Online Writing Do Students Lose More Than

Online Writing Do students lose more than they gain in online writing classes? Kiefer argues that the online educational format for a writing class is inferior to the traditional classroom setting that is normally composed of a limited amount of students. In the traditional writing classroom students can be given the timely feedback that has been shown to be able to increase their writing capabilities. The online setting by contrast has inherent limitations that do not allow for the quality and timeliness that is needed to effectively study writing.

Although Kiefer's overall argument has valid points, there are two considerations that must be taken. These considerations look at alternatives and the future of online education. Body The first is that not all students are able to take a class in person due to work or a personal situation. Therefore, while not ideal, an online course can still be a worthwhile endeavor with no better alternatives for some.

For example, if someone does not have the time or ability to travel to a traditional classroom to learn about writing, then the online format could be their only option to pursue their education. If you assume that an education in writing has value and there are no other better alternatives available, then online writing could still represent a student's best option even if it is not the ideal one to some critiques. Another consideration is that the technical capabilities of online learning are advancing rapidly.

Whereas these capabilities where once a limitation, more advanced technological progress in these areas could actually overcome the limitations and make the online learning platform an asset. Kiefer writes "But students' preconceptions of their roles in online courses and the limitations of technology combine to work against significant interactions in online classes" (Kiefer, p. 151). However, the point that is made does not fully account for the speed at which these limitations are dissolving. New technologies can now offer many of the same benefits that are found in face-to-face situations.

For example, there are online platforms that offer video and voice chatting, a shared desktop, and a range of different collaboration tools which can overcome many of the limitations found in previous generations of online classrooms. Conclusion It would be difficult to argue against the position that an.