essay questions about distance learning

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How to Nurture a Sense of Belonging for Students With Disabilities

Prioritizing the inclusion of students with disabilities into all aspects of the school community ensures a welcoming learning environment.

School is a place where everyone should feel that they belong. However, for students with disabilities, this has not always been the case—the education system has a long history of exclusion and segregation when it comes to these students. It wasn’t that long ago that there was no expectation that children with disabilities should or could attend public schools, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act changed that by mandating that children with disabilities are entitled to a free appropriate public education alongside their peers with and without disabilities in the general education setting or least restrictive environment to the greatest extent possible. This is often easier said than done.

Moving From Exclusion Toward Inclusion

Children with disabilities have been brought into the public school setting amid their same-age peers without disabilities. However, the lives of students with and without disabilities still rarely intersect. In the absence of shared activities, strong social connections are unlikely to form. Integration falls short of fostering true belonging for students with disabilities within their school communities.

While situations have greatly improved, it has been a long journey from exclusion to segregation to integration to inclusion. The journey won’t be complete until we all embrace the next step, a sense of belonging. Belonging comes when each person in the school community feels valued and accepted by their peers and teachers. It is when everyone strives to create connections among students that reciprocal relationships can form and all parties can feel like true members of their school.

Simple Ways to Promote a Sense of Belonging

So how can this be accomplished? As Cheryl M. Jorgensen, Michael McSheehan, and Rae M. Sonnenmeir have written, school community members must go beyond simply allowing students with disabilities to be present in all school activities . They need to take an active role in promoting an atmosphere of belonging. Some can easily be integrated into daily classroom routines. 

Consider the following six options to support a sense of belonging:

• During class discussions, regularly ask students with and without disabilities to share stories of when they felt welcomed by others. Students can learn from each other’s experiences.
• Engineer occasions for students with and without disabilities to collaborate on projects and assignments that offer both independent and group accountability so that students can learn to value every group member.
• Consider how peers can provide natural support to one another. Often adults are assigned to help and support children with disabilities. This can be marginalizing and exclusive. Encourage peers to support their classmates as friends and colleagues, not as helpers.
• Combine “ universal supports ” (those that benefit everyone) and “individualized supports” (those that an individual student might need) to make it more viable to meet the educational needs of all the students, such as visual schedules, timers, and flexible seating options.
• Integrate student choice, goal setting, and preferences into lessons and other class activities every day, such as offering flexible seating during independent work or options for self-assessment like rubrics and checklists for class and homework assignments.
• Make sure that students with disabilities are considered for schoolwide recognition, awards, and accolades available to any student.

When students with and without disabilities have plenty of well-supported opportunities to spend time together within and beyond the classroom, many preconceived notions or misconceptions about people with disabilities can be turned around simply through the experience of sharing space. Sometimes, though, it may take a bit more planning and collaboration. 

Know Your Students and Build Community 

Researcher Eric W. Carter advocates for expanding dimensions of belonging for students with disabilities . One way this can be done is by having teachers work together to create student profiles for all learners that emphasize student strengths. This ensures that everyone knows the positive qualities of students with (and without) disabilities. Ask parents, other teachers, and other students about students’ interests, preferences, desires, likes, dislikes, abilities, and talents. 

Teachers can then use this information to group students for projects, assignments, or other social activities. For instance, rather than randomly grouping students, assign them to groups by a common like or dislike, favorite food, or least favorite school subject. This allows students to connect socially before taking on the assigned task. People tend to collaborate more effectively when they share a connection.

Design the School Environment to Meet Students’ Needs

According to research, creating a true culture of belonging needs to extend beyond the classroom and permeate the entire school environment . Schoolwide efforts might include conducting a walk-through of your school buildings and surrounding areas to identify any physical or environmental barriers that could prevent students with disabilities from accessing the location and the people within it.

Pay attention to how people at your school talk about students with disabilities. Do they emphasize the disability labels over the students? (For example, do they use phrases like “IEP [individualized education program] students” or “special ed students”?) Do they equate disability with deficit? Do their words and actions communicate acceptance and belonging, or do they tend more toward exclusion, discomfort, or intolerance?

Gently and respectfully interrupt these connotations each time you encounter them. Educate people voicing them, rather than scolding. When you hear “IEP students,” respond with “students with disabilities.” If you hear someone describing what a student cannot do, remind them of all the things the student can do.

It’s also helpful to plan schoolwide events and activities aligned with national awareness days and months: Developmental Disabilities (March), Down Syndrome (March 21 and October), Cerebral Palsy (March), Autism (April), Disability Pride Month (July), the UN International Day of Persons With Disabilities (December 3), and Inclusive Schools (December). 

With our long history of exclusion and segregation of students with disabilities in education, shifting to a sense of belonging may feel like a big leap. We have come a long way, but we have a bit further to go.

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128 Distance Education Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Distance education, also known as online learning, has become increasingly popular in recent years. With the advancement of technology, more and more students are opting for online courses to earn their degrees or further their education. However, coming up with essay topics for distance education can sometimes be challenging. To help you out, here are 128 distance education essay topic ideas and examples:

• The benefits of distance education for working professionals
• The impact of online learning on traditional education
• The role of technology in distance education
• The challenges of online learning for students with disabilities
• The future of distance education in a post-pandemic world
• The effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional classrooms
• The importance of student engagement in online courses
• The role of social media in online education
• The advantages and disadvantages of online learning
• The best practices for online course design
• The impact of online learning on student motivation
• The role of online tutoring in distance education
• The benefits of virtual reality in online education
• The challenges of online group projects
• The impact of online learning on student retention rates
• The importance of time management in online courses
• The role of self-directed learning in online education
• The impact of online learning on student satisfaction
• The benefits of online education for students in rural areas
• The challenges of online assessments in distance education
• The impact of online education on student collaboration
• The role of online discussion forums in distance education
• The benefits of online education for adult learners
• The challenges of online exams in distance education
• The impact of online education on student success rates
• The role of online simulations in distance education
• The benefits of online education for students with learning disabilities
• The challenges of online peer feedback in distance education
• The impact of online education on student engagement
• The role of online proctoring in distance education
• The benefits of online education for non-traditional students
• The challenges of online plagiarism in distance education
• The impact of online education on student achievement
• The role of online libraries in distance education
• The benefits of online education for students in developing countries
• The challenges of online cheating in distance education
• The impact of online education on student learning outcomes
• The benefits of online education for students with limited access to traditional classrooms
• The challenges of online discussions in distance education
• The impact of online education on student retention rates
• The role of online learning communities in distance education
• The benefits of online education for students with social anxiety
• The impact of online education on student motivation
• The role of online labs in distance education
• The benefits of online education for students with physical disabilities
• The impact of online education on student satisfaction
• The benefits of online education for students with mental health issues
• The challenges of online proctoring in distance education
• The challenges of online

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Distance Learning: Advantages and Disadvantages

Introduction, the essence of distance learning, advantages and disadvantages of distance learning, works cited.

Computer and information technologies have significantly affected all spheres of human life. These technologies have also changed the field of education, since the improvement and development of this direction is one of the main mechanisms that make up the public life of the United States. Thus, a new form of distance learning has appeared in modern human life, which, along with the traditional form, has taken an important place in our society. This kind of training allows not only to study but also to improve the qualification level of its users.

The research paper offered to the reader is devoted to the concept of distance learning, as well as its advantages and disadvantages. The question of the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning has been in the focus of research attention especially against the background of a general quarantine, which justifies the actuality of this topic. To facilitate the preparation of this final project, the author formulates the problem in several forms of proposals, namely:

• Analysis of the phenomenon of distance learning.
• Analysis of the pros and cons of distance learning.

This study focuses on analyzing the pros and cons of distance learning, as well as predicting its further application. The results of this study are of practical use, because they will be of interest to students and teachers who are choosing whether to switch to remote learning.

Sawsan Abuhammad, the Assistant Professor in Jordan University of Science and Technology, in his article “Barriers to distance learning during the COVID-19 outbreak: A qualitative review from parents’ perspective” (2020) states the following. The author claims that many parents have faced serious problems in the process of distance learning of their children. The author believes that the barriers that arose among the parents were of a personal, financial and technical nature. The author also states that these barriers need to be eliminated with the help of some changes, including through communication with other parents and students.

The author used the social network Facebook to recognize local groups, as well as keywords including distance learning, parents and Jordan. The author used a general qualitative method and analyzed all the messages and posts of parents related to this topic. This article was written by the author in order to describe and clarify the ideas of parents about the obstacles to distance learning during the coronavirus crisis (Abuhammad). The main audience of this article is parents, as well as persons representing the government and making decisions regarding distance learning. Thus, in the process of distance learning, many parents have various barriers that need to be overcome. We intend to use this source to demonstrate the problems and difficulties of distance learning.

Živko Bojović, Petar D. Bojović, Dušan Vujošević and Jelena Šuh, in their article “Education in times of crisis: Rapid transition to distance learning” (2020), state the following. They claim that the pandemic crisis has a negative effect on the standard of living and education. The authors believe that violation can pose a serious threat, and therefore a working model is needed that will allow switching from the traditional form of training to distance learning quickly and painlessly. The authors also argue that distance learning is acceptable on a long-term basis, if it is implemented correctly.

The authors of this article used a modeling method that allowed them to determine organizational and technical solutions for maintaining the quality of teaching. In addition, the authors used the method of comparative analysis of the survey data of students and teachers. The article was written by the authors in order to facilitate the transition from traditional learning to distance learning against the background of the pandemic and quarantine (Bojović et al.). The model developed by them has many advantages and thoughtful solutions. The main audience of this article is teachers and other representatives of educational institutions who face the difficult task of implementing distance learning. We intend to use this article to better understand the essence of distance learning, as well as its advantages.

Tim Surma and Paul A. Kirschner in their article, “Technology enhanced distance learning should not forget how learning happens” (2020), state the following. They believe that the traditional type of learning is under threat due to the accelerated process of adapting the traditional learning process to a new, remote one. They argue that modern technologies are both a danger and a chance for education to reach a completely new level.

The authors of this article used the methods of surveys and interviews to find out the attitude of students and teachers to the new form of education, and to track the progress in learning. This article was written by the authors in order to provide the importance of clear guidelines and optimal use of distance learning technologies (Surma and Kirschner). Moreover, the authors identified important principles that will help students get used to a new form of education, for example, feedback and an individual approach. The main audiences of this article are students, parents and teachers who will be interested in this information for the successful implementation of distance learning. We intend to use this article to understand the possible future prospects of the distance learning method.

John Traxler, the Professor of Digital Learning in the Institute of Education at the University of Wolverhampton, in his article, “Distance Learning—Predictions and Possibilities” (2018), states the following. The author claims that the definition of distance learning is not clear, but vague and changeable. The author considers the process of distance learning in a global context and studies the issue of adaptation and implementation of distance learning. The author believes that people should be ready for global changes, be open and aware, since changes are inevitable.

