E-Learning Can it replace the traditional classroom? A Case Study at A Private High School

E-LearningCan it replace the traditional classroom?A Case Study at A Private High School Jennelle Irene Spurlock-Johnson Wendy Zhang Leeta Allen-Haynes Southern University at New Orleans

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hypothesis E-learning cannot replace the traditional classroom

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?

Results Did you like your overall experience with the online course? Yes 40 No 67

Results Was it harder to learn online compared to the traditional class with a teacher? Yes 90 No 17

Results Do you think you would have received a better grade in the traditional classroom setting? Yes 85 No 22

Results Were you able to keep up with the assignments and tests? Yes 40 No 67

Results Would you recommend this form of the course to other students? Yes 60 No 47

Results Would you take another online course? Yes 65 No 42

Results Did you like your overall experience with the traditional setting compared to the online setting? Yes 95 No 12

Results Do you feel you learned more with the traditional classroom? Yes 85 No 22

Results Was it easier to study for the tests after having the guidance of a teacher? Yes 78 No 29

Results Was it easier to complete assignments on time with a teacher constantly reminding you of the due dates? Yes 70 No 37

Results Would you recommend the traditional form of learning over online learning? Yes 80 No 27

Test Results Test results at the end of the first three weeks: • 75% failed • 10% received a low D • 10% received a C • 4% received a B • 1% received an A

Test Results Test results at the end of the second three weeks: • 77% made a B or better • 15% made a C • 6% made a D • 2% failed

Comments by students • They could not understand why the teacher was not teaching them and leaving them to learn on their own • They did not like the online environment and felt it was not helping them learn what was needed for the test • They were not able to grasp a clear understanding of the topics and they did not do very well on the assignments or the tests

Comments by students • After the three weeks were completed, the students were switched back to the traditional classroom setting • Students felt that they were now learning more and understanding what was expected of them

Limitations • The results were limited to only female high school students. • The students’ attitude towards the teacher may have altered their comments and opinions. • Their negative attitude did not allow them to have an open mind regarding the two styles of learning.

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

E-Learning Can it replace the traditional classroom? A Case Study at A Private High School