The online class debate

As technology grows in education, the choice of which class to take has opened up between online or face-to-face classes. Chabot offers both selections to fulfill a students schedule, needs, and lifestyle. It also provides a bigger opportunity for more students to attend Chabot College. Signing up for the course can be done through Class-Web or registration.

Online classes are a completely different environment from face-to-face. When deciding which course to choose, consider learning style, habits, and schedule. “Most students are familiar and comfortable with a face-to-face class in which students and teachers debate tough issues, solve problems together, and nurse different social or awkward relations back to health,” said Terrance Thompson, a work experience instructor who also teaches online courses. “In fact, the two main reasons given for students choosing online classes are flexibility in class schedules and geographic freedom.” These would be the common aspects to recognize when choosing either type of class.

“As a teacher I feel that both classes are beneficial to students depending on their type of learning style and personal needs,” said Thompson. “I feel that they both have a place in today’s colleges and universities.” He also said that his online class is harder than his face-to-face class because it requires participation and completion of assignments with a time and date stamp which leads to accountability.

Thompson said that he enjoys teaching both class types. “I like face-to-face interaction because I can see where and when my students are getting it. Online classes have three times more work for me because it requires a lot more attention to detail in loading all the work and making sure the technology works.”

Thompson explained that the advantage of an online class vs. a traditional one is the student’s openness to participate in discussions. “Whereas most students stare at their desk when I call on them in my face-to-face classes, students will respond to questions I ask them.” Thompson also mentioned that his online course enrollment has increased by four times.

A student from Chabot, Tara Ramos, explained a downside to online classes. “Face-to-face classes better fit my style. I can take notes and ask questions from the teacher when I need help. When I take my online class I have to research the help instead of simply asking.”

In the end, the most important things are the results and the grades. “The results for the study indicate that students taking stats [statistics] over the web learned as much as students in a traditional face-to-face course.” However, results indicate that Web students were less satisfied with the method of delivery as compared to traditional students. The advances in computing technology and its marriage to education seems like a wonderful development with great potential. But it is not a complete solution to the troubling issues in the academic world, or a substitute for a seasoned, creative, human teacher who knows each student by name, personality and learning needs.