The author of this article uses observation and comparison methods that allow determining the essence of distance learning, the danger of pressure on educational institutions, as well as the importance of innovations in education. This article was written by the author in order to create a complete understanding of the phenomenon of distance education in a global context (Traxler). In addition, this article demonstrates the difficulties of distance learning application in conditions of ignorance or isolation. The main audience of this article is teachers, students and parents who want to get acquainted in more detail with the concept of distance learning in a global context. We intend to use this article to learn more about what distance learning is, as well as its goals and objectives.

The main benefit of distance learning is that it allows a person to study anywhere, but requires a computer and the Internet. The material is easily accessible and easy to handle and structure, and it also has all the necessary features that students of higher educational institutions need. In addition, the student is free to build their own individual training schedule, depending on their free time and desire to study (Lassoued et al.). The difference between classical distance learning and its more advanced form is small – the lack of personal communication between students and teachers (Bojović et al.). In this paper, the pros and cons of distance learning will be considered, but first it is required to understand the very essence of distance learning.

In the process of remote learning, students and teachers are at a significant spatial and temporal distance from each other. Teachers use a variety of computer technologies to make the process of remote learning as interesting and useful for students as possible (Schneider and Council). Distance type of education has an important goal-to expand opportunities and provide new services for those people who want to acquire new skills or change their profession. There are six main forms of distance learning, which are the most common.

• external education;
• university education;
• training that involves the cooperation of several educational institutions;
• creation of specialized institutions where distance classes are held;
• autonomous learning systems;
• special multimedia courses that differ in a certain informal component.

At the same time, different technologies are combined: pedagogical, informational, and often andragogic. There is a British synchronous model of distance learning and an American asynchronous one. Distance education is a new, specific form of education, somewhat different from the usual forms of full-time or distance learning (Dietrich et al.). As for the present, the real contingent of potential students can include those who are often on business trips, military personnel, women on maternity leave, and people with physical disabilities. In addition, this category consists of those who want to get additional education with a lack of time. Distance learning has several key characteristics that are important to consider when analyzing this type of learning.

• flexible and convenient schedule of classes;
• modularity;
• mass character;
• active mutual communication and a variety of communication tools;
• the totality of knowledge and orientation to the independence of students, to the motivation of learning.

Indeed, the effectiveness of distance learning directly depends on those teachers who work with students on the Internet. Such teachers should be psychologically ready to work with students in a new educational and cognitive network environment. Another problem is the infrastructure of student information support in networks. The question of what the structure and composition of the educational material should be remains open. Also, the question is raised about the conditions of access to distance learning courses.

Analyzing the components of distance learning related to the educational institution, they can determine the structure of the network system. It should include educational material submitted in the form of programs, tasks, control and graduation papers, and scientific and practical assistance (Costa et al.). The student should be provided with fundamental printed textbooks, teaching aids, and hypertext multimedia programs (Arthur-Nyarko et al.). Additional materials may include lectures prepared by teachers on disciplines that can be transmitted via the network. In addition, distance learning provides communication in various modes, teacher advice on implementing term papers, theses, or other final work.

The essential component of distance learning is the ability to consider situations that are close to reality. In addition, important elements are creating conditions for the self-realization of students, the disclosure of their potential, the systematic learning process, the individuality of the approach (Bojović et al.). This component is the basis of academic and cognitive activity and affects the quality of distance learning.

Electronic versions of textbooks, which became the basis for the creation of distance courses and traditional books, do not solve the problems of independent activity in obtaining knowledge. These software products only create a virtual learning environment in which distance learning is carried out. Here there are psychological problems, such as inexperience, lack of self-education skills, poor volitional self-regulation, the influence of group attitudes, etc. When developing distance learning programs, it is crucial to carefully plan classes, including each of them with the setting of learning goals and objectives.

If interpersonal communication between students and the teacher is ineffective, there is a possibility of a communication barrier. If this happens, the information is delivered in a distorted form, which leads to the fact that there is a threat of the cognitive barrier growing into a relationship barrier. The barrier of relations turns into a feeling of distrust and hostility towards information and its source.

There are also many disadvantages in distance learning that should be listed and that cannot be ignored. It is worth starting with technical and methodological problems, including ignoring the psychological laws of perception and assimilation of information using multimedia tools of different modalities. There are also methodological problems, including the complexity of developing electronic versions of traditional educational materials, primarily textbooks and practical manuals.

Many students and experts believe that distance learning has many indisputable and obvious advantages.

• A student studying remotely independently plans their schedule and decides how much time to devote to studying.
• The opportunity to study anywhere. Students studying remotely are not tied to a place or time, as they only need an Internet connection.
• Study on the job from the main activity. Distance learning allows to work or study at several courses at the same time to get additional education.
• High learning outcomes. Remote students study the necessary material independently, which allows them to better memorize and assimilate knowledge.
• Distance learning is much cheaper, since it does not require expenses for accommodation and travel, as well as for a foreign passport if the university is located abroad.
• Remote education provides a calm environment, as exams and communication with teachers are held online, which allows students to avoid anxiety.
• Teachers who conduct remote classes have the opportunity to do additional things, cover a larger number of students, as well as teach while, for example, on maternity leave.
• Remote learning allows teachers to use a more individual approach to their students, as well as to devote a sufficient amount of time to all students.

Experiments have confirmed that the quality and structure of training courses, as well as the quality of teaching in distance learning is often much better than in traditional forms of education. New electronic technologies can not only ensure the active involvement of students in the educational process, but also allow them to manage this process, unlike most traditional educational environments (Arthur-Nyarko et al.). The interactive capabilities of the programs and information delivery systems used in the distance learning system make it possible to establish and even stimulate feedback. Despite the predominant number of advantages of distance education, this system is not perfect. During the implementation of e-learning programs, the following problems of distance education were identified.

• Remote learning requires strong concentration and motivation. Almost all the educational material is mastered by a remote student independently. Remote classes require students to have perseverance and developed patience.
• In the process of distance learning, it is difficult to develop interpersonal communication skills, since contact with teachers and other students is minimal.
• In the process of distance learning, it is quite difficult to acquire practical skills, thus, specialties that require practical skills suffer.
• The problem of user identification. It is difficult to track whether a student wrote their exam honestly, since the only way to check this is video surveillance, which is not always possible.
• Insufficient computer literacy. In every country there are remote areas where there is no direct access to the Internet. Moreover, often the residents of such areas do not have any desire to learn, so it is necessary to spread computer literacy.

It is required to start by creating special Internet conferences and forums in schools that would guarantee the relative “live” communication of groups of students to deal with disadvantages (Chen et al.). It is also necessary to cooperate with traditional and distance learning, cooperation between teachers and students using a broad terminological and methodological base of psychology and pedagogy (Abuhammad). Despite all these problems, distance learning is very much appreciated by psychologists and teachers (Traxler). Nevertheless, the complete replacement of traditional education systems with similar ones-distance ones still causes some caution. One thing is indisputable – remotely studying students are more adapted to external conditions, are responsible and active, and therefore more successful in the modern business world.

Speaking about the distance form of education, it is necessary to talk about the creation of a single information and educational space. When it comes to distance learning, it is necessary to understand the presence of a teacher, a textbook and a student in the system, as well as the interaction of a teacher and students. It follows from this that the main thing in the organization of distance learning is the creation of electronic courses, the development of didactic foundations of distance learning, and the training of teachers-coordinators. It is not necessary to identify the distance form with the correspondence form of education, because it provides for constant contact with the teacher and imitation of all types of full-time training.

The dynamism of economic and socio-cultural processes in society causes changes in the field of education. Since the features of distance education are simply not acceptable for many students. Based on psychology and the methodology of independent learning, distance learning has some advantages and disadvantages. Summing up, we can unequivocally answer that distance education has a future. However, much depends on how quickly the problems of eliminating information illiteracy, technical equipment and improving the quality of e-education will be resolved. These factors arise during the implementation of remote scientific programs and projects. So, the factors and examples given above show the need to create and expand distance learning in the United States.

Abuhammad, Sawsan. “ Barriers to distance learning during the COVID-19 outbreak: A qualitative review from parents’ perspective. ” Heliyon (2020): e05482. Web.

Arthur-Nyarko, Emmanuel, Douglas Darko Agyei, and Justice Kofi Armah. “Digitizing distance learning materials: Measuring students’ readiness and intended challenges.” Education and Information Technologies (2020): 1-16. Web.

Bojović, Živko, et al. “Education in times of crisis: Rapid transition to distance learning.” Computer Applications in Engineering Education 28.6 (2020): 1467-1489.

Chen, Emily, Kristie Kaczmarek, and Hiroe Ohyama. “Student perceptions of distance learning strategies during COVID‐19.” Journal of dental education (2020). Web.

Costa, Roberto D., et al. “The theory of learning styles applied to distance learning.” Cognitive Systems Research 64 (2020): 134-145. Web.

Dietrich, Nicolas, et al. “Attempts, successes, and failures of distance learning in the time of COVID-19.” Journal of Chemical Education 97.9 (2020): 2448-2457. Web.

Lassoued, Zohra, Mohammed Alhendawi, and Raed Bashitialshaaer. “ An exploratory study of the obstacles for achieving quality in distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. ” Education Sciences 10.9 (2020): 232. Web.

Schneider, Samantha L., and Martha Laurin Council. “Distance learning in the era of COVID-19.” Archives of dermatological research 313.5 (2021): 389-390. Web.

Surma, Tim, and Paul A. Kirschner. “Technology enhanced distance learning should not forget how learning happens.” Computers in human behavior 110 (2020): 106390. Web.

Traxler, John. “ Distance learning—Predictions and possibilities. ” Education Sciences 8.1 (2018): 35. Web.

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StudyCorgi. (2022, November 12). Distance Learning: Advantages and Disadvantages. https://studycorgi.com/distance-learning-advantages-and-disadvantages/

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Online Classes Vs. Traditional Classes Essay

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Online Vs. In-Person Classes Essay – Introduction

Online and traditional classes differences, works cited.

The article compares and contrasts online classes and traditional classes. Among the advantages of online classes are flexibility and convenience, while in-person classes offer a more structured learning environment. The author highlights that online lessons can be more cost-effective, although they lack support provided by live interactions. Overall, the online vs. traditional classes essay is very relevant today, and the choice depends on the individual student’s needs and preferences.

Modern technology has infiltrated the education sector and as a result, many college students now prefer taking online classes, as opposed to attending the traditional regular classes. This is because online classes are convenient for such students, and more so for those who have to both work and attend classes.

As such, online learning gives them the flexibility that they needed. In addition, online learning also gives an opportunity to students and professionals who would not have otherwise gone back to school to get the necessary qualifications. However, students who have enrolled for online learning do not benefit from the one-on-one interaction with their peers and teachers. The essay shall endeavor to examine the differences between online classes and the traditional classes, with a preference for the later.

Online classes mainly take place through the internet. As such, online classes lack the regular student teacher interaction that is common with traditional learning. On the other hand, learning in traditional classes involves direct interaction between the student and the instructors (Donovan, Mader and Shinsky 286).

This is beneficial to both the leaner and the instructors because both can be bale to establish a bond. In addition, student attending the traditional classroom often have to adhere to strict guidelines that have been established by the learning institution. As such, students have to adhere to the established time schedules. On the other hand, students attending online classes can learn at their own time and pace.

