Is the online learning effective?

Online learning is least effective if the purpose is knowledge consumer and the learning mode is knowledge transfer. When online learning imitates the traditional schooling, where teachers download and distribute information and when the learner’s primary purpose is to access this information, it is difficult to show significant effectiveness gains over traditional teaching and learning that is not mediated by digital technology.

Online learning becomes more effective when the purpose is knowledge collaboration and application where the learners are not just consumers of knowledge, but collaborators who work together to develop a certain knowledge and information. The purpose here is to create new knowledge that gives the learners an opportunity to build on other’s concepts and ideas.

When the learners become participants, they deepen their personal knowledge and skill. I think it’s time to transform the traditional schooling modes into new learning purposes and modes.