Blog Post 5, EDCI 339

Main Inquiry Question: How do students learn best, should they choose their own learning methods/ styles?

Supporting question: Although research shows that in person and online learning are both generally equally effective, should one of the learning methods be completely eliminated? 

My Learning: Online learning has created a new realm of possibilities for students. It has allowed for students all over the world with all different education levels to have the opportunity to pursue higher education. This is because it is far more accessible and helps break down barriers that traditional in person school may have (Alston, 2024). Online learning cuts down on students’ costs, is accessible anywhere in the world and allows for students to work their everyday lives around it. These are all benefits and motivators as to why a student would pick to pursue an online education.

In person learning may bring up challenges and consequences such as students not being able to attend regular classes, materials being too expensive and not being within an accessible distance. These will all deteriorate the student from getting a proper education as they will see school as an impossible task. Although these cases may not be an issue for many privileged students it will still affect those in less fortunate situations. 

Privileged students will still see consequences to only having in person learning opportunities. Such as being sick, having important events come up, not having opportunities to self pace their learning. Missing lessons and having no way to access this information will put the student at a disadvantage. They won’t be able to do as well on tests and projects and as a result their grades will fall. Therefore, there are disadvantages for all students to only being provided with the opportunity to learn in person. 

Reflection: In conclusion, online learning outweighs the benefits compared to in person learning. Online learning has been introduced in recent years as the world has dealt with various global issues such as COVID-19. Although COVID-19 has been resolved we have seen online learning stick around. This is because online learning has proved itself as a strong tool with many values and opportunities. As technology continues to get stronger we will see a larger uprise in opportunities for students to participate in online learning.

References: Alston, P. (2024, October 2). Rethinking Education: The Revolutionary Impact of Online Learning. ECIS. https://ecis.org/revolutionary-impact-of-online-learning/

Baum, S., McPherson, M. (2019, October 1). The Human Factor: The Promise & Limits of Online Education. MIT Press Direct. https://direct.mit.edu/daed/article/148/4/235/27283/The-Human-Factor-The-Promise-amp-Limits-of-Online

Najjar, N., Rouphael, M., Bitar, T., Hleihel, W., (2025, February 18). The rise and drop of online learning: adaptability and future prospects. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1522905/full

Yu, J., Hu, Z. (2016, September 2). Is Online learning the future of education? WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2016/09/is-online-learning-the-future-of-education/