One advantage of the traditional classes over online classes is that students who are not disciplined enough may not be able to sail through successfully because there is nobody to push them around. With traditional classes however, there are rules to put them in check. As such, students attending traditional classes are more likely to be committed to their education (Donovan et al 286).

Another advantage of the traditional classes is all the doubts that students might be having regarding a given course content can be cleared by the instructor on the spot, unlike online learning whereby such explanations might not be as coherent as the student would have wished.

With the traditional classes, students are rarely provided with the course materials by their instructors, and they are therefore expected to take their own notes. This is important because they are likely to preserve such note and use them later on in their studies. In contrast, online students are provided with course materials in the form of video or audio texts (Sorenson and Johnson 116).

They can also download such course materials online. Such learning materials can be deleted or lost easily compared with handwritten class notes, and this is a risk. Although the basic requirements for a student attending online classes are comparatively les in comparison to students attending traditional classes, nonetheless, it is important to note that online students are also expected to be internet savvy because all learning takes place online.

This would be a disadvantage for the regular student; only that internet savvy is not a requirement. Students undertaking online learning are likely to be withdrawn because they hardly interact one-on-one with their fellow online students or even their instructors. The only form of interaction is online. As such, it becomes hard for them to develop a special bond with other students and instructors. With traditional learning however, students have the freedom to interact freely and this helps to strengthen their existing bond.

Online learning is convenient and has less basic requirements compared with traditional learning. It also allows learners who would have ordinarily not gone back to school to access an education. However, online students do not benefit from a close interaction with their peers and instructors as do their regular counterparts. Also, regular students can engage their instructors more easily and relatively faster in case they want to have certain sections of the course explained, unlike online students.

Donovan, Judy, Mader, Cynthia and Shinsky, John. Constructive student feedback: Online vs. traditional course evaluations. Journal of Interactive Online Learning , 5.3(2006): 284-292.

Sorenson, Lynn, and Johnson, Trav. Online Student Ratings of Instructions . San Francisco: Jossey Bass, 2003. Print.

• Distance Learning Foundational Concepts
• Learning Styles in Asian International Students
• Educator Ethics: The Case Study
• Managerial and Public Attitudes Toward Ethics in Marketing Research
• The Value of In-Person Human Interaction
• Principles Application in E-Learning
• Cambourne’s Conditions of Learning
• Concept of Transformative Learning in Modern Education
• Podcasts as an Education Tool
• Wikis as an Educational Tool
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IvyPanda. (2019, April 25). Online Classes Vs. Traditional Classes Essay. https://ivypanda.com/essays/online-classes-vs-traditional-classes-essay/

"Online Classes Vs. Traditional Classes Essay." IvyPanda , 25 Apr. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/online-classes-vs-traditional-classes-essay/.

IvyPanda . (2019) 'Online Classes Vs. Traditional Classes Essay'. 25 April.

IvyPanda . 2019. "Online Classes Vs. Traditional Classes Essay." April 25, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/online-classes-vs-traditional-classes-essay/.

1. IvyPanda . "Online Classes Vs. Traditional Classes Essay." April 25, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/online-classes-vs-traditional-classes-essay/.

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IvyPanda . "Online Classes Vs. Traditional Classes Essay." April 25, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/online-classes-vs-traditional-classes-essay/.

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The effects of online education on academic success: A meta-analysis study

• Published: 06 September 2021
• Volume 27 , pages 429–450, ( 2022 )

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• Hakan Ulum   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-1398-6935 1  

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The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of online education, which has been extensively used on student achievement since the beginning of the pandemic. In line with this purpose, a meta-analysis of the related studies focusing on the effect of online education on students’ academic achievement in several countries between the years 2010 and 2021 was carried out. Furthermore, this study will provide a source to assist future studies with comparing the effect of online education on academic achievement before and after the pandemic. This meta-analysis study consists of 27 studies in total. The meta-analysis involves the studies conducted in the USA, Taiwan, Turkey, China, Philippines, Ireland, and Georgia. The studies included in the meta-analysis are experimental studies, and the total sample size is 1772. In the study, the funnel plot, Duval and Tweedie’s Trip and Fill Analysis, Orwin’s Safe N Analysis, and Egger’s Regression Test were utilized to determine the publication bias, which has been found to be quite low. Besides, Hedge’s g statistic was employed to measure the effect size for the difference between the means performed in accordance with the random effects model. The results of the study show that the effect size of online education on academic achievement is on a medium level. The heterogeneity test results of the meta-analysis study display that the effect size does not differ in terms of class level, country, online education approaches, and lecture moderators.

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1 Introduction

Information and communication technologies have become a powerful force in transforming the educational settings around the world. The pandemic has been an important factor in transferring traditional physical classrooms settings through adopting information and communication technologies and has also accelerated the transformation. The literature supports that learning environments connected to information and communication technologies highly satisfy students. Therefore, we need to keep interest in technology-based learning environments. Clearly, technology has had a huge impact on young people's online lives. This digital revolution can synergize the educational ambitions and interests of digitally addicted students. In essence, COVID-19 has provided us with an opportunity to embrace online learning as education systems have to keep up with the rapid emergence of new technologies.

Information and communication technologies that have an effect on all spheres of life are also actively included in the education field. With the recent developments, using technology in education has become inevitable due to personal and social reasons (Usta, 2011a ). Online education may be given as an example of using information and communication technologies as a consequence of the technological developments. Also, it is crystal clear that online learning is a popular way of obtaining instruction (Demiralay et al., 2016 ; Pillay et al., 2007 ), which is defined by Horton ( 2000 ) as a way of education that is performed through a web browser or an online application without requiring an extra software or a learning source. Furthermore, online learning is described as a way of utilizing the internet to obtain the related learning sources during the learning process, to interact with the content, the teacher, and other learners, as well as to get support throughout the learning process (Ally, 2004 ). Online learning has such benefits as learning independently at any time and place (Vrasidas & MsIsaac, 2000 ), granting facility (Poole, 2000 ), flexibility (Chizmar & Walbert, 1999 ), self-regulation skills (Usta, 2011b ), learning with collaboration, and opportunity to plan self-learning process.

Even though online education practices have not been comprehensive as it is now, internet and computers have been used in education as alternative learning tools in correlation with the advances in technology. The first distance education attempt in the world was initiated by the ‘Steno Courses’ announcement published in Boston newspaper in 1728. Furthermore, in the nineteenth century, Sweden University started the “Correspondence Composition Courses” for women, and University Correspondence College was afterwards founded for the correspondence courses in 1843 (Arat & Bakan, 2011 ). Recently, distance education has been performed through computers, assisted by the facilities of the internet technologies, and soon, it has evolved into a mobile education practice that is emanating from progress in the speed of internet connection, and the development of mobile devices.

With the emergence of pandemic (Covid-19), face to face education has almost been put to a halt, and online education has gained significant importance. The Microsoft management team declared to have 750 users involved in the online education activities on the 10 th March, just before the pandemic; however, on March 24, they informed that the number of users increased significantly, reaching the number of 138,698 users (OECD, 2020 ). This event supports the view that it is better to commonly use online education rather than using it as a traditional alternative educational tool when students do not have the opportunity to have a face to face education (Geostat, 2019 ). The period of Covid-19 pandemic has emerged as a sudden state of having limited opportunities. Face to face education has stopped in this period for a long time. The global spread of Covid-19 affected more than 850 million students all around the world, and it caused the suspension of face to face education. Different countries have proposed several solutions in order to maintain the education process during the pandemic. Schools have had to change their curriculum, and many countries supported the online education practices soon after the pandemic. In other words, traditional education gave its way to online education practices. At least 96 countries have been motivated to access online libraries, TV broadcasts, instructions, sources, video lectures, and online channels (UNESCO, 2020 ). In such a painful period, educational institutions went through online education practices by the help of huge companies such as Microsoft, Google, Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, and Slack. Thus, online education has been discussed in the education agenda more intensively than ever before.

Although online education approaches were not used as comprehensively as it has been used recently, it was utilized as an alternative learning approach in education for a long time in parallel with the development of technology, internet and computers. The academic achievement of the students is often aimed to be promoted by employing online education approaches. In this regard, academicians in various countries have conducted many studies on the evaluation of online education approaches and published the related results. However, the accumulation of scientific data on online education approaches creates difficulties in keeping, organizing and synthesizing the findings. In this research area, studies are being conducted at an increasing rate making it difficult for scientists to be aware of all the research outside of their ​​expertise. Another problem encountered in the related study area is that online education studies are repetitive. Studies often utilize slightly different methods, measures, and/or examples to avoid duplication. This erroneous approach makes it difficult to distinguish between significant differences in the related results. In other words, if there are significant differences in the results of the studies, it may be difficult to express what variety explains the differences in these results. One obvious solution to these problems is to systematically review the results of various studies and uncover the sources. One method of performing such systematic syntheses is the application of meta-analysis which is a methodological and statistical approach to draw conclusions from the literature. At this point, how effective online education applications are in increasing the academic success is an important detail. Has online education, which is likely to be encountered frequently in the continuing pandemic period, been successful in the last ten years? If successful, how much was the impact? Did different variables have an impact on this effect? Academics across the globe have carried out studies on the evaluation of online education platforms and publishing the related results (Chiao et al., 2018 ). It is quite important to evaluate the results of the studies that have been published up until now, and that will be published in the future. Has the online education been successful? If it has been, how big is the impact? Do the different variables affect this impact? What should we consider in the next coming online education practices? These questions have all motivated us to carry out this study. We have conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis study that tries to provide a discussion platform on how to develop efficient online programs for educators and policy makers by reviewing the related studies on online education, presenting the effect size, and revealing the effect of diverse variables on the general impact.

There have been many critical discussions and comprehensive studies on the differences between online and face to face learning; however, the focus of this paper is different in the sense that it clarifies the magnitude of the effect of online education and teaching process, and it represents what factors should be controlled to help increase the effect size. Indeed, the purpose here is to provide conscious decisions in the implementation of the online education process.

The general impact of online education on the academic achievement will be discovered in the study. Therefore, this will provide an opportunity to get a general overview of the online education which has been practiced and discussed intensively in the pandemic period. Moreover, the general impact of online education on academic achievement will be analyzed, considering different variables. In other words, the current study will allow to totally evaluate the study results from the related literature, and to analyze the results considering several cultures, lectures, and class levels. Considering all the related points, this study seeks to answer the following research questions:

What is the effect size of online education on academic achievement?

How do the effect sizes of online education on academic achievement change according to the moderator variable of the country?

How do the effect sizes of online education on academic achievement change according to the moderator variable of the class level?

How do the effect sizes of online education on academic achievement change according to the moderator variable of the lecture?

How do the effect sizes of online education on academic achievement change according to the moderator variable of the online education approaches?

This study aims at determining the effect size of online education, which has been highly used since the beginning of the pandemic, on students’ academic achievement in different courses by using a meta-analysis method. Meta-analysis is a synthesis method that enables gathering of several study results accurately and efficiently, and getting the total results in the end (Tsagris & Fragkos, 2018 ).

