Blending the Best of Traditional and Virtual Learning
In these days of soaring e-learning popularity, there are
still die-hard traditionalists that swear by good old-fashioned
classroom book learning. They argue that traditional classroom
learning promotes an invaluable social experience, where students
learn to problem solve through face-to-face collaboration. Yet
proponents for virtual education swear by the convenience and
effectiveness of self-paced learning via computer and the Internet.
So, which is the better method: traditional or virtual learning? Simply
put, both methods have their benefits and disadvantages:
Traditional Learning
Advantages
- Often appeals to visual and audio-oriented learners who glean
information from more subtle cues such as the instructor’s
body language or voice inflection.
- Provides in-person, social interaction including teamwork,
classroom discussion, and peer feedback.
- Creates a more personal learning experience for some students.
- Requires less self-discipline and more external motivation
from the instructor.
- Is proven-effective, i.e., has stood the test of time.
Disadvantages
- The instructor takes most of the action, while the student
is usually on the receiving end, passively watching or listening.
- Primarily limited to oral delivery of content, as opposed
to hands-on learning opportunities.
Virtual Learning
Advantages
- Virtual learning involves engaging and memorable “learning
through doing” that leads to real-word skill development
with practical applications in work and personal life. Video
Professor’s computer training lessons are specially design
to take you through lessons step by step, with the advantage
of visual, auditory, and best of all interactive, demonstrations.
- Lessons such as those offered by Video Professor utilize
technology to incorporate a variety of learning approaches including:
audio, visual, and hands-on learning.
- Virtual learning is customized to the student’s pace.
It can be conveniently paused and resumed at any given time,
providing a flexible learning schedule that accommodates professional
and personal obligations.
- Offers educational opportunities that would not otherwise
be possible to students living in remote locations.
- Materials are organized, easy to access, and require no physical
storage space.
Disadvantages
- Is not for every student. Requires a greater degree of self-discipline
and time management skills, since virtual students are usually
juggling other priorities. Video Professor helps you over this
pitfall by featuring the warm yet commanding guidance of its
CEO, John Scherer. John’s voice guides you through visual
demonstrations of real software screen captures, allowing you
plenty of opportunities to practice at your own pace.
- Requires some basic computer and software proficiency, even
if your studies are in another subject. Fortunately, Video Professor
offers computer training lessons that will help you gain the
preliminary skills you need to operate a computer, use various
operating systems and software programs, and even go on to master
more advanced tasks at your own pace.
Given the benefits and disadvantages of each learning method—traditional
or virtual—it only makes sense that a combination of the
two would provide the most thorough and effective education for
learners of all types and preferences. Knowing this, Video Professor
created a blended learning experience with computer training
lessons that incorporate the best traits of traditional and virtual
learning, while overriding the shortcomings of both.
Sources:
http://www.uwm.edu/~djmathis/traditionalvsonline.html
http://www.actmedia.org/act_center/documents/comparing.shtml
http://www.wozofcleveland.com/docs/virtual_student_center.htm
http://www.ou.edu/cls/success.htm
http://www.lern.org/draves/works/learning_online.htm
http://www.grayharriman.com/blended_learning.htm