REPLACEMENT OF TEACHERS WITH ONLINE CLASSES

Replacement of Teachers With Online Classes

Valerie Jimenez

Los Angeles Leadership Academy

Abstract
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The purpose of this research paper is to inform readers of why online classes should

replace classroom teachers and describe the benefits that online classes have on students.

Throughout this paper different books, websites, and a study, performed by the Higher Education

of Colorado, will be presented to show the advantages that online classes have versus traditional

classes. This topic is important because the use of technology is growing and individuals must be

able to adapt to new programs that are created,such as online classes. The topic being presented

is directed towards both students and school districts because the benefits that students have

while utilizing online classes simultaneously benefit school districts who already have

incorporated online classes as part of the curriculum.

Key Words: Online Classes, Individuals, Study, Advantages, Connections, Self-pace,

REPLACEMENT OF TEACHERS WITH ONLINE CLASSES

The introduction of new software and programs has dramatically revolutionized the way

technology is used and the way it is applied in different areas. These new programs and
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softwares have reached the school system and have replaced traditional classroom teachers with

online classes. To begin with, online classes are virtual courses that deliver lessons through the

web in which the student is able to easily access courses at any time and any place. However,

there are pros and cons in replacing traditional classes with online classes. There have been

various studies that demonstrate the different effects that students have when taking online

classes compared to traditional classes. Nonetheless, with technology growing, it is better to

adapt to online classes which can help an individual by studying at their own pace, resulting in

an increase in their grade point average, and interaction with people via live chat rooms.

SELF-PACED STUDYING AND COURSES

Regardless if a person is a slow or fast learner, many individuals learn at their own pace

in order to master different subjects. Self pacing means the students can start completing the

targets at any time, and he can arrange a learning schedule that meets his individual

needs(Norman, 2016). This is a significant concept for online classes due to the fact that it will

be an individual's responsibility to finish their course(s) while still mastering the subject(s) by

going at their own pace. When a student searches for online classes most of the time they will

come across self-pacing courses. These self-paced courses are created in advance, and learners

participate in it at their own pace(Crane, p. 90, 2016) which reduces stress and increases

satisfaction(Ganguly, Bhattacharya, p.755,2013) of an individual. Individuals going to

traditional classes have the stress of deadlines and their class schedules, but by taking a course

that is self-paced the student will not have these worries or concerns. Not only does having self-

paced courses help reduce stress, but self-paced learning is also widely accepted by employers

who want their employees to further their jobs skills without taking time off work to do
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so(Adomaitis, 2014). Additionally, doing online studying can possibly help an individual attain

a job simply because of the flexible schedule that comes along with taking self-paced courses.

Furthermore, not only does online studying help an individual as a high school student,

but it is also beneficial to a college student. When a student enters college, hobbies tend to shift

due to the amounts of work a person may have for different classes. However, this is not an issue

when the individual going to college decides to take online courses that can be self-paced. This

type of course does not require attending live sessions; you can access the materials at any time

that works for you,(Norman, p. 2016) which helps the student be able to either work or enjoy

their hobbies. Overall, taking self-paced courses is beneficial to individuals whether they are

attending high school or college in order for them to excel in their course(s) or subject(s) while

still being able to go at their own pace.

GRADE POINT AVERAGE

The student's grade point average is important, whether the student is in high school or in

college. A study was completed by the Colorado Department of Higher Education to show the

different effects online courses have versus traditional learning, specifically in the subject of

science classes at Colorado Community College. There were two samples that were done, a

random sample of students who were enrolled [in] science classes offered in the traditional

format and a second group comprised of complete set of students who were enrolled

in.mentioned science classes offered online(Colorado Department of Higher Education

Division of Research, Planning, and Performance, p.1, 2012). The science classes included in

the study were biology, chemistry, and physics. Each student was either given an online course or

traditional course in order for the end result to show what would be more beneficial to do for the

students.
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In continuation, once students finished their courses, the results were reviewed and

further analyzed. The researchers found that students in the online science courses had higher

average cumulative GPAs of 2.95 compared to 2.89 for students enrolled in traditional science

courses...and online students also had higher average cumulative credit hours of 99.6 compared

to 82.4 for students in the traditional classrooms(Colorado Department of Higher Education

Division of Research, Planning, and Performance p.2, 2012). The Department of Higher

Education in Colorado reviewed the data received from the students who took Biology and

Chemistry classes, online and traditional, and determined that students in online courses have

similar or higher cumulative credit hours earned(Colorado Department of Higher Education

Division of Research, Planning, and Performance p.9, 2012). Having higher cumulative credit

hours is important because it means that students taking online classes are being well prepared in

different subjects. Therefore, after reviewing the study that was done, specifically in the science

department, the grade point average was higher for the students who took online classes rather

than those with traditional classes. This specific example exhibits advantages that could possibly

be seen if traditional classes were to be replaced with online classes. Furthermore, replacing

traditional classes with online classes can benefit not only the science department, but different

departments as well by improving students cumulative GPAs.

INTERACTION WITH OTHERS

Online classes are perceived by many people to make an individual have less human

contact. Although there may not be a teacher with the student, there are different ways to interact

within the online class community. There are online courses an individual may take that consist

of a number of units each of which mimics one lecture in a live class(Ranadive Swienton,

Upshaw Downs, p.209, 2012) which can put you in touch with others via the web. When an
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individual decides to take online courses, not only are they able to interact through a live class

lecture, but also through live chat rooms for students and instructors allowing virtual

discussions in real time, (Ranadive Swienton, Upshaw Downs, p.209, 2012), which is another

beneficial point to why online classes should replace teacher in traditional classes.

In addition, online classes offer webinars which are the web version of a seminar, a

webinar is a live web broadcast that typically takes the form of a lecturer providing an

introduction to a topic before leading a discussion with those who are tuned in(Oxford Royale

Academy inspirational cultural and academic courses, 2014) in order for students to interact with

one another via the web. Moreover, students in online classes are able to connect with students

from all over the country. Due to the fact online classes are not limited by geography, students

can connect with classmates, graduates, instructors, and employers from a variety of

communities, greatly expanding their professional networks(Career Step Online Education and

Training Solutions, 2017). An individual expanding their professional networks is an important

aspect in life because in the future the individual will be able to have connections not only in this

country, but also in countries worldwide. Arguably, online classes help individuals interact with

others via live chat rooms, that are also worldwide, in order for the students to have even more

connections than they would have in a traditional class.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, traditional classes should be replaced with online classes no matter if in

high school or college because students will have more advantages, such as being able to study at

their own pace, being able to increase their grade point average, and being able to interact with

others via live chat rooms. Students who utilize online classes have more benefits that can help

them in the future, like being able to manage their time since the students study at their own pace
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and have to keep track of their own progress. Moreover, the students have more benefits by

attaining higher grade point averages and connecting more with other individuals worldwide.

Therefore, schools should replace traditional classroom teachers with online classes.

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Career Step Online Education & Training Solutions(2014). Benefits of Online Education:

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Colorado Department of Higher Education Division of Research, Planning, and Performance.

(2012). Online versus Traditional Learning: A Comparison Study of Colorado

Community College Science Classes

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http://wcet.wiche.edu/sites/default/files/1622CCCSOnlinevsTraditionalScienceStudyRep

ortJune2012update.pdf

CRANE, BEVERLEY E.(2016). ONLINE TEACHING AND LEARNING: A Practical Guide for
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