Informative Speech: Online Learning vs. Classroom Learning

Summary

Kara Newman shares her perspective on online learning, exploring both its advantages and challenges. She highlights the flexibility it offers, allowing students to balance work and hobbies, while also addressing the struggles, particularly for those with ADHD. The absence of in-person interactions can lead to distractions and disengagement. However, the ability to access materials at any time and the encouragement of self-paced learning can boost critical thinking skills. Despite its benefits, Kara acknowledges the difficulties for students with learning disabilities and the potential for procrastination in this learning format.

Takeaways

• 😀 Online learning provides flexibility, allowing students to balance work, hobbies, and studies.
• 😀 For some students, face-to-face interaction and hands-on learning are necessary for success.
• 😀 The transition to online learning has strengthened critical thinking and technical skills for many students.
• 😀 Traditional classroom experiences, like building relationships with peers and teachers, are lost in online learning.
• 😀 Online learning can be challenging for students with ADHD due to distractions and difficulty focusing.
• 😀 Distractions at home, such as roommates, pets, and other activities, can hinder productivity in online learning.
• 😀 Online learning environments, such as Zoom lectures, can make it hard for students with ADHD to stay engaged.
• 😀 The lack of peer contact in online learning can make it harder for students to seek help when needed.
• 😀 A graph shows significant academic decline after the shift to online learning compared to traditional classroom learning.
• 😀 Online learning allows students to learn at their own pace, including late-night study sessions.
• 😀 Online learning resources, like videos, podcasts, and written materials, provide easy access to reinforce course concepts.

Q & A

What is the speaker's main perspective on online learning?

The speaker, Kara Newman, shares a personal positive experience with online learning, highlighting the flexibility it offers in balancing work, hobbies, and education. However, she also acknowledges that it may not be ideal for everyone.

Why does the speaker find online learning beneficial?

The speaker finds online learning beneficial because it allows for a flexible schedule, enabling her to pace herself with the workload while managing other personal activities and responsibilities.

What are some challenges students with ADHD may face in online learning?

Students with ADHD may struggle with distractions and maintaining focus. For example, interruptions from roommates, pets, or personal hobbies can make it difficult to concentrate on assignments for extended periods.

What did Ryan Kellums, an expert mentioned in the script, say about online learning for students with ADHD?

Ryan Kellums, a BYU associate professor, pointed out that traditional lectures on Zoom can be hard to follow, which may cause students with ADHD to lose interest quickly. The lack of peer interaction can also make it more difficult for them to seek help on missed material.

What does the graph mentioned in the script show?

The graph shows the typical academic growth of students from 3rd to 8th grade and highlights the significant academic setback that occurred after March when online learning started, as compared to the typical summer setbacks.

How does online learning help students strengthen their critical thinking skills?

Online learning presents more complex challenges that require creative solutions, particularly related to technology and information. This encourages students to develop critical thinking skills as they navigate their courses and solve problems independently.

How does online learning offer flexibility in terms of scheduling?

Online learning allows students to access course materials at any time, making it possible for them to study during hours that work best for them, such as late at night or early in the morning, instead of being bound to traditional class times.

What are some of the advantages of having access to online course materials?

Having access to online course materials, such as videos, podcasts, and written content, allows students to revisit concepts they may be struggling with, reinforcing their understanding of course material. It also enables them to quickly search for specific information.

Why might students with learning disabilities face difficulties in online learning?

Students with learning disabilities might face challenges in online learning due to the self-paced nature of the courses, which may lead to procrastination or difficulty in keeping up with the workload without the structured support of a classroom environment.

What is one downside of self-paced online learning mentioned in the script?

One downside of self-paced online learning is that it can lead to procrastination. Without regular deadlines and the structure of a classroom setting, some students may struggle to stay on track with their assignments.