Online Learning & Internet Usage

Kala ButlerEDTC 5103Module 7

Hypothesis

Older generations view online learning for students as an easier

and less formative form of education, while younger

generations believe that their internet usage and computer skills

for research and education create a well-rounded approach to learning.

Methodology

Create an online survey using a Google Docs form.

Distribute survey via Facebook and emails to fellow colleagues.

Record results into a spreadsheet.

Analyze data and create a presentation to showcase average results by age group.

Spreadsheet of Survey Results

Demographics

ResultsQuestion 1: Online education is as effective

as traditional classroom education.

1: Strongly Disagree 2: Disagree 3: Neutral 4: Agree 5: Strongly Agree

ResultsQuestion 2: Students are able to explore and research better in a classroom environment

than online.

1: Strongly Disagree 2: Disagree 3: Neutral 4: Agree 5: Strongly Agree

ResultsQuestion 3: The use of the internet positively

aids in a students' education.

1: Strongly Disagree 2: Disagree 3: Neutral 4: Agree 5: Strongly Agree

ResultsQuestion 4: Online learning should only be

coupled with traditional classroom instruction.

1: Strongly Disagree 2: Disagree 3: Neutral 4: Agree 5: Strongly Agree

ResultsQuestion 5: Education should be formatted

around students interests and new technology.

1: Strongly Disagree 2: Disagree 3: Neutral 4: Agree 5: Strongly Agree

ResultsQuestion 6: Online learning is easier than

traditional classroom learning.

1: Strongly Disagree 2: Disagree 3: Neutral 4: Agree 5: Strongly Agree

ResultsQuestion 7: Classroom instruction is not an effective form of education for today's

generations.

1: Strongly Disagree 2: Disagree 3: Neutral 4: Agree 5: Strongly Agree

ResultsQuestion 8: Internet usage is imperative for students' learning.

1: Strongly Disagree 2: Disagree 3: Neutral 4: Agree 5: Strongly Agree

AnalysisQuestion 1: The idea that online education is as effective as traditional learning was neutral amongst all age groups.

Question 2: Participants 20 – 59 years of age had a consensus between neutral and disagreeing that students are able to research better in a classroom environment than online, while only the 60+ age group agreed leaned towards agreeing with this statement.

Question 3: All participants agreed that internet usage positively effects learning, although the 40 – 49 age group strongly agreed with the statement.

Question 4: The 60 + age group strongly agreed that online learning should only be coupled with traditional classroom education, while all other age groups were between being neutral and agreeing with the statement.

Analysis Continued…Question 5: The two youngest age groups surveyed recorded that on average they agreed with the statement that teaching should be formatted around students’ interests and new technology, while the three older groups were neutral on the idea.

Question 6: All age groups were neutral to disagreeing that online learning is easier than traditional instructions. The 40-49 age group were the only group to fully disagree with the idea.

Question 7: All age groups disagreed that traditional classroom instruction is not effective in today’s world. The 60+ strongly disagreed with this statement.

Question 8: Participants from 20 – 59 were of like mind between being neutral and agreeing that internet usage is imperative, and the 60+ age group averaged between being neutral and disagreeing that internet usage is imperative.

ObservationsI would have liked to had a more even number of age groups as well as a larger number of male participants. There were several results that surprised me and proved different than I would have originally presumed. I was surprised that all age groups were neutral regarding online education being as good as classroom education even though it was agreed amongst the age groups that online does not necessarily mean easier. It makes sense that they were in agreement to be neutral on the subject of it not being easier. Many believe it is easier but older generations may see that task of all digital work as scary or difficult in itself while younger generations may feel comfortable with the technology, they may know from experience that online does not mean easier. I was surprised that the younger generations did not more strongly agree with the idea that instruction should be formatted around student interests and new technology . Compared to the other age groups, the 60+ age group greatly felt that online instruction should be coupled with traditional instruction as well as that the use of the internet is not an imperative tool for students’ learning.