1. Attributes of Online Education
Thomas J. Descoteaux & Jared Reigstad
Norwich University

2. Attributes of Online Education Disadvantages
Better suited to adult learners:
The independence of online education requires a discipline that many of today’s “traditional age” college students lack.
Synergy of F2F conversations more difficult to achieve:
Lacks benefit of facial expression, body language, voice inflection, etc.
Instructor/student before and after class moments missing.
Student/student “snack bar chat” missing.
Lack of in-class “storytelling” or experience sharing time. Can be done online but more difficult.

3. Attributes of Online Education Advantages
Location independent – students can engage from anywhere they have Internet access. No need to pull up roots and relocate.
Computer provides capabilities that traditional delivery cannot:
For decades traditional chalk-on-board instruction has attempted to model dynamic, three-dimensional systems on a static, two-dimensional surface (i.e., the blackboard). The computer solves this problem.
Allows smaller schools to provide access to a more diverse, eclectic group of faculty through use of adjuncts.

4. Attributes of Online Education Advantages
Quality control of course content:
No more throwing lectures together the night before. Pre-development of content improves quality.
Predevelopment allows instructor to focus on improving instruction/delivery techniques.
Consistent content across sections.
Difficult for introverted students to “hide in the back of the room.” Everyone’s in the front row.

5. Attributes of Online Education Advantages
Allows students more thought time before contributing to group interactions (i.e., “posting”).
Time efficient:
No lost commuting time.
Pace of learning can be accelerated. Strong students don’t waste time in class listening to instructor repeat topic for weaker students.
Students write a lot more.

6. Attributes of Online Education Advantages
Energy level – students choose when to learn (i.e., time of day), when they’re at their peak.
Seamless interjection of multi-media. Troubleshooting done in advance by IT staff.