Jenkins-Dodd 1

Takeyra Jenkins-Dodd
Tally Wright
CSCI-101
April 16, 2016

Is Online Learning Effective?

Society depends on technology for everything as it is getting broader. Over the years,
there has been a change with technology in various ways. Especially with something that is as
simple as a telephone becoming a computer and a camera or either technology transforming into
an addictive game. The effects of the improvements made in technology opens the ability for it to
be used in many ways beyond the standards. Technology can be used to communicate, notify,
entertain, inform and last but not least learn. There are also many other ways we use technology.
Learning is a common use of technology amongst the society especially in schools around the
world. About thirty percent of college students are taking at least one online class (Friedman 3).
It seems as if every year, the use of ways to learn from technology continues to increase. Many
Americans go to schools that have online courses as an option or a decision made from the
students. With this being a decision amongst the students, there is a common question that is
asked by many. Is online learning effective? To be honest, that question can be argumentative.
Online learning can be effective, but in order for it to work, it will depend on the qualities of the
student and teacher.

Jenkins-Dodd 2
Online learning can also be known as E-learning. The dictionary describes E-learning as
a form of distance education where online courses are delivered using technology and can also
be accessed using the same method. This may sound difficult already. This is different from the
old-fashioned way of teaching because, you are always in contact with someone else or the
teacher is in the room. E-learning is also different because, you have digital assignments rather
than manual tasks or assignments that can be done in contact with the teacher. In general,
research shows that these particular reasons are primary examples for people who are anti-online
learning or for lack of better words, against E-learning.
There are certain qualities a teacher must have to teach online. In order to learn the
individual has to have a good and understandable teacher that will apply their knowledge in a
presentable state. Research has shown that the qualities of the teacher determines how the
student succeeds (Ye 5). Ye has also shown that less than one third of teachers are interested with
online learning (Ye 5). It is very important for the teacher to be interested with whatever they are
teaching. Confidence can play a major role in successful learning (Ye 5). If the teacher does not
have confidence in their knowledge of what and how they are teaching then they will not be able
to apply the lesson to the student correctly and the student will have many issues. Having
confidence can be a cure for the amount of interest the teacher has with online learning. If not
their lack of self-esteem will bore their self and the student. For another example, if there is a
student that participates with E-learning and the teacher sends a video of them teaching yet in the
video the professor has their head down, makes many mistakes, and second guess herself
constantly; the teacher will lose interest as well as the student from all of the confusion. If the
professor put in to reality how they were taught (face-to-face) and apply it to their online session
then, the student may succeed. For another example, compare the first example to a teacher

Jenkins-Dodd 3
imagining that she is in front of a full class while making the video. In the video the professor
has their head up, looking in the direction of the student for eye contact and has confidence in
what they are teaching and their knowledge. The student will have more interest and will do
well.
Students can play an important role as well with E-learning. Many studies have shown
that online learning is effective but, the qualities of the student is the key for successful
learning. Although E-learning gives the student the ability to think outside the box, face to face
learning will help the student think faster (Fengfeng 2). Yet, there are many people who are
against online learning that say active learning is a key construct for it (Fengfeng 2).Yes, many
people forget that you can be active on a digital device too, that is if the student has technological
sense and know how to work the computer well (Cigdem 1).With the assignments and tasks on
the screen the student can be successful in completing them with many skills. The pundit has to
have internet self-efficacy, be able to control what they learned, and they have to be a self-direct
learner (Fengfeng 2) More important skills is that their internet communication has to be good
and most importantly they have to have a motivation or a desire to learn (Fengfeng 2). If all of
these qualities are within an individual then, E-learning will be effective within that person. This
means that the student is autonomous. (Able to learn independently) (Fengfeng 2).
Autonomous learners are individuals who succeed with online learning. They manage
their time in a sufficient way. (Fengfeng 2) A positive effect of online learning is that you do not
necessarily have to be there all the time and at a specific time but, this can still rely on whether
you are an autonomous learner or not. The student has to be responsible enough for these
circumstances and have an organized planner for due dates (Kop 4). They can also be goal setters
(Fengfeng 2). Having a goal goes with being responsible enough to accomplish it. The goal will

Jenkins-Dodd 4
not be accomplished if you never have the time to do the assignments and get distracted. No
worries, it can also work vice-versa, success can happen if the individual use their time wisely
and do not get distracted with other things while learning.
Online learning can be either a negative or positive experience. Research has shown that
failure with online learning can be caused by either the students or teachers. It is necessary if
both have special qualities. Qualities like being able to have confidence with their self, able to
have computer skills, and they both have to be responsible on both ends. A positive effect with
online learning can result with the professors and students as well. If these particular individuals
have the qualities then E-learning will be a success for both. E-learning is what the individual
choose to make of it.

Jenkins-Dodd 5
Works Cited

Cigdem, Harun, and Osman Gazi YILDIRIM. "Effects of Students' Characteristics on Online
Learning Readiness: A Vocational College Example." Turkish Online Journal of Distance
Education (TOJDE) 15.3 (2014): 80-93. Education Research Complete. Web. 23 Aug.
2014.

Fengfeng, and Dean Kwak. "Constructs Of Student-Centered Online Learning On Learning

Satisfaction Of A Diverse Online Student Body: A Structural Equation Modeling
Approach." Journal Of Educational Computing Research 48.1 (2013): 97-122. ERIC.
Web. 23 Aug. 2014.

Friedman, Linda Weiser, and Hershey H. Friedman. "Using Social Media Technologies To
Enhance Online Learning." Journal Of Educators Online 10.1 (2013): ERIC. Web. 23
Aug. 2014.

Kop, Rita. "The Challenges To Connectivist Learning On Open Online Networks: Learning
Experiences During A Massive Open Online Course." International Review Of Research
In Open And Distance Learning 12.3 (2011): 19-38. ERIC. Web. 24 Aug. 2014.

Ye, He. "Universal Design For Learning In An Online Teacher Education Course: Enhancing
Learners' Confidence To Teach Online." Journal Of Online Learning & Teaching 10.2
(2014): 283-298. Education Research Complete. Web. 23 Aug. 2014.

Jenkins-Dodd 6