Directory Image
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Do classroom size matters in online learning

Author: Tom Alter
by Tom Alter
Posted: Jul 13, 2017

Online courses have taken over the education sector, as more and more students from across the world are enrolling online. People working, with busy schedules, want to study extra are going for the online education. It gives them the opportunity to study anytime and from anywhere. They can study effectively even with a large number of students in a course. Recently it has been a topic of discussion whether the classroom size of online studies affects the learning or not? Here we will highlight few points of online education.

SYNCHRONOUS AND ASYNCHRONOUS ENVIRONMENT

In synchronous courses, students can engage in the real-time discussion where they can interact with each other and teacher live on the screen. Where in asynchronous courses, students can log on and study whenever they want to. Asynchronous courses are considered to be more common.

In synchronous classes, students can directly communicate and feel more connected to their teachers and they will be more comfortable, if the class is more compact to 10-15 students only. Though it is not ideal for students with the busy schedule as the timings are not that flexible, students have to set a specific time to attend a live session of their online course.

Asynchronous classes can be attended even if the teacher is offline. The lectures are pre-recorded, and the coursework is sent via email or messages posted on the forums. The questions and doubts of students can be asked via chat with the instructor. In asynchronous learning, it is hard for teachers to answer all the emails, so the company has to assign assistants to answer certain emails and course related problems of the students. Apart from the course content provided, students have to rely on the internet as a support tool rather than interacting with the teachers or other students directly. Students can learn the course at their pace without having to worry about the scheduled classes. They can study in their own time and can research on the topic while studying on their own. Asynchronous learning can give the feeling of isolation sometimes, as there is no real interactive environment.

Online courses should include both synchronous and asynchronous activities. Regardless of scheduled timings and pressure of lots of students, this gives benefits to teachers as well as students in delivering course contents. This will also help students to approach teachers if immediate help is needed, while providing them ample time to learn at their pace.

TEACHERS PERSPECTIVE

It is easy to break up a class into a small number of students in virtual classes. If teachers take a large group of students in online classes, it is hard to interact with each student and also less participation of students. With asynchronous learning, lacks a communication space. Misunderstanding of inputs of teachers and students. Any factor missing, such as teacher, student and the method of communication can lead to the delay of the course. In asynchronous learning, it can be difficult for a teacher to answer all the emails and questions, as there are numerous of students enrolled in the course.

STUDENTS PERSPECTIVE

Taking the time out of your busy schedule, it is easier to do an online course. In an asynchronous course, it is easier to study at their pace and time, and their queries can be resolved through chat or via emails. Where of synchronous course, students find it difficult to interact with the teacher on a personal level as well as with other students, if there are many students. They feel ignored by the teachers. They might be left with the doubts uncleared. As there is the limitation of time for video-conferencing classes.

ECONOMIST PERSPECTIVE

It was said before that the online education could destroy the traditional universities. As vast as this technology is spreading, it is making the education cheaper, convenient and more effective. It is very suitable for working people especially. Students can get a better education at lower prices, whereas the institutes can save their resources.

Whether it is an online or offline course, students need to complete the assignment in every subject. In a busy schedule, taking out time to complete an assignment can be difficult. Therefore, students take Online Assignment help to complete their assignments at reasonable prices like with https://www.makemyassignment.com which have experienced and qualified writers and helps the student to gain more credits.

About the Author

Make My Assignment :We are the best assignment help and essay help service provider in the UK, Usa, and Australia. We provide 100% plagiarism free homework help at affordable prices.

Rate this Article
Author: Tom Alter

Tom Alter

Member since: Jan 01, 2015
Published articles: 3

Related Articles