Grant Nigro Joining the Conversation Characters: J.R.

Young Bob Barrett Mohammedreza Ghaffari Grant Nigro (me) Marc Parry Charles McAllister Introduction/Setting J.R., Bob, and Mohammedreza are all talking about their view on online classes and how they feel about them compared to traditional classes. Grant comes in and gives his opinion on online classes and explains what he thinks is better for students. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------J.R.: I dont know about you guys, but I hate online classes. Bob: Why do you say that, J.R.? J.R.: Well, it seems that nowadays its easier for students taking online classes to get away with cheating on their work. Mohammedreza: And how do you mean that, J.R.? J.R.: Well the Internet is something that is used a lot throughout the students work and can be used during tests and quizzes. Basically, there is no teacher to watch what the student is doing, so the student takes advantage. Bob: That is true J.R., but I feel that online classes also have their advantages. For example, online classes are cheaper for schools in that they do not need to hire as many teachers as they would for traditional classes. Also, that work can be done on your own time, and not necessarily have to get your work done when class is over. Mohammedreza: I agree with J.R., although teachers dont have to be there to teach the class, teachers are still involved. Bob: And how is that? Mohammedreza: Well, teachers are required to set up the online class and need to be trained in the tools they provide. Not to mention that through online classes an online instructor has hundreds of students and becomes tough to keep track of that much work.

Grant Nigro J.R.: I like what you had to say Mohammedreza, I feel that teachers are required to do a lot in their respective online class, although it may seem like teachers arent doing much with their work. Me: Whats going on guys? Bob: Having a discussion on online classes. Me: Wow, thats a pretty serious topic there. Mohammedreza: Well, how do you feel about it? Surely youll agree with me and J.R.. Me: Honestly, I have mixed opinions about the subject. I feel that online classes have their advantages and disadvantages. Based on experience taking an online class, I can definitely say that online classes have their ups and downs. Bob: Well what are some advantages? Me: One advantage is that work is taken (at least mine was) at the end of the semester, so you can complete the work anytime you want as long as it is completed by the end of the semester. Also, that you can always do your work, even if youre sick. Since work is completed through the computer, you can do your work while youre at home, even if youre sick. J.R.: Alright, lets here some disadvantages. Me: As you can imagine, there is no direct contact with the instructor so it is tough to receive help from your teacher. Also, I found it easy to become lackadaisical with your work and can forget assignments/homework easily. Basically, you arent as on task as you would be in a traditional class? Mohammedreza: So what would you say is more productive, an online class or a traditional class? Me: Definitely a traditional class. Traditional classes, to me, are the best way to learn the subject. In online classes, you can use the Internet at any time, especially on tests and quizzes to get answers. You can not do this in a traditional class, so it basically requires you to study and learn the subject the old fashioned way, which I feel is much more effective than not just getting the answers online. You might get the same grade in the class, but you wont learn as much in an online class as you would in a traditional class. Marc and Charles (together): Is it too late to join this conversation? J.R.: Who are you guys?

Grant Nigro Marc: Just a couple of former teachers, we over heard you guys talking about online classes and traditional classes and felt that we could add some information. Me: Well what do you guys have to say? Charles: Well, overall, I really do like online classes, however it is becoming increasingly tough to regulate cheating in online classes. Students can use the Internet for all of their work including tests and exams. When students use the Internet for their work, they arent learning anything. They might get good grades, but they will end up learning nothing through the class. Also if the class they are taking online is an AP class, when the AP test comes around, they will not be prepared. Marc: I like to take a more positive approach towards online classes, although there is the possibility for cheating, with online classes, students can be more prepared for the real world by taking online classes. Online classes require students to learn the material on their own, turn in their work on their own, and to be on top of their work on their own. Mohamedreza: I agree with Charles, cheating is very relevant in online classes, and I feel that it is bringing down the integrity of the classes. If online classes were taught the right way, it would be as close to traditional classes as possible, and would virtually be the same as traditional classes. Bob: Mohamedreza, while you agree with Charles, I agree with Marc. I like what Marc says about preparing you for the future. I didnt think of that but it really does make sense. I like what you said about making students do things on their own. I like how you emphasized that because that is really what makes or breaks someone in their future. Me: I like what all of you guys had to say but I still believe that traditional classes are better than online classes. Simply based on experience and interviews, I can say that traditional classes are a better environment, and you can simply learn more in traditional classes. When I took AP Human Geography in high school, it seemed like I went through the motions and didnt really take in what I was learning. I also found it tough to stay on top of my work; it is easy to blow off your work and to simply forget what work you had to do.

Grant Nigro Introduction The debate between online and traditional classes is very important for education. While online classes and traditional classes seem very different, they really are quite similar. Both offer the same work and in a similar fashion; the only difference between the two is that one is in a traditional classroom, and one is through the Internet. While they might have their differences, there is not doubt that online classes and traditional classes are both important for education. When did online classes really start to boom? What makes students want to take online classes instead of traditional classes? How do online classes affect the budget of schools? Do students learn as much in online classes as they would in traditional classes? Do teachers prefer teaching online or traditional classes? In my paper, I dissect both online classes and traditional classes and find their respective advantages and disadvantages. Based on experience with online classes, and interviewing students currently in online classes, I can say that traditional classes are far more productive and efficient. While in online classes, it is easy to get off track with your work and is easy to forget about assignments. Based on my research, experience, and interviews, I can say that traditional classes are more productive than online classes in every aspect.

Grant Nigro Bibliography Barrett, Bob. "Virtual Teaching And Strategies: Transitioning From Teaching Traditional Classes To Online Classes." Contemporary Issues in Education Research; Dec2010, P17-20, 4p Vol. 3.Issue 12 (n.d.): n. Ghaffari, Mohammedreza. "Assessing Online Classes and Traditional Classes." Nature & Science Vol. 9.Issue 8 (n.d.): 14-16. McAllister, Charles, and Paul Watkins. "Increasing Academic Integrity in Online Classes by Fostering the Development of Self-Regulated Learning Skills." Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas (n.d.): n. pag. Parry, Marc. "Online, Bigger Classes May Be Better Classes." Education Digest: Essential Readings Condensed for Quick Review 76 (n.d.): n. pag. Young, J.R. "Online Classes See Cheating Go High Tech." Education Digest 2013 (n.d.): 48. Prakken Publications.