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Traditional Learning vs. Online Learning
We have already mentioned some of the differences that you will encounter in
an online class. The chart below identifies some additional differences that you
will experience.
Characteristic Traditional Learning
Online Learning
Class schedule
Students sign up for a
scheduled course and
attend the course at that
time.
Students participate in the class discussions
and upload assignments according to an
established timeline.
Class materials
Students purchase
textbooks and
workbooks. The teacher
may supplement the
class with handouts.
Students access e-books and other learning
resources that are embedded in the online
class or accessed through Publisher’s
websites.
Class structure
The teacher typically
lectures while the
students take notes.
Students watch, listen to, or read the course
content.
Asking
questions
Students raise their hands
to ask questions.
Students post or email questions to faculty.
Obtaining
feedback
Faculty meet with
students in-person or write
feedback on
assignments.
Faculty schedule a call or a skype meeting to
talk with students, or post feedback in the
gradebook.
Interacting
with peers
Students call, text, or
meet up with peers
before, during, or after
class.
Students call, text, or email peers. Group
communication can take place in the class
portal.
Faculty’s role
The teacher is the primary
source of information.
The teacher facilitates the class learning and
guides the students to the information.
Student
motivation
The student is motivated
by the instructor, peers,
and environment.
Student is motivated by learning new things
and by directing his or her own discovery of
knowledge.
Section 7 – Becoming An Effective Online Student
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