EN102 Article 2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

EN102 2 - Article Example and learning, and others expressing concerns about possible problems in the quality of learning that students gain, and possible workload, administration and training pressures on faculty staff. The fundamental issue that the authors explore is whether learning online is better or worse for students than learning in a traditional face-to-face classroom situation. In order to find the answer to this question the authors devised a study in which student learning strategies and achievement in each of these two contexts are compared. The purpose of the article, then, is a straightforward comparison of online and face-to-face learning and it appears to prove that these two modes are equivalent in their outcomes. Before launching into their own fieldwork, the authors briefly summarize some of the large amount of literature that has been written on this field already. An important meta-analyisis by Bernard et al. (2004) is quoted, highlighting the fact that in some 200 studies on distance learning, which includes some online learning, the results were â€Å"mixed at best.† (Dell, Low and Wilker, 2010, p. 31) The authors note that Bernard’s review ends with a call for further research, and with a preliminary finding that variables like methodology and pedagogy are more important than media (i.e. combinations of online or standard teaching or books) in predicting achievement. The authors cite further studies which suggest online learning is no less effective and perhaps slightly more effective than traditional learning, but again with an emphasis on pedagogical variables such as 1) use of problem based learning strategies, 2) opportunity for mediated communication with the instruc tor, 3) course and content provided before class starting and 4) the use of video, and many more not mentioned fully. Course design, rather than delivery method, appears to be a critical factor in the literature, and it is suggested that, the design of some of the research done in this field