Face-to-Face vs. Distance Learning

As a student, I find it hard to adjust to learning online versus learning face-to-face. I have been doing it for so long (since preschool) that entering into the online environment has been a major adjustment for me. From dealing with computer issues such as browser settings, remembering passwords and login names, to trying to stay on top of the readings and online discussions is a hassle and burden. Chapter 10, part 3 called The Development of Online Courses from the book, Theory and Practice of Online Learning by T. Anderson and F. Elloumi presented a reasonable proposition for teachers who plan to teach online. It suggested for faculty to become familiar with the skills and resources needed to be successful online teachers that teachers become online learners themselves to experience some of the challenges students typically face: problems with inadequate computer abilities, learning about the variety of interactive tools, and underestimating the amount of time needed to complete the online readings and homework (Anderson & Elloumi, p.253) Let the instructor spend some time in our shoes as students and see if they can handle work, children, bills, and the stress of trying to login once or twice a week to stay on top of the readings and discussions. I wonder though... if online instructors enroll in online courses to see get the experience of learning online.

I have to say that these online courses are intense and demanding. I find some flexibility in here and there but you can easily lose track of things if you have don't stay on top of logging into WebTyco once or twice a week.

Caplan, D. & Graham, R. (2009). The Development of Online Courses. In T. Anderson, & F. Elloumi (Eds.), Theory and practice of online learning Retrieved March 21, 2009, from http://cde.athabascau.ca/online_book/second_html.