ESSAY STRUCTURE REVIEW ACTIVITY

TASK 1

This essay is in the wrong order.

i) Can you re-arrange it into the correct order?
ii) What do you think the title could be for the essay?

a) Based on the evidence cited in this essay despite the apparent benefits of e-learning,
academics remain divided over this contentious matter. It would appear from the research
that even in our modern age numerous students still value the personal contact of the
classroom highly, despite its cost and inconvenience. However, it would seem logical to
assume that faced by a growing demand for university places; more institutions are likely
to develop on-line courses. Also there may be a role for internet-based courses to
supplement teacher-taught programmes, and certainly for people with extracurricular
commitments they could be the only viable option. Whatever personal opinions maybe it
would seem that there is a requirement for further research to measure the effectiveness
of this variety of learning and hopefully this should assist in maximising its advantages in
the future.

b) In our modern society there seems to be many people who are unable, either through
work commitments or a lack of funds, to attend classes, and who logically would clearly
find internet learning beneficial. Furthermore given the increasing competition for
university places in many countries, internet-based teaching is often perceived as a useful
supplement which can also be implemented in supporting taught courses. Stone (2003)
highlights the fact that on-line courses fulfil a variety of needs such as providing access to
extra materials. In many ways these kinds of courses are akin to the `universities of the
air', such as Britain's Open University, which has developed effective distance learning
with a high degree of success over the last 40 years.

c) According to Hillier (1997) a number of advantages of internet use in education have

been documented. Firstly, it is seen as more economical, in that once a course is prepared,
it can be used by large numbers of students. The savings made by not having to employ so
many teachers should be reflected in cheaper course fees. The second benefit is
convenience; instead of having to attend classes at fixed times and places, students are
free to study at a time of their choosing and consequently progress at their own pace.
Furthermore unlike in the case of traditional education, studying from home removes the
need to travel to a college or university, as a result saving both time and money. Hillier
then cites the example of a student living in a small town in China who can now study a
course at a British university without the worry of travelling, accommodation or
homesickness.
d) In addition to personal contact with a teacher, also the support and encouragement
gained from being part of a class may be an overriding factor for such preferences.
Moreover, membership of a group may also create a useful spirit of competition, which
could stimulate learning.

Furneaux (1992) also mentions that for many overseas students, the opportunity to travel
and experience a different academic culture has proved to be an enriching experience
which equips them with a new found independence and self-confidence. This can translate
into superior professional and social skills which prove extremely beneficial when they
return to their home country.

e) Since the late 1990s internet-based teaching (also known as e-education) has emerged
as a potential rival to traditional classroom learning. It normally involves having access to a
secure site on the internet where a graded series of lessons are available, and which have
assignments sent and returned by email. Although on-line courses are now offered by
many institutions, ambiguity still exists as to whether they offer real advantages compared
to classroom education. To date minimal research has been conducted on their
effectiveness; therefore this essay will aim to examine some of the main issues namely;
cost, convenience and personal contact. The advantages and disadvantages of these areas
will be assessed in detail. Finally they will be summarized in the conclusion and
recommendations will be made based on the current evidence.

f) Despite these considerations mentioned above, many proponents of classroom learning

remain unwilling to cede to the introduction of e-learning. They argue that direct everyday
contact with a teacher is still highly regarded as the most efficient method for students to
progress, despite any incurred expense and inconvenience.
TASK 2
Which quotations below are most appropriate to support the writer’s arguments?

i) Choose one suitable quote which supports e-learning and insert it in the appropriate
place.

1) a) While it is true that e-learning eliminates personal contact and travel from
education , aspects many students value, sitting at home working on a computer may be
as effective and more economical, which are often greater priorities compared to the
social experience of attending courses. (Pearson 2005, 375)

b) However, e-learning eliminates personal contact and travel from education, which are
possibly the aspects many students value most. Sitting at home working on a computer
may be economical, but clearly cannot replace the social experience of attending courses.
(James 2002, 279)

c) E-learning is a form of education which can revolutionize the way we learn as a society.
Although there may be negative aspects to such radical methods of learning the overall
advantages outweigh the pre-conceived drawbacks (Stevens 1998, 263)

Choose one suitable quote which argues against e-learning and insert it in the appropriate
place.

