The Positive and Challenging Aspects of Learning Online and in Traditional Face-to-Face Classrooms: A Student Perspective

Growth in online enrollment of college courses increased from 19.8% in 2003 to 24.8% in 2004. With the continued investments in online course development and a consumer desire for flexible 24/7 learning, there is no evidence that enrollment rates will slow. Likewise, in the area of teacher preparation, alternative certification programs continue to increase across the United States supplementing if not replacing traditional teacher education programs. In many instances, these programs feature online supplements or provide the course entirely online. With the continued growth in online/alternative certification programs for teacher preparation, it is critical we gain a better understanding in the effectiveness of online learning specific to special education teacher preparation. This issue's column offers an examination of one university's attempt to measure its effectiveness in online delivery. More...