E-learning cannot fully replace traditional classrooms according to a study conducted with high school students. The study had students take an introductory Microsoft Word course either online alone or in a classroom setting. A survey found that most students preferred face-to-face instruction, felt they learned more with a teacher, and were uncomfortable with self-paced online learning. While online learning provides flexibility, the traditional classroom environment was deemed better for learning and keeping students on track by the majority of respondents.

1. E-LearningE-Learning
Can it replace the traditional classroom?Can it replace the traditional classroom?
BY NISHANT BAISLABY NISHANT BAISLA

2. What is E-Learning?
• A form of training or teaching over
the internet or intranet
• A widely used tool to teach and train
individuals for both academics and
corporations
• Two categories: synchronous and
asynchronous

3. Synchronous
• similar to the traditional classroom in
that you are meeting at a particular
time via audio, video streaming or a
chat room
• takes away the flexibility of time
which is a major advantage of e-
learning

4. Asynchronous
• Allows you to work at your own time
and pace with periodic communication
with the instructor
• Takes a lot of patience, motivation,
self-confidence, dedication and a
general knowledge of using a
computer

5. Success Factors
• Individual’s learning style
• Behavior type
• Age
• Gender
• Teacher

6. Teacher’s Role
• Must be dedicated
• Must communicate with the students on a regular
basis
• Must help students to move forward at a steady
pace
• Must take the initiative and occasionally initiate a
discussion with the students
• More of a facilitator who keeps the course moving
and answers questions or handles conflicts

7. Factors affecting
teachers’ involvement
• Faculty computer illiteracy
• Faculty resistance to online
education
• Different philosophical beliefs about
the nature of communication online
• Heavy faculty workloads
• Faculty is not properly trained to
facilitate online learning

8. Hypothesis
E-learning cannot replace the
traditional classroom

9. Reasons supporting
hypothesis
• E-learning does not have a way of ensuring
that the students are really learning the
material
• E-learning does not give the full knowledge
and understanding of a subject matter
• Tests or quizzes are not monitored so
therefore, how can you know that students
are not using their notes or other
resources to complete the tests

10. Reasons supporting
hypothesis
• Different learning styles of the students
• Not all students are self-motivated and
self-determined to handle online courses
• Some students need a teacher in front of
them dictating to them and monitoring
their work

11. Methodology
• Targeted population is high school
students
• Conducted at St. Mary’s Academy
High School, a private, predominantly
black, all girl high school
• Seniors and Freshmen

12. Study
The students were placed in an online environment for
three weeks learning Microsoft Word. They received a
book to supplement their learning. They also used
online resources to gather more information to help
gain a better understanding of the product. In
addition, CTM testing was used to allow students to
test their knowledge. They were given assignments to
complete out of the book. At the end of the third
week, they were given a test using CTM.

13. Study
Then, they were switched to the
traditional classroom setting. Once
again, they were givens assignments
to complete and a test at the end of
the three weeks. During these
weeks, the teacher explained several
concepts to them and walked them
through a couple of exercises.

14. Findings
A survey was given to the six classes who
took the course. Three of the classes
were seniors and the other three were
freshmen. The six classes totaled one
hundred and thirty five students, of which
one hundred and seven students completed
the survey. The results will reflect the
seventy nine percent that responded to
the survey.

15. Survey
1. Did you like your overall experience with the
online course?
2. Was it harder to learn online compared to the
traditional class with a teacher?
3. Do you think you would have received a better
grade in the traditional classroom setting?
4. Were you able to keep up with the assignments
and tests?
5. Would you recommend this form of the course to
other students?

16. Survey
6. Would you take another online course?
7. Did you like your overall experience with the
traditional setting compared to the online setting?
8. Do you feel you learned more with the traditional
classroom?
9. Was it easier to study for the tests after having the
guidance of a teacher?
10. Was it easier to complete assignments on time
with a teacher constantly reminding you of the due
dates?
11.Would you recommend the traditional form of learning
over online learning?

17. Conclusion
• The majority of the respondents in
this study was uncomfortable in the
online setting and preferred a
teacher in the classroom teaching
• Online courses are not suitable for
all the students and will not be able
to replace the traditional classroom