Richard,
I fear that I can only add perspective to a part of your question: What are the characteristics of successful online learners. Having taken several degrees online, I feel qualified to say that the proximate attribute is self efficacy (see Bandura). Having a certain knowledge that one will be successful is fundamental to venturing into online learning. I have students that shy away from online fearing that a support system will not be present, although I have always found a tremendous amount of support at Liberty University Online. Secondly, I believe successful online learners are innovative and inquisitive learners. That descriptive reflects a definition of success that incorporates a higher degree of learning, perhaps even than what a class or program demands. It is unique to online learning that the competition, if you will, is not the entire class, but oneself, and although the class becomes a learning community, 'I' am responsible for my own learning at the end of the day. Online learners are confronted with the question of degree. To what degree do I want to become educated in this field? If the answer is towards the upper extremities of the continuum, then the learner will take every opportunity to read in their field in addition to just meeting class requirements. If another learner is content with only hitting all the points in the rubric, they may do so, receive the same 'A' the former receives, but not have experienced quite the depth of learning as the first. Isn't this dynamic the same as the classroom? Yes, and no. Yes in that the same learning contexts can be approached, but no for the simple reason that the normal distribution of learning talent among those in the class is not as apparent online as it is in the classroom. Therefore, the required level of performance is less known. That may matter not to you, or to me, but for the person that just wants to check the box, knowing your competition is key.
jb
I Thank You for your answer. And all the research I have done to date gives validity to what you are saying. It is a majority opinion that self education is a better form of higher learning, in that it allows for a broader range of study and answer. The competition, that is in public schools, lends to the fact of peer/peer is an unsuitable form of education. It is a hypothesis and vaguely proven fact that in public education i.e: public school vs private school vs home education, that the first 2 are in reality an educational contest. That means either learn the material well and get a passing grade or get an "A" in the course and learn in essence barely learn just what is needed to get the higher passing grade. Which leaves a gap in learning, in essence the student that received the higher grade being the "Winner" of the competition, but having a lesser knowledge of the subject. And the "Loser" having lost the competition but, having a greater knowledge. So in this theory is a complete reversal of the standards of grades and the "competition" of a grading system.
I also would like to thank you. In writing this out to you, the crux of My thesis statement was just written.
Again Thank You for your response,
Respectfully,
Richard Fryer
I wish to agree with the comments made by Jon, that online learning is great for those seeking knowledge. I also think that online learning is convenient in that one does not have to leave their comfort and travel to acquire knowledge.
However, I find it interesting to practice Christianity virtually. I believe that Christianity demands a face to face encounter in order to enhance its authenticity. Richard I find this a difficult connection.
I also find it difficult not to see competition in a situation where one is seeking to acquire a college degree. Where does such a person hope to use the degree? If it is in finding a job, then he or she will have to compete with others from the same or another institution.
Learning for self-development may be done either through online or otherwise without fear of competition with others other than self.
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