2.1 Selecting and coding the data (studies)

The required literature for the meta-analysis study was reviewed in July, 2020, and the follow-up review was conducted in September, 2020. The purpose of the follow-up review was to include the studies which were published in the conduction period of this study, and which met the related inclusion criteria. However, no study was encountered to be included in the follow-up review.

In order to access the studies in the meta-analysis, the databases of Web of Science, ERIC, and SCOPUS were reviewed by utilizing the keywords ‘online learning and online education’. Not every database has a search engine that grants access to the studies by writing the keywords, and this obstacle was considered to be an important problem to be overcome. Therefore, a platform that has a special design was utilized by the researcher. With this purpose, through the open access system of Cukurova University Library, detailed reviews were practiced using EBSCO Information Services (EBSCO) that allow reviewing the whole collection of research through a sole searching box. Since the fundamental variables of this study are online education and online learning, the literature was systematically reviewed in the related databases (Web of Science, ERIC, and SCOPUS) by referring to the keywords. Within this scope, 225 articles were accessed, and the studies were included in the coding key list formed by the researcher. The name of the researchers, the year, the database (Web of Science, ERIC, and SCOPUS), the sample group and size, the lectures that the academic achievement was tested in, the country that the study was conducted in, and the class levels were all included in this coding key.

The following criteria were identified to include 225 research studies which were coded based on the theoretical basis of the meta-analysis study: (1) The studies should be published in the refereed journals between the years 2020 and 2021, (2) The studies should be experimental studies that try to determine the effect of online education and online learning on academic achievement, (3) The values of the stated variables or the required statistics to calculate these values should be stated in the results of the studies, and (4) The sample group of the study should be at a primary education level. These criteria were also used as the exclusion criteria in the sense that the studies that do not meet the required criteria were not included in the present study.

After the inclusion criteria were determined, a systematic review process was conducted, following the year criterion of the study by means of EBSCO. Within this scope, 290,365 studies that analyze the effect of online education and online learning on academic achievement were accordingly accessed. The database (Web of Science, ERIC, and SCOPUS) was also used as a filter by analyzing the inclusion criteria. Hence, the number of the studies that were analyzed was 58,616. Afterwards, the keyword ‘primary education’ was used as the filter and the number of studies included in the study decreased to 3152. Lastly, the literature was reviewed by using the keyword ‘academic achievement’ and 225 studies were accessed. All the information of 225 articles was included in the coding key.

It is necessary for the coders to review the related studies accurately and control the validity, safety, and accuracy of the studies (Stewart & Kamins, 2001 ). Within this scope, the studies that were determined based on the variables used in this study were first reviewed by three researchers from primary education field, then the accessed studies were combined and processed in the coding key by the researcher. All these studies that were processed in the coding key were analyzed in accordance with the inclusion criteria by all the researchers in the meetings, and it was decided that 27 studies met the inclusion criteria (Atici & Polat, 2010 ; Carreon, 2018 ; Ceylan & Elitok Kesici, 2017 ; Chae & Shin, 2016 ; Chiang et al. 2014 ; Ercan, 2014 ; Ercan et al., 2016 ; Gwo-Jen et al., 2018 ; Hayes & Stewart, 2016 ; Hwang et al., 2012 ; Kert et al., 2017 ; Lai & Chen, 2010 ; Lai et al., 2015 ; Meyers et al., 2015 ; Ravenel et al., 2014 ; Sung et al., 2016 ; Wang & Chen, 2013 ; Yu, 2019 ; Yu & Chen, 2014 ; Yu & Pan, 2014 ; Yu et al., 2010 ; Zhong et al., 2017 ). The data from the studies meeting the inclusion criteria were independently processed in the second coding key by three researchers, and consensus meetings were arranged for further discussion. After the meetings, researchers came to an agreement that the data were coded accurately and precisely. Having identified the effect sizes and heterogeneity of the study, moderator variables that will show the differences between the effect sizes were determined. The data related to the determined moderator variables were added to the coding key by three researchers, and a new consensus meeting was arranged. After the meeting, researchers came to an agreement that moderator variables were coded accurately and precisely.

2.2 Study group

27 studies are included in the meta-analysis. The total sample size of the studies that are included in the analysis is 1772. The characteristics of the studies included are given in Table 1 .

2.3 Publication bias

Publication bias is the low capability of published studies on a research subject to represent all completed studies on the same subject (Card, 2011 ; Littell et al., 2008 ). Similarly, publication bias is the state of having a relationship between the probability of the publication of a study on a subject, and the effect size and significance that it produces. Within this scope, publication bias may occur when the researchers do not want to publish the study as a result of failing to obtain the expected results, or not being approved by the scientific journals, and consequently not being included in the study synthesis (Makowski et al., 2019 ). The high possibility of publication bias in a meta-analysis study negatively affects (Pecoraro, 2018 ) the accuracy of the combined effect size, causing the average effect size to be reported differently than it should be (Borenstein et al., 2009 ). For this reason, the possibility of publication bias in the included studies was tested before determining the effect sizes of the relationships between the stated variables. The possibility of publication bias of this meta-analysis study was analyzed by using the funnel plot, Orwin’s Safe N Analysis, Duval and Tweedie’s Trip and Fill Analysis, and Egger’s Regression Test.

2.4 Selecting the model

After determining the probability of publication bias of this meta-analysis study, the statistical model used to calculate the effect sizes was selected. The main approaches used in the effect size calculations according to the differentiation level of inter-study variance are fixed and random effects models (Pigott, 2012 ). Fixed effects model refers to the homogeneity of the characteristics of combined studies apart from the sample sizes, while random effects model refers to the parameter diversity between the studies (Cumming, 2012 ). While calculating the average effect size in the random effects model (Deeks et al., 2008 ) that is based on the assumption that effect predictions of different studies are only the result of a similar distribution, it is necessary to consider several situations such as the effect size apart from the sample error of combined studies, characteristics of the participants, duration, scope, and pattern of the study (Littell et al., 2008 ). While deciding the model in the meta-analysis study, the assumptions on the sample characteristics of the studies included in the analysis and the inferences that the researcher aims to make should be taken into consideration. The fact that the sample characteristics of the studies conducted in the field of social sciences are affected by various parameters shows that using random effects model is more appropriate in this sense. Besides, it is stated that the inferences made with the random effects model are beyond the studies included in the meta-analysis (Field, 2003 ; Field & Gillett, 2010 ). Therefore, using random effects model also contributes to the generalization of research data. The specified criteria for the statistical model selection show that according to the nature of the meta-analysis study, the model should be selected just before the analysis (Borenstein et al., 2007 ; Littell et al., 2008 ). Within this framework, it was decided to make use of the random effects model, considering that the students who are the samples of the studies included in the meta-analysis are from different countries and cultures, the sample characteristics of the studies differ, and the patterns and scopes of the studies vary as well.

2.5 Heterogeneity

Meta-analysis facilitates analyzing the research subject with different parameters by showing the level of diversity between the included studies. Within this frame, whether there is a heterogeneous distribution between the studies included in the study or not has been evaluated in the present study. The heterogeneity of the studies combined in this meta-analysis study has been determined through Q and I 2 tests. Q test evaluates the random distribution probability of the differences between the observed results (Deeks et al., 2008 ). Q value exceeding 2 value calculated according to the degree of freedom and significance, indicates the heterogeneity of the combined effect sizes (Card, 2011 ). I 2 test, which is the complementary of the Q test, shows the heterogeneity amount of the effect sizes (Cleophas & Zwinderman, 2017 ). I 2 value being higher than 75% is explained as high level of heterogeneity.

In case of encountering heterogeneity in the studies included in the meta-analysis, the reasons of heterogeneity can be analyzed by referring to the study characteristics. The study characteristics which may be related to the heterogeneity between the included studies can be interpreted through subgroup analysis or meta-regression analysis (Deeks et al., 2008 ). While determining the moderator variables, the sufficiency of the number of variables, the relationship between the moderators, and the condition to explain the differences between the results of the studies have all been considered in the present study. Within this scope, it was predicted in this meta-analysis study that the heterogeneity can be explained with the country, class level, and lecture moderator variables of the study in terms of the effect of online education, which has been highly used since the beginning of the pandemic, and it has an impact on the students’ academic achievement in different lectures. Some subgroups were evaluated and categorized together, considering that the number of effect sizes of the sub-dimensions of the specified variables is not sufficient to perform moderator analysis (e.g. the countries where the studies were conducted).

2.6 Interpreting the effect sizes

Effect size is a factor that shows how much the independent variable affects the dependent variable positively or negatively in each included study in the meta-analysis (Dinçer, 2014 ). While interpreting the effect sizes obtained from the meta-analysis, the classifications of Cohen et al. ( 2007 ) have been utilized. The case of differentiating the specified relationships of the situation of the country, class level, and school subject variables of the study has been identified through the Q test, degree of freedom, and p significance value Fig.  1 and 2 .

3 Findings and results

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect size of online education on academic achievement. Before determining the effect sizes in the study, the probability of publication bias of this meta-analysis study was analyzed by using the funnel plot, Orwin’s Safe N Analysis, Duval and Tweedie’s Trip and Fill Analysis, and Egger’s Regression Test.

When the funnel plots are examined, it is seen that the studies included in the analysis are distributed symmetrically on both sides of the combined effect size axis, and they are generally collected in the middle and lower sections. The probability of publication bias is low according to the plots. However, since the results of the funnel scatter plots may cause subjective interpretations, they have been supported by additional analyses (Littell et al., 2008 ). Therefore, in order to provide an extra proof for the probability of publication bias, it has been analyzed through Orwin’s Safe N Analysis, Duval and Tweedie’s Trip and Fill Analysis, and Egger’s Regression Test (Table 2 ).

Table 2 consists of the results of the rates of publication bias probability before counting the effect size of online education on academic achievement. According to the table, Orwin Safe N analysis results show that it is not necessary to add new studies to the meta-analysis in order for Hedges g to reach a value outside the range of ± 0.01. The Duval and Tweedie test shows that excluding the studies that negatively affect the symmetry of the funnel scatter plots for each meta-analysis or adding their exact symmetrical equivalents does not significantly differentiate the calculated effect size. The insignificance of the Egger tests results reveals that there is no publication bias in the meta-analysis study. The results of the analysis indicate the high internal validity of the effect sizes and the adequacy of representing the studies conducted on the relevant subject.

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect size of online education on academic achievement after testing the publication bias. In line with the first purpose of the study, the forest graph regarding the effect size of online education on academic achievement is shown in Fig.  3 , and the statistics regarding the effect size are given in Table 3 .

The flow chart of the scanning and selection process of the studies

Funnel plot graphics representing the effect size of the effects of online education on academic success

Forest graph related to the effect size of online education on academic success

The square symbols in the forest graph in Fig.  3 represent the effect sizes, while the horizontal lines show the intervals in 95% confidence of the effect sizes, and the diamond symbol shows the overall effect size. When the forest graph is analyzed, it is seen that the lower and upper limits of the combined effect sizes are generally close to each other, and the study loads are similar. This similarity in terms of study loads indicates the similarity of the contribution of the combined studies to the overall effect size.

