Summary of Opener #2

As shown in this chapter, Curtis J. Bonk stated that nowadays online learning has become more and more popular among adult learners. The online learning or e-learning programme is a teaching and learning process that is delivered via a computer and internet networks and supported by other forms of electronically learning and teaching aid. Through e-learning, learners will gain knowledge and skills which will at the end affect their performance and behavior. These factors lead the learners to extend their existing skills into new directions.

Many educational institutions around the globe are offering online and blended learning programmes to students. These programmes are proven to created incredible opportunities to adult learners. In the US, The Capella University, Walden University and Jones International University, to name a few, have successfully implemented online and blended learning and have benefited  millions of students in variety of disciplines of courses. In Asia itself, Open University Malaysia (OUM) in Malaysia, Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok and Indra Ghandi National Open University in India are other examples of successful online educational providers which also have shown a tremendous growth in online learning.

Bonk also stated that a good education system should provide students with unlimited resource. At the same time, it also should allow students to share knowledge and expertise. Finally, learning should be open regardless of prior degrees and certifications. As such, educational institutions that offer online and blended learning continually explore ways to reach greater number of learners while expanding their educational services. They have made it possible for students to “return back to school” at the convenience of their homes. Not to mention at their available time and pace. As long as the students are connected to the net, they will have control of when, where and how to learn.  What matter the most to these students is the  flexibility and convenient mode of learning and its accessibility.

According to Bonk, e-learning is not always equated to adult learners. This is rightly so. As mentioned in this chapter, The “NotSchool” program has also benefited millions of students in the range of 14 to 15 years old, who are not doing well in their regular face to face classroom lessons. This programme has also been given some sort of formal accreditation.  Students are called the researchers and they are provided with internet connections and other technologies in order to keep up with their studies.  

Although online learners feel that online programmes which are offered by the educational institutions are both convenient and easily accessible, they may face challenges to success in the online learning environment. Among the challenges includes the lack of face-to-face interactions between students and instructors as compared to traditional classroom learners. On top of that, in the online learning environment, students may have problems in managing and using information effectively, not to mention family and work commitments. These factors lead to the higher percentage of drops among online learners.

Due to these challenges, Bonk suggested that online learners must equip themselves with the essential