EDUC 630 - Learning Environments

Every kind of learner has unique opportunities for convenience and flexibility within these different learning environments. Each of these environments also have their own advantages and disadvantages, though, that should be discussed. Synchronous learning offers tremendous opportunities for students to collaborate with each other on ideas and projects, offers the opportunity for students to be engaged in a real-time classroom in whatever physical environment they choose to be in, and provide numerous avenues for learning technological advancements available in our online educational environments today (Higley, 2013). The disadvantages of synchronous environments include technology glitches and, in some cases, an unequal knowledge of the technology being used. By having some group members that may not understand how to use the technology needed to participate in a synchronous environment, the meetings can become more time-consuming than expected.

Asynchronous environments provide ultimate flexibility in a student-centered learning approach (Higley, 2013). Classmates can learn on their own time schedule, while still interacting amongst themselves. These environments also allow a student to take what relevant information they need from information presented and use that information to create their own meaningful projects through their assignments. Disadvantages of asynchronous learning include the inability of the instructor to personally interact with the students in an in-depth manner to evaluate if learning deficits have occurred or if learning disabilities may need to be addressed. A learner must also be very disciplined and organized to teach themselves the information given and use it purposefully in their assignments. Without a face-to-face instructor, students must take on more responsibility for their learning.

Face-to-face classes have been the traditional style of education for a number of years. Advantages to on-campus classes include personal relationships (in most classrooms), availability of the instructor for clarification and information presentation, collaboration and camaraderie amongst classmates, and resources offered on campus such as the library and other student services (Bejerano, 2008). The disadvantage is inflexible or set class time mandatory that students be on campus for instruction.

Blended learning marries the theory of both face-to-face and online environments into a creative and engaging learning atmosphere that gives the best of both worlds. The Christensen Institute identifies blended learning when a student learns partly in an online environment and partly in a face-to-face classroom (Christensen Institute, 2015). The advantages to blending learning include “collaborative learning experiences”, “increased accessibility”, “better communication”, and “successful evaluations (Bright, 2014). Disadvantages include “strong technical dependance”, “lack of IT knowledge”, and the possibility that students can will not follow through on on their assignments and get behind in their coursework (Bright, 2014).

These are all very distinct and unique learning environments that can both benefit and hinder students in different ways. Fortunately, students have a variety of environments to choose from that best fit their own learning styles and habits.





References:


Bejerano, A. (2008, June 1). Face to face or online instruction? Face to face is better. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from https://www.natcom.org/CommCurrentsArticle.aspx?id=884


Blended Learning. (2015). Retrieved September 24, 2015, from http://www.christenseninstitute.org/key-concepts/blended-learning-2/


Bright, S. (2014, May 14). Pro and Cons of Blended Learning. Retrieved September 24, 2015, from http://www.digitalchalk.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-blended-learning


Higley, M. (2013, October 15). Benefits of synchronous and asychronus e-learning. Retrieved September 23, 2015, from http://elearningindustry.com/benefits-of-synchronous-and-asynchronous-e-learning