Figure  3 clearly represents that the study of Liu and others (Liu et al., 2018 ) has the lowest, and the study of Ercan and Bilen ( 2014 ) has the highest effect sizes. The forest graph shows that all the combined studies and the overall effect are positive. Furthermore, it is simply understood from the forest graph in Fig.  3 and the effect size statistics in Table 3 that the results of the meta-analysis study conducted with 27 studies and analyzing the effect of online education on academic achievement illustrate that this relationship is on average level (= 0.409).

After the analysis of the effect size in the study, whether the studies included in the analysis are distributed heterogeneously or not has also been analyzed. The heterogeneity of the combined studies was determined through the Q and I 2 tests. As a result of the heterogeneity test, Q statistical value was calculated as 29.576. With 26 degrees of freedom at 95% significance level in the chi-square table, the critical value is accepted as 38.885. The Q statistical value (29.576) counted in this study is lower than the critical value of 38.885. The I 2 value, which is the complementary of the Q statistics, is 12.100%. This value indicates that the accurate heterogeneity or the total variability that can be attributed to variability between the studies is 12%. Besides, p value is higher than (0.285) p = 0.05. All these values [Q (26) = 29.579, p = 0.285; I2 = 12.100] indicate that there is a homogeneous distribution between the effect sizes, and fixed effects model should be used to interpret these effect sizes. However, some researchers argue that even if the heterogeneity is low, it should be evaluated based on the random effects model (Borenstein et al., 2007 ). Therefore, this study gives information about both models. The heterogeneity of the combined studies has been attempted to be explained with the characteristics of the studies included in the analysis. In this context, the final purpose of the study is to determine the effect of the country, academic level, and year variables on the findings. Accordingly, the statistics regarding the comparison of the stated relations according to the countries where the studies were conducted are given in Table 4 .

As seen in Table 4 , the effect of online education on academic achievement does not differ significantly according to the countries where the studies were conducted in. Q test results indicate the heterogeneity of the relationships between the variables in terms of countries where the studies were conducted in. According to the table, the effect of online education on academic achievement was reported as the highest in other countries, and the lowest in the US. The statistics regarding the comparison of the stated relations according to the class levels are given in Table 5 .

As seen in Table 5 , the effect of online education on academic achievement does not differ according to the class level. However, the effect of online education on academic achievement is the highest in the 4 th class. The statistics regarding the comparison of the stated relations according to the class levels are given in Table 6 .

As seen in Table 6 , the effect of online education on academic achievement does not differ according to the school subjects included in the studies. However, the effect of online education on academic achievement is the highest in ICT subject.

The obtained effect size in the study was formed as a result of the findings attained from primary studies conducted in 7 different countries. In addition, these studies are the ones on different approaches to online education (online learning environments, social networks, blended learning, etc.). In this respect, the results may raise some questions about the validity and generalizability of the results of the study. However, the moderator analyzes, whether for the country variable or for the approaches covered by online education, did not create significant differences in terms of the effect sizes. If significant differences were to occur in terms of effect sizes, we could say that the comparisons we will make by comparing countries under the umbrella of online education would raise doubts in terms of generalizability. Moreover, no study has been found in the literature that is not based on a special approach or does not contain a specific technique conducted under the name of online education alone. For instance, one of the commonly used definitions is blended education which is defined as an educational model in which online education is combined with traditional education method (Colis & Moonen, 2001 ). Similarly, Rasmussen ( 2003 ) defines blended learning as “a distance education method that combines technology (high technology such as television, internet, or low technology such as voice e-mail, conferences) with traditional education and training.” Further, Kerres and Witt (2003) define blended learning as “combining face-to-face learning with technology-assisted learning.” As it is clearly observed, online education, which has a wider scope, includes many approaches.

As seen in Table 7 , the effect of online education on academic achievement does not differ according to online education approaches included in the studies. However, the effect of online education on academic achievement is the highest in Web Based Problem Solving Approach.

4 Conclusions and discussion

Considering the developments during the pandemics, it is thought that the diversity in online education applications as an interdisciplinary pragmatist field will increase, and the learning content and processes will be enriched with the integration of new technologies into online education processes. Another prediction is that more flexible and accessible learning opportunities will be created in online education processes, and in this way, lifelong learning processes will be strengthened. As a result, it is predicted that in the near future, online education and even digital learning with a newer name will turn into the main ground of education instead of being an alternative or having a support function in face-to-face learning. The lessons learned from the early period online learning experience, which was passed with rapid adaptation due to the Covid19 epidemic, will serve to develop this method all over the world, and in the near future, online learning will become the main learning structure through increasing its functionality with the contribution of new technologies and systems. If we look at it from this point of view, there is a necessity to strengthen online education.

In this study, the effect of online learning on academic achievement is at a moderate level. To increase this effect, the implementation of online learning requires support from teachers to prepare learning materials, to design learning appropriately, and to utilize various digital-based media such as websites, software technology and various other tools to support the effectiveness of online learning (Rolisca & Achadiyah, 2014 ). According to research conducted by Rahayu et al. ( 2017 ), it has been proven that the use of various types of software increases the effectiveness and quality of online learning. Implementation of online learning can affect students' ability to adapt to technological developments in that it makes students use various learning resources on the internet to access various types of information, and enables them to get used to performing inquiry learning and active learning (Hart et al., 2019 ; Prestiadi et al., 2019 ). In addition, there may be many reasons for the low level of effect in this study. The moderator variables examined in this study could be a guide in increasing the level of practical effect. However, the effect size did not differ significantly for all moderator variables. Different moderator analyzes can be evaluated in order to increase the level of impact of online education on academic success. If confounding variables that significantly change the effect level are detected, it can be spoken more precisely in order to increase this level. In addition to the technical and financial problems, the level of impact will increase if a few other difficulties are eliminated such as students, lack of interaction with the instructor, response time, and lack of traditional classroom socialization.

In addition, COVID-19 pandemic related social distancing has posed extreme difficulties for all stakeholders to get online as they have to work in time constraints and resource constraints. Adopting the online learning environment is not just a technical issue, it is a pedagogical and instructive challenge as well. Therefore, extensive preparation of teaching materials, curriculum, and assessment is vital in online education. Technology is the delivery tool and requires close cross-collaboration between teaching, content and technology teams (CoSN, 2020 ).

Online education applications have been used for many years. However, it has come to the fore more during the pandemic process. This result of necessity has brought with it the discussion of using online education instead of traditional education methods in the future. However, with this research, it has been revealed that online education applications are moderately effective. The use of online education instead of face-to-face education applications can only be possible with an increase in the level of success. This may have been possible with the experience and knowledge gained during the pandemic process. Therefore, the meta-analysis of experimental studies conducted in the coming years will guide us. In this context, experimental studies using online education applications should be analyzed well. It would be useful to identify variables that can change the level of impacts with different moderators. Moderator analyzes are valuable in meta-analysis studies (for example, the role of moderators in Karl Pearson's typhoid vaccine studies). In this context, each analysis study sheds light on future studies. In meta-analyses to be made about online education, it would be beneficial to go beyond the moderators determined in this study. Thus, the contribution of similar studies to the field will increase more.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of online education on academic achievement. In line with this purpose, the studies that analyze the effect of online education approaches on academic achievement have been included in the meta-analysis. The total sample size of the studies included in the meta-analysis is 1772. While the studies included in the meta-analysis were conducted in the US, Taiwan, Turkey, China, Philippines, Ireland, and Georgia, the studies carried out in Europe could not be reached. The reason may be attributed to that there may be more use of quantitative research methods from a positivist perspective in the countries with an American academic tradition. As a result of the study, it was found out that the effect size of online education on academic achievement (g = 0.409) was moderate. In the studies included in the present research, we found that online education approaches were more effective than traditional ones. However, contrary to the present study, the analysis of comparisons between online and traditional education in some studies shows that face-to-face traditional learning is still considered effective compared to online learning (Ahmad et al., 2016 ; Hamdani & Priatna, 2020 ; Wei & Chou, 2020 ). Online education has advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of online learning compared to face-to-face learning in the classroom is the flexibility of learning time in online learning, the learning time does not include a single program, and it can be shaped according to circumstances (Lai et al., 2019 ). The next advantage is the ease of collecting assignments for students, as these can be done without having to talk to the teacher. Despite this, online education has several weaknesses, such as students having difficulty in understanding the material, teachers' inability to control students, and students’ still having difficulty interacting with teachers in case of internet network cuts (Swan, 2007 ). According to Astuti et al ( 2019 ), face-to-face education method is still considered better by students than e-learning because it is easier to understand the material and easier to interact with teachers. The results of the study illustrated that the effect size (g = 0.409) of online education on academic achievement is of medium level. Therefore, the results of the moderator analysis showed that the effect of online education on academic achievement does not differ in terms of country, lecture, class level, and online education approaches variables. After analyzing the literature, several meta-analyses on online education were published (Bernard et al., 2004 ; Machtmes & Asher, 2000 ; Zhao et al., 2005 ). Typically, these meta-analyzes also include the studies of older generation technologies such as audio, video, or satellite transmission. One of the most comprehensive studies on online education was conducted by Bernard et al. ( 2004 ). In this study, 699 independent effect sizes of 232 studies published from 1985 to 2001 were analyzed, and face-to-face education was compared to online education, with respect to success criteria and attitudes of various learners from young children to adults. In this meta-analysis, an overall effect size close to zero was found for the students' achievement (g +  = 0.01).

In another meta-analysis study carried out by Zhao et al. ( 2005 ), 98 effect sizes were examined, including 51 studies on online education conducted between 1996 and 2002. According to the study of Bernard et al. ( 2004 ), this meta-analysis focuses on the activities done in online education lectures. As a result of the research, an overall effect size close to zero was found for online education utilizing more than one generation technology for students at different levels. However, the salient point of the meta-analysis study of Zhao et al. is that it takes the average of different types of results used in a study to calculate an overall effect size. This practice is problematic because the factors that develop one type of learner outcome (e.g. learner rehabilitation), particularly course characteristics and practices, may be quite different from those that develop another type of outcome (e.g. learner's achievement), and it may even cause damage to the latter outcome. While mixing the studies with different types of results, this implementation may obscure the relationship between practices and learning.

Some meta-analytical studies have focused on the effectiveness of the new generation distance learning courses accessed through the internet for specific student populations. For instance, Sitzmann and others (Sitzmann et al., 2006 ) reviewed 96 studies published from 1996 to 2005, comparing web-based education of job-related knowledge or skills with face-to-face one. The researchers found that web-based education in general was slightly more effective than face-to-face education, but it is insufficient in terms of applicability ("knowing how to apply"). In addition, Sitzmann et al. ( 2006 ) revealed that Internet-based education has a positive effect on theoretical knowledge in quasi-experimental studies; however, it positively affects face-to-face education in experimental studies performed by random assignment. This moderator analysis emphasizes the need to pay attention to the factors of designs of the studies included in the meta-analysis. The designs of the studies included in this meta-analysis study were ignored. This can be presented as a suggestion to the new studies that will be conducted.

