How can e-learning Remove Barriers Found in a Traditional Classroom?

By using e-learning, educators open up a whole new way of delivering instruction. Students of all ability levels and socioeconomic backgrounds can find success using this type of instruction. At risk, part-time, high ability, homebound, students working on credit recovery, adults who work full time and are pursuing degrees, basically the sky is the limit!

Online learning can provide the student with personalized learning, opportunities for learning that aren't available within their school building or area, such as foreign language and extended learning classes, and numerous modes of learning.

Online discussion boards provide a way for many students to participate in discussions that would not ordinarily feel comfortable participating in a classroom with their peers. I have personally seen this happen in the classroom using basic Web 2.0 tools such as Wallwisher and Typewith. Discussions are much richer when everyone participates.

Three methods of delivering e-learning are synchronous, asynchronous, and blended learning which is a combination of both.

Synchronous is face-to-face instruction through video conferencing, Skype, FaceTime, or through interactive discussion boards such as Blackboard. The instructor and the students participate in the instruction at the same time.

Asynchronous instruction is conducted totally online. Communication between the instructor and the student is conducted through emails and online discussion boards. This type of instruction is neither time-bound or place-bound.

Blended online learning is a combination of face-to-face and online delivery. Many times blended learning instruction is facilitated by a learning management system such as, Cake, Blackboard, and My Big Campus.

A few barriers exist for online learning. The major barrier is equal access. In an affluent community, most students have the digital tools they need to complete the online courses. In a high-poverty community, computer access is limited. Many households do not own a computer or have Internet access.

A second barrier is lack of training for teachers of online courses. Preparing and delivering a successful online course is different than preparing and delivering a lesson in the classroom. Teachers need training in the software and hardware and should be able to help students troubleshoot problems if needed.

Letting technology become the purpose of the course instead of the content is yet another barrier. With so many tools available, it is easy to get caught up in the technology wave and forget that content is the reason for the class. Using technology to deliver the content is just a bonus!