2) a) The expense involved in securing an expensive education is worthwhile as the

rewards can be reaped through any subsequent employment. Therefore direct interaction
with the teacher is essential (Stanley 2001, 32)

b) Wherever one is located in the world the idea of having an educational experience
which is bereft of human interaction still remains anathema to the vast majority of
students (Bourne 1995, 78)

c) Pupils who value their educators feel the need to express their appreciation by being
involved in the learning process on a daily basis. Such objectives can only be achieved
through direct contact (Higgins 1999, 102)

TASK 3
Look through the complete version of the essay

i) Can you find any examples of academic style?

ii) Can you find any examples of how the writer links the sentences and paragraphs
together?
COMPARE CLASSROOM LEARNING WITH INTERNET-BASED TEACHING. IS THE LATTER
LIKELY TO REPLACE THE FORMER?

Since the late 1990s internet-based teaching (also known as e-education) has emerged as
a potential rival to traditional classroom learning. It normally involves having access to a
secure site on the internet where a graded series of lessons are available, and which have
assignments sent and returned by email. Although on-line courses are now offered by
many institutions, ambiguity still exists as to whether they offer real advantages compared
to classroom education. To date minimal research has been conducted on their
effectiveness; therefore this essay will aim to examine some of the main issues namely;
cost, convenience and personal contact. The advantages and disadvantages of these areas
will be assessed in detail. Finally they will be summarized in the conclusion and
recommendations will be made based on the current evidence.

According to Hillier (1997, 232 a number of advantages of internet use in education have
been documented. Firstly, it is seen as more economical, in that once a course is prepared,
it can be used by large numbers of students. The savings made by not having to employ so
many teachers should be reflected in cheaper course fees. The second benefit is
convenience; instead of having to attend classes at fixed times and places, students are
free to study at a time of their choosing and consequently progress at their own pace.
Furthermore unlike in the case of traditional education, studying from home removes the
need to travel to a college or university, as a result saving both time and money. Hillier
then cites the example of a student living in a small town in China who can now study a
course at a British university without the worry of travelling, accommodation or
homesickness.

In our modern society there seems to be many people who are unable, either through
work commitments or a lack of funds, to attend classes, and who logically would clearly
find internet learning beneficial. As Pearson emphasises:

While it is true that e-learning eliminates personal contact and travel from education,
which are possibly aspects many students value, sitting at home working on a computer
may be as effective and more economical, which are often greater priorities compared to
the social experience of attending courses. (Pearson 2005, 375)

Furthermore given the increasing competition for university places in many countries,
internet-based teaching is often perceived as a useful supplement which can also be
implemented in supporting taught courses. Stone (2003, 324) highlights the fact that on-
line courses fulfil a variety of needs such as providing access to extra materials. In many
ways these kinds of courses are akin to the `universities of the air', such as Britain's Open
University, which has developed effective distance learning with a high degree of success
over the last 40 years.
Despite these considerations mentioned above, classroom learning shows no signs of
being replaced by e-learning. It seems that face-to-face contact with a teacher is still
widely regarded as the best method for students to progress, despite the expense and
inconvenience involved. Bourne states that:

Wherever one is located in the world the idea of having an educational experience which
is bereft of human interaction still remains anathema to the vast majority of students
(Bourne 1995, 78)

In addition to personal contact with a teacher, also the support and encouragement
gained from being part of a class may be an overriding factor for such preferences.
Moreover, membership of a group may also create a useful spirit of competition, which
could stimulate learning. Furneaux (1992, 256) also mentions that for many overseas
students, the opportunity to travel and experience a different academic culture has
proved to be an enriching experience which equips them with a new found independence
and self confidence. This can translate into superior professional and social skills which
prove extremely beneficial when they return to their home country.

In conclusion, based on the evidence cited in this essay it can be said that despite the
apparent benefits of e-learning, academics remain divided over this contentious matter. It
would appear from the research that even in our modern age numerous students still
value the personal contact of the classroom highly, despite its cost and inconvenience.
However it would seem logical to assume that faced by a growing demand for university
places, more institutions are likely to develop on-line courses. Also there may be a role for
internet-based courses to supplement teacher-taught programmes, and certainly for
people with extracurricular commitments they could be the only viable option. Whatever
personal opinions maybe it would seem that there is a requirement for further in-depth
research to measure the effectiveness of this variety of learning and hopefully this should
assist in maximising its advantages in the future.

TASK 4
Think about the following:

i) Do you agree with the conclusion?

ii) This essay was written a few years ago now. Do you think opinions have changed
since then? Why? Why not?