Another meta-analysis study was conducted by Cavanaugh et al. ( 2004 ), in which they focused on online education. In this study on internet-based distance education programs for students under 12 years of age, the researchers combined 116 results from 14 studies published between 1999 and 2004 to calculate an overall effect that was not statistically different from zero. The moderator analysis carried out in this study showed that there was no significant factor affecting the students' success. This meta-analysis used multiple results of the same study, ignoring the fact that different results of the same student would not be independent from each other.

In conclusion, some meta-analytical studies analyzed the consequences of online education for a wide range of students (Bernard et al., 2004 ; Zhao et al., 2005 ), and the effect sizes were generally low in these studies. Furthermore, none of the large-scale meta-analyzes considered the moderators, database quality standards or class levels in the selection of the studies, while some of them just referred to the country and lecture moderators. Advances in internet-based learning tools, the pandemic process, and increasing popularity in different learning contexts have required a precise meta-analysis of students' learning outcomes through online learning. Previous meta-analysis studies were typically based on the studies, involving narrow range of confounding variables. In the present study, common but significant moderators such as class level and lectures during the pandemic process were discussed. For instance, the problems have been experienced especially in terms of eligibility of class levels in online education platforms during the pandemic process. It was found that there is a need to study and make suggestions on whether online education can meet the needs of teachers and students.

Besides, the main forms of online education in the past were to watch the open lectures of famous universities and educational videos of institutions. In addition, online education is mainly a classroom-based teaching implemented by teachers in their own schools during the pandemic period, which is an extension of the original school education. This meta-analysis study will stand as a source to compare the effect size of the online education forms of the past decade with what is done today, and what will be done in the future.

Lastly, the heterogeneity test results of the meta-analysis study display that the effect size does not differ in terms of class level, country, online education approaches, and lecture moderators.

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Ulum, H. The effects of online education on academic success: A meta-analysis study. Educ Inf Technol 27 , 429–450 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10740-8

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Argumentative Essay: Online Learning and Educational Access

Conventional learning is evolving with the help of computers and online technology. New ways of learning are now available, and improved access is one of the most important benefits available. People all around the world are experiencing improved mobility as a result of the freedom and potential that online learning provides, and as academic institutions and learning organisations adopt online learning technologies and remote-access learning, formal academic education is becoming increasingly legitimate. This essay argues the contemporary benefits of online learning, and that these benefits significantly outweigh the issues, challenges and disadvantages of online learning.

Online learning is giving people new choices and newfound flexibility with their personal learning and development. Whereas before, formal academic qualifications could only be gained by participating in a full time course on site, the internet has allowed institutions to expand their reach and offer recognized courses on a contact-partial, or totally virtual, basis. Institutions can do so with relatively few extra resources, and for paid courses this constitutes excellent value, and the student benefits with greater educational access and greater flexibility to learn and get qualified even when there lots of other personal commitments to deal with.

Flexibility is certainly one of the most important benefits, but just as important is educational access. On top of the internet’s widespread presence in developed countries, the internet is becoming increasingly available in newly developed and developing countries. Even without considering the general informational exposure that the internet delivers, online academic courses and learning initiatives are becoming more aware of the needs of people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and this means that people from such backgrounds are in a much better position to learn and progress than they used to be.

The biggest argument that raises doubt over online learning is the quality of online courses in comparison to conventional courses. Are such online courses good enough for employers to take notice? The second biggest argument is the current reality that faces many people from disadvantaged backgrounds, despite the improvements made in this area in recent years – they do not have the level of basic access needed to benefit from online learning. In fact, there are numerous sources of evidence that claim disadvantaged students are not receiving anywhere near the sort of benefits that online learning institutions and promoters are trying to instigate. Currently there are many organisations, campaigns and initiatives that are working to expand access to higher education. With such high participation, it can be argued that it is only a matter of time before the benefits are truly realised, but what about the global online infrastructure?

There is another argument that is very difficult to dispel, and that is the response of different types of students to the online learning paradigm. Evidence shows that there are certain groups of students that benefit from college distance learning much more than other groups. In essence, students must be highly motivated and highly disciplined if they are to learn effectively in their own private environment.

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196 Online Education Research Topics & Essay Examples

📝 online education research papers examples, 🎓 simple research topics about online education, 👍 good online education essay topics to write about, ⭐ interesting topics to write about online education, ✅ easy online education topics for an essay, 🏆 best online education essay titles, ❓ online education research questions.

