respect between teachers and students because of reducing the opportunities of face to face communicating with professors and other students. This type of learning method will lead to another problem, which is lacking of a sense of community and feelings of isolation. This is very detrimental to students' future growth, especially in the working environment, it will affect relations with colleagues.

In conclusion, although technology is not omnipotent, it does have a significant help for traditional classroom-based in higher education. In spite of the advantages of online learning which cannot be ignored, online learning technology still has series of problems, like delayed feedback, unreliable exam method and so on. In the end, students have to analyze both the pros and cons factors which contribute greatly to making an informed decision about the direction of his/her career path. Students have to decide, how they are going to accomplish their goals: online, in the classroom or a combination of both.

Reference

K．Dhirendra (2010).Pros and Cons of Online Educatio. North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC

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Carr-Chellman.A(2000). The online course. British Journal of Educational Technology Vol 31 No 3200 229-241