• Online Courses Versus Traditional Courses Today, there are more online courses as opposed to traditional courses because of the growing number of people and the convenience that comes with online courses.
• Online Education in the USA Online education is one of the modern elements used in learning all over the world, especially in the United States of America.
• Online Education and Classroom Learning Comparison This presentation targets to show that classroom education is a better option for effective learning as opposed to online education. The demand for online education has risen rapidly.
• Electronic Education: Advantages and Disadvantages This research paper delves into the causes and effects of electronic education. It seeks to explore a problem-solving ethical strategy.
• Online and Blended Learning Benefits Blended learning is an appropriate approach for language learning, as it supports the activities that promote student engagement.
• Online and Face-to-Face Graduate Program The mixture of online and face-to-face education elements will provide the students with a wide scope of advantages that cannot be gained when the online approach predominates.
• Efficient Interaction in Distance Learning Classroom Recent trends indicate that learners and instructors have regarded distance-learning classrooms as efficient methods of learning, where technology supports active learning.
• E-Learning for College Students and Employees Even through e-learning involves the use of electronic materials, it has several advantages over the traditional face-to-face form.
• Strong Distance Learning Systems and Their Elements The distance learning system is also termed a distributed learning system as it involves the decentralization of resources at a number of places.
• Interaction in Online Learning Environment Interaction is crucial to address in the online learning environment and it is accompanied by the aspect of the provision of constructive and responsive feedback.
• Online Assessment Systems in Education In the field of education, technology has allowed educational institutions to expand their reach primarily by allowing schools to launch online courses and conduct online classes.
• College Teaching: Effectiveness of E-Learning The effectiveness of distance learning has been an important topic of debate between educators. It is important to evaluate the effectiveness and suitability of E-Learning.
• Online Education and Courses It Offers Working people are better placed with online education. This article explains why online education is ideal for you.
• Distance Learning Replacing Traditional Classes Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic there have been many discussions surrounding the future of online education replacing the traditional form of education.
• Lack of Student Engagement Within Online Learning Lack of student engagement is declining within online learning, and there are multiple factors contributing to the development of this tendency.
• Introduction Into E-learning Making the process of knowledge acquisition or modification less resource-consuming but more outcome-driven is among the global priorities of the educational system.
• Distance Learning Overview While remote learning has become more popular due to developing technology and the necessity to keep the distance, it is still a work in progress.
• Type of Education Is Better: Online or Classroom-Based The articles included in the annotated bibliography provide a thorough study of which type of education is better, online or classroom-based learning.
• Distance Learning Replacing Traditional Classes The article presents the author's reasoning on the topic of whether online learning can replace traditional education.
• Online Learning vs. Face-To-Face Learning The global education system has been characterized by face-to-face learning. It is better than online learning because it offers opportunities for building relationships.
• Online Learning Impact on Students From Low-Income Backgrounds Students from low-income backgrounds are affected negatively by distance learning. This form of education presents various challenges to this group of learners.
• Should Distance Learning Replace Traditional Education Distance learning provides safety, flexibility, and the customization of the learning experience, it should not replace traditional education that ensures effective communication.
• Effectiveness of Online and Traditional Education Forms Education is an ever-evolving field that often endures transformations to provide students with a better learning experience.
• E-Learning: Strengths and Weaknesses for Students The paper offers a brief comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of switching to online learning, an analysis of the development of students' abilities in this format.
• E-Learning Based on Gamification for Autism The present paper aims at analyzing the current approaches to gamification in e-learning with a special focus on autism spectrum disorder students.
• Online and On-Ground Education This paper aims to compare and contrast online and on-ground education and indicate which of the two is more appropriate in the modern world.
• Distant Education or Traditional Education Essay aims to analyze and study both types of education to compare and highlight key features. The traditional method of teaching consists in full-time attendance at institution.
• Distance Learning in Saudi Arabia The benefits of distance learning have been known to the world as long as technological advancements made such learning possible.
• Academic Honesty in Virtual Environment The current situation in the world has forced many students and teachers to move the learning process to a virtual environment.
• Online and On-Campus Learning Difference This essay aims to compare online and on-campus courses and present advantages as well as disadvantages for each of the learning methods.
• Remote Classes Due to COVID-19: How This Affects International Students in the United States The recorded COVID-19 incident has compelled institutions of higher learning in the United States to offer remote classes to their students.
• Challenges of Online Learning First-generation families are significantly challenged by online learning because of the language barrier, lack of resources, and lack of support.
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Courses Companies, educational institutions, tutors choose the introduction of e-education worldwide, online classes are more suited to teaching their employees and students.
• Online Education is Better than Traditional Education This essay will focus on the advantages of distance learning, as well as possible rebuttal counterarguments regarding this education method.
• E-Learning and IVC in the Universities of Saudi Arabia This proposal explores distance learning techniques, opportunities and difficulties encountered by students in applying distance learning systems.
• Online Learning Environment in Three Arab Countries This research examines four universities in three Arab countries using a Likert scale from 2007-2009 to assess their perception towards applying online learning environments.
• Aspects of Online Education In online education, students learn when they are in remote areas at their own convenient time, so long as they can access a reliable connection to the Internet.
• The Concept of Multiple Intelligences The concept of multiple intelligences is very important in education because it conceptualizes intelligence as a complex of many factors.
• Massive Open Online Courses' Effects on Higher Learning The advent of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) has drawn mixed reactions from various education stakeholders.
• Online Scholarly Discussions: Online Learning The principles of a scholarly discussion in an online environment underscore the rules of etiquette that should be observed for productive sessions.
• Online Learning Student’s Experiences Article by Ellis The article is aiming at using qualitative data to measure different perceptions and experiences of students using e-learning systems.
• Online Course Nursing 534 Overview Being an online course, Nursing 534 can be enhanced with the use of the activities, tools, and strategies that have been suggested in this paper.
• MyLabsPlus: The Online Teaching and Learning Program MyLabsPlus is a lively online teaching and learning program that has been created to help different people across the world.
• Why Online Education is the Best Option Education is an essential aspect of human life because it prepares individuals to live in a highly competitive environment.
• Online Education Vs. Education in Traditional Classroom In recent years, there have been radical changes in terms of technology and innovation in every industry, and the education sector has not been an exception.
• Studying at School vs. Studying Online Schoolchildren in many countries have been transferred to studying at home, and communication with classmates and teachers takes place online.
• EdX: Online Learning Platform With online learning, the “product categories” are the courses that are divided by the subjects, for instance, arts, humanities, and others.
• Lack of Student Engagement Within Online Learning The effectiveness of online learning primarily depends on the level of student engagement, and a lack thereof is detrimental to the overall process.
• Online and Face-To-Face Classes Comparative Analysis Online classes seem to be more convenient than the face to face classes. This is because online classes have more advantages than face-to-face classes.
• Leading in a Distance Education Environment The traditional educational system curriculum differs from the distance education program. Many typical activities such as lecturing do not suit the online learning systems.
• In-Person Learning and Online Education Online learning and traditional in-person learning differ greatly and the former has shown to often be more convenient, flexible, and less costly.
• Benefits of Online Learning to Students Although online education is a relatively recent development, it facilitates learning among students more effectively than the conventional face-to-face classroom.
• Learning in an Online Environment Comprehending students' attitudes, facilitators' experiences, and the latest trends in institutions determine positive progress for online learning.
• Online Education in Canada Before Covid-19 Pandemic Online education was already an established concept in many nations, including Canada, before 2020 and the advent of COVID-19.
• Issues of Remote Education Remote education can have significant disadvantages, especially considering its increased prominence in the contemporary world.
• Online Classes Vs. Traditional Classes: The Comparison of Benefits and Challenges For Students The paper compares online classes and traditional classes in the postsecondary education setting with the emphasis put on the benefits and challenges experienced by the students.
• The Online Education Effectiveness The emergence of online education is a development that can revolutionize the field. Its benefit lies in the controversy between conventional and modern levels of interaction.
• Traditional and Online Learning Methods at University Level The paper argues the separate use of both traditional and online learning methods is equally effective at the university level.
• Traditional and Online Styles of Education This essay will examine the similarities and differences between traditional and online styles of education in the context of college.
• Issue of Online Education Online education is an important issue concerning people all over the world and requires finding new ideas for increasing its quality and providing access for all populations.
• Ways of Improving Online Learning This paper gives propositions to solve the problem for elementary school – the introduction of new creative approaches to teaching that will increase children's interest in learning.
• Tracking E-Learning through Published Papers E-learning is an interesting and natural development of learning and teaching. The use of technology creates more opportunities and approaches to learning.
• Distance Education in Virtual High School Electronic, virtual, or distance education is a good alternative for students to learn topics that do not require discussion in real-time.
• Comparing the Effectiveness of Online Learning Verses Face-to-Face Learning for University Students A majority of the research that has already been done has leaned heavily towards the strengths that online learning offers compared to eLearning.
• Is Online Learning As Good as Face-to-Face Learning? The question of whether online education is as good as face-to-face learning depends on the individuals’ needs, the field of education, and personal levels of motivation.
• How to Become a Successful Online Learner Online students should have this intrinsic motivation to become smarter, expand their horizons, and rise in their personal development.
• Online Education as Effective Approach to Learning Online education is a significant approach to learning as there are more opportunities to manage time properly and pay more attention to additional knowledge.
• Traditional and Online Learning Strategies Traditional and online learning strategies are based on different principles, which is why there are a variety of differences between these educational approaches.
• Literature Review on Online Learning Challenges From COVID-19 Challenges, which workers in the field of education faced in emergency online teaching during the pandemic, can be transformed into opportunities to be used in online learning.
• “Perceived Stress Among Students in Virtual Classrooms...” by AlAteeq The researchers examined perceived stress levels among students during the COVID-19 outbreak and the closure of learning institutions in KSA.
• Online Learning as a New Trend in Education Online learning became a trend corresponding to the demands of the contemporary world where time and other resources are limited.
• Virtual School Versus Brick-and-Mortar School Virtual schools engage students in active learning and online communication. Brick-and-mortar schools are known for their face-to-face setting and practical approach to study.
• Online and Classroom Learning: A Comparative Essay With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting most areas of life worldwide, the toll on the education system as we know it was inevitable.
• Distance Learning Can Substitute Face-to-Face Traditional Educational System in Wyoming Distance learning can replace the face-to-face traditional education K-12 system in Wyoming, and there are many benefits to this approach.
• Aspects of Transition to Online Courses The paper states that the outbreak of the pandemic has forced people to lockdown and study online. It has been challenging to adjust to the new conditions of learning.
• Discussion of Online Education The changes to the sphere of education brought by the modern problems required the establishment to take immediate measures that the organizations did not thoroughly study yet.
• The Impact of Virtual Learnings (VLEs) on Student Learning The topic of choice is the impact of the virtual learning environment (VLEs) on student learning. The current global COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the selection of this topic.
• Distance Learning for Students with High Behavioral Needs Tomaino et al.'s study on "assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of distance learning for students with DDBN” is framed around the theme of online learning.
• Classroom Walkthrough Instrument in Virtual School Classroom walkthroughs are a tool for observing teachers in the learning environment. They are usually carried out by teachers or other educational experts.
• Traditional and Virtual Learning During Quarantine The shift towards virtual learning was slowly happening, but the quarantine made the process abrupt and mandatory, exposing numerous disadvantages.
• Wattenbarger Community College's Distance Learning System It is important to build an effective distance learning process, that will meet the educational standards of Wattenbarger Community College.
• Is Online Learning as Good as Face-to-Face Learning? Educational institutions provide access not only to traditional classroom methods of teaching but also to online studying. Analysis of online learning and face-to-face learning.
• Online Learning vs. Face-to-Face Learning This study assesses the differences in online and face-to-face learning perception among students with various characteristics and belonging to different groups.
• Online Learning vs. Face-to-Face Learning Principles Online learning does not equal face-to-face studying because it may lack such components as cooperation, development of motivation, success in academic performance, etc.
• Online Education After COVID-19 The pandemic of COVID-19 has significantly influenced the educational sphere in many countries as most schools and universities had to switch to an online format.
• “Online Learning: A Panacea in the Time of COVID-19 Crisis”: Article Critique The work “Online Learning” reveals the importance of obtaining education through the Internet – a widely discussed topic due to the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Online vs. Face-to-Face Classes The online format is suitable in almost all but a few aspects. First, the child needs socialization. Second, the student needs the opportunity to have authentic experiences.
• Classroom vs. Online Education: The Conundrum of Computerized Learning The essay explores the advantages of online learning and tries to reinforce the idea that computerized teaching could replace its offline alternatives.
• Online and Traditional Classes: Comparative Analysis Online classes are more effective than traditional classes because of lower costs, students learning at their own pace, gaining technical skills, and flexibility.
• Face-to-Face and Online Teaching Comparison This annotated bibliography aims to discuss four articles devoted to the topic of the comparison of face-to-face and online teaching.
• Creating Interaction in Online Learning by Downing et al. The article “Creating interaction in online learning: a case study” by K. J. Downing et al. reviews research on remote interaction between students and teachers.
• Online Studying vs. Traditional Face-to-Face Learning Although online studying and face-to-face learning have a similar principle – obtaining new information, traditional face-to-face studying is better.
• Online Education in an International University There are many benefits to online education, but the challenges of studying online are notable in their own rights.
• Causes of Significant Fall in Online Learning This essay paper will look at four significant causes of decline in students participating or even dropping online courses or classes.
• Remote Learning: Negative Impacts of Remote Learning Most educational institutions had to cope with the changes by introducing a remote learning system that would allow students to attend classes.
• Issue of Imposing Lower Prices for Remote Instruction It is not reasonable to advocate for imposing lower prices for remote instruction. It should be maintained at the same prices as online learning.
• Online and Traditional Education: Comparative Analysis Despite all the modern advantages that online education may have, traditional teaching is more effective, disciplined, and valuable.
• Determining the Risk to Benefit Ratio and Online Studies Classes The goal of determining the risk to benefit ratio is in defining the harm that the research subjects may be subjected to in comparison to the benefits and online studies challenge.
• Online Classes as a Better Method of Learning Online classes help students with different learning styles; they contribute to pupils’ success in school, letting them study at their own pace.
• The Effectiveness of Online and Face-to-Face Learning Despite e-learning’s extensively proclaimed advantages, it is not as effective as traditional offline instruction, which finds support in experts’ opinions.
• Distance Learning During Covid-19 The study redefines the idea of distance learning and explores higher education distance learning supply in Canada, the US, and France using COVID-19 secondary data.
• Researching of Benefits of Online Learning E-learning allows many people to learn new knowledge quickly because it is the most accessible. E-learning has many advantages that make it the most convenient way to learn.
• Analysis of Onsite Classes for Colleges By and whole, many advantages of distance education provide more opportunities for more satisfactory academic performance and enhanced well-being of the students.
• Online Learning: Positive and Negative Sides Online learning provides people with freedom, flexibility, and at a lesser cost. However, it does not provide physical interaction between students and teachers.
• Online Classes vs. Traditional Classes In comparison with the traditional educational process, online classes offer resource savings, customization of the educational trajectory, and technical skills.
• Online and On Campus Life in College: Comparison This essay will compare and contrast online and on-campus life in college in terms of experience and education.
• Meaningful Learning from Sustained Online Communication This paper provides a brief analysis of different approaches to assessing the effectiveness of online learning through discussion boards encouraging adults to embrace learning.
• Instructional Methods in Online and Traditional Classes There has been an emergence of blended learning within the last decade, where teachers are engaged in online and traditional classes.
• Online Operations and Program Management Strategies This paper examines emerging online operations and program management strategies that can be used by a variety of personnel seeking to increase their efficacy with online students.
• Education and Online Learning: Pros and Cons This essay outlines some of the advantages and disadvantages of online learning. There are various opportunities to work on the challenges to reap the maximum out of this approach.
• Factors of Motivation of Distance Education Teachers are motivated to participate in Distance Education due to their ability to facilitate it as well as the freedom it provides; however, increased workload discourages them.
• Online Learning Environment and Student Engagement The study's main research area is investigating the lack of student engagement in the online learning environment.
• Features of Face-to-Face Classes & Online Learning While face-to-face classes provide live communication, online education offers convenient conditions and forming of computer skills.
• Lack of Student Engagement in an Online Learning Environment The core emphasis of this project is the low engagement levels in student online learning zones which include how lack of student engagement affects online learning.
• Management of Online Education Program The paper aims to establish the beneficial effects of distance learning and provide suggestions to practice on educational websites platforms.
• Distance Learning: Advantages and Disadvantages The research paper aims to thoroughly analyze the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning compared to traditional in-person classes.
• Distance Education and Process of Accreditation This essay aims to determine the basic processes an educational institution must go through to accredit its distance programs.
• Accreditation of Distance Learning Organizations There is a wide variety of processes, requirements, requests, and conditions that organizations in New York that practice distance learning should adhere to obtain accreditation.
• Online Learning vs. In-Person Education Although both in-person and online instruction methods are similar in many ways, they vary significantly in how students interact with teachers and class accessibility.
• Online Learning After Covid-19 Pandemic With the evolution of education, it is nearly impossible to eliminate technology use. The Covid-19 pandemic led to the wide adoption of e-learning.
• Distance Learning for Equal Education The paper discusses to what extent distance learning can be utilized as a powerful tool for improving equal educational opportunity, rather than as an inferior system.
• K-12 Education Change in Educating Young People During the COVID-19 Pandemic This paper is an annotated bibliography of the articles devoted to the K-12 education change in light of the experience of educating young people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Classroom vs. Online Education Today, classroom education and distance learning, or online education, are the primary methods of delivering instruction to school, college, and university students.
• Traditional or Online Education: What Is Better? Now, with the rise in popularity of online education, debates about whether it can replace traditional approaches have been initiated in society.
• Traditional or Online Education: What Is Better? In recent years, COVID-19 has significantly impacted traditional education and demonstrated the benefits and challenges of the online approach.
• Online Education and Changes in the Field The paper discusses the situation in online education. Changes in education associated with online formats are a factor in the growth of skilled professionals.
• Online Learning Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic The pandemic has caused educational issues, the most considerable of which is the amount of independent work for children.
• What Is Better: Traditional or Online Education? The paper presents annotated bibliography about online and offline education, benefits of online education, it's role and differencies between online and offline education.
• What Is Better: Traditional or Online Education? As the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, bringing with it massive lockdowns, the issue of the competition between traditional and online education became most prominent.
• Traditional and Online Education The paper provide annotated bibliography about traditional and online education and its advantages and disadvantages.
• Traditional vs. Online Education: Pros and Cons Traditional learning provides students with the skills to socialize in the community. On the other hand, online learning has advantages because of the flexibility of the process.
• Distance Learning in Kuwait as Response to COVID-19 The study examines how the concept of distance learning is implemented in Kuwait from educational and legal perspectives to promote its productive use during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Learning via Online Classes vs Traditional Classroom The paper states that there are parallels and contrasts between traditional face-to-face classrooms and online courses regarding academic achievement.
• Online Learning and Differential Learning This paper discusses pros and cons of online learning and differential learning to propose a change of the educational system.
• AusEducation’s Domestic and International Students: Challenges in Online Learning This report aims to explore domestic and international students' experiences' issues in online learning and offer solutions for the AusEducation platform to address them.
• Adverse Effects of Virtual Learning on Academic Performance The introduction of computer technology in education has evolved to include more online learning than attending physical classrooms.
• “Learning in the Age of SARS-COV-2” Article by Bawa The SARS-COV-2 pandemic has influenced multiple domains, including the field of education. The research analyzes how Emergency Remote Teaching affects students.
• Online Education and Digital-Based Teaching Strategies The COVID pandemic has substantially affected the educational system, making online education an effective alternative to conventional educational patterns.
• Open Online Education: Student Dropout and Retention Strategy This paper aims to redefine student dropout and retention strategy in open online education. The discussion included an inquiry about the benefits of free online education.
• Why Students Prefer Classroom Learning to Online Learning This paper investigates the benefits and disadvantages of online and physical learning. The benefits of physical outweigh those of online learning.
• Impact of Electronic Learning on the Educational Performance The paper aims to investigate the influence of online learning on student academic achievements, emphasizing also mathematics courses.
• Online Education and Its Operational Attractions To Traditional and Non-traditional College Students
• Front Line Strategies for Improving Student Success in Online Education
• Traditional Brick and Mortar Education vs. Modern Remote Online Education
• Adult Learning Through Online Education
• Online Education and Organizational Transformation
• Adult Learners and Online Education
• Exercise Your Mind With Online Education
• Online Education and Policy Makers
• Internal and External Assessments of Post University Online Education
• Face Education vs. Online Education
• Online Education and Its Impact on College Students
• All the Benefits and Opportunities of Online Education
• Comparing the Similarities and Differences Between Traditional Education and Online Education
• Leading Online Education From Participation to Success
• Successful Strategies for Online Education
• The Benefits and Disadvantages of the Growing Popularity of Online Education in the United States of America
• Online Education and Its Effect on Students Individual
• The Relationship Between Plagiarism and Online Education
• Comparing and Contrasting the Advantage and Disadvantages of Online Education
• Online Education: Balancing School With Other Life Responsibilities
• The Purpose, History, and Benefits of Online Education
• Online Education and Social Networking
• Internal And External Assessments Of Post University Online Education
• Leading Online Education from Participation to Success
• Online Education and Its Operational Attractions to Traditional and Non-Traditional College Students
• Online Education System Implementation
• How Online Education Aids Professional Development
• Online Learning: A 21st Century Approach to Education
• Reviewing the Tools that Make Online Education Tick
• Exploring Gamification as a Teaching Tool in Online Education
• Development of Online Technology and the Advantages of E-Learning
• How Online Learning Can Reduce the Cost of Higher Education
• How Online Education Impacts Corporate Training
• The Impact of Online Learning in Adult Education
• Ethical Issues in Online Learning
• What Are the Main Advantages, Positive and Negative Results of Online Education?
• What Are the Methods of Introducing an Online Education System?
• What Are the Differences Between Online Education and Conventional Education?
• What Are the Consequences and Problems of Online Education?
• How To Maintain a Balance Between the School of Online Education and Other Life Responsibilities?
• What Are the Differences Between Online Education and Traditional Education?
• What Are Online Learning Management Systems?
• Can Online Education Replace Classrooms
• What Are the Popular Online Education Programs for Adults and Students?
• Can Online Education Replace Traditional Education
• How To Prepare for Online Education?
• Does Educational Level Matter in Adopting Online Education?
• What Are the Positive and Negative Aspects of Online Education?
• How the Increased Popularity of Online Education Will Reflect on the Traditional Education Methods?
• How Does Adult Learning Take Place Through Online Education?
• What Are the Causes and Effects of Online Education?
• How To Choose a School for Online Education?
• What Are the Similarities Between Academic and Online Education?
• What Are the Similarities Between Traditional Education and Online Education
• What Impact Does Online Education Have On Students?

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Distance learning - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

Today, schools are reliant on computers and other forms of technology to educate their students. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, school districts pay an average of $11,841 per student. Since schools are spending copious amounts of money per student, they will need to find a way to aid these costs, such as raising taxes, which would negatively affect low-income families that are already struggling to pay for expensive internet access. They would also need to use these new funding techniques to be able to pay for the programs installed on these computers. Technology being moved into public educational environments may be beneficial to teachers, though it is not beneficial for the students to reach high educational goals.

• 📘 Free essay examples for your ideas about Distance learning
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• Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning
• Distance Education Versus Face-to-Face Learning
• Benefits of Distance Learning from a Student’s Perspective
• “Can You Be Educated from a Distance” an Objective Look Into Distance Learning
• The Role of Student Support in Open Distance Learning
• Analysis of Communication Barriers to Distance Education
• Proxemics on Distance in Between People
• The Distance Between us Book Review
• Cultural Distance
• When Mary gazes into the distance
• The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner
• High Power Distance
• The distance travelled by the margarine tub
• The Effects of Long Distance Relationship
• Distance of the LDR from the bulb kept constant
• Long distance migrations
• The Distance to Andromeda
• To see how the distance, a weighted margarine tub travels, changes as the distance the elastic band, which fires it, is pulled back further
• Cultural Distance Assignment
• How does environmental quality change with distance from the suburbs of Cardiff to the C.B.D. ?
• Comparing poems “Long Distance” by Tony Harrison, My Grandmother” by Elizabeth Jennings and “Afternoons” by Philip Larkin

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Distance Education Essay

In the modern world of education traditional study at the universities and colleges is gradually complemented or even replaced by new technologies of distance learning. It is characterized as a process of delivering teaching to students who are not physically present in classrooms. This type of education has gained its growing popularity with the developing of Internet, as students can simply communicate with their teachers and exchange materials over the net, even living in the different parts of the world.

Distance learning has a lot of benefits that make it really a strong and prospective competitor against a traditional education. For example, attending a distance course, learners can study at their own place, time and speed, choose individual and flexible schedules and combine different activities simultaneously. It is also beneficial for people over 25 who mostly have a full time job and can study after it. Distance learning is preferred by females especially Indian, as they have time restriction and strict rules or simply would like to stay close to home. Also it is a great financial advantage as during distance courses travel expenses and educational fees are significantly lower.

There are many different methods that are used in the distance education. The most popular and effective are e-mails, forums, faxes, audio and video recordings, print materials, web and video conferencing, internet radio, telephone, live streaming and much more others. Thank to all these technologies distance learners receive the same number of writing assignments, materials and worksheets as traditional students on campus.

My personal attitude to the distance education is quite ambiguous as on the one hand, it truly has a lot of benefits for students and can solve many educational problems in the future. But on the other hand, I can not imagine student life without attending lectures, communicating with group-mates and teachers, passing exams, receiving good or bad grades, loving stories and much more fascinating stuff that is worthy for going to the campus for even more than six years.

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Distance Learning Education, Essay Example

Pages: 2

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An Excellent Alternative for the Busy Student

The days when a student had to attend a traditional brick and mortar institution of higher learning, such as a local community college or a state-based university, in order to obtain an education are long gone, thanks to what has become the future of higher education–distance learning or attending college and/or university classes via the World Wide Web as a long-distance student. Nowadays, for most people seeking a higher education, distance learning helps to “remove the traditional boundaries of time and location” by offering more flexibility related to choosing a timeframe in which to take classes online. Distance learning also allows a student to remain in the comfort of his/her own home without having to worry about driving back and forth to school and lets the student choose where and when to study the required course materials (Online and Distance Learning, 2013).

According to a 2013 survey conducted by the Instructional Technology Council, part of the American Association of Community Colleges, the demand for online educational resources continues to expand “at a rate that is much greater than the demand for on-campus, face-to-face courses.” One unfortunate result of this trend is that student enrollment at major US colleges and universities have dropped considerably, due in part to the costs associated with attending a traditional brick and mortar institution and the current recessionary economic status of the US (2012 Distance Education Survey Results, 2012).

Statistically, this survey revealed that enrollments related to distance education online classes expanded by almost 7% between the fall of 2011 and that of 2012. This demonstrates that the popularity of online long distance learning classes continues to increase as a result of some surprising numbers in an earlier survey made between 2007 and 2008 when online enrollment stood at 22% of the entire number of students seeking a higher education in the US (2012 Distance Education Survey Results, 2012). Thus, it is clear that current and potential students are beginning to see the advantages related to distance learning; this also holds true for the US Department of Education and other educational agencies which have begun to offer financial student aid and federal grants to those who choose to obtain their education online (2012 Distance Education Survey Results, 2012).

Perhaps the most important area related to distance learning is that it saves time and money by being able to work from home in a setting of one’s own choosing. Most students have pointed out in other surveys that distance learning offers them a good deal of flexibility as opposed to a traditional brick and mortar school. For example, distance learning allows students to complete their coursework from any location, such as through a local library internet connection or by using their own personal computers at home or even a portable laptop computer. Distance learning also eliminates the need to commute between home and school which helps to “cut down on costly gas or public transportation” (Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning, 2014). Lastly, distance learning allows students to take their time related to completing their degree and of course makes it easier to manage one’s responsibilities related to employment and tending to the needs of a family (Advantages and Disadvantages of Distance Learning, 2014). Altogether, distance learning appears to be the trend of the future related to obtaining a higher education and as technology increases the efficiency of the World Wide Web, distance learning will remain as an excellent alternative to the traditional brick and mortar concept.

2012 distance education survey results. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.itcnetwork.org/component/content/article/48-library-articles-abstracts-research/87-2012-distance-education-survey-results-.html

Advantages and disadvantages of distance learning. (2014). Distance Learning Net.Retrieved from http://www.distancelearningnet.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-distance-learning

Online and distance learning. (2013). Colorado State University. Retrieved from http://www.online.colostate.edu/onlinedistance/distance-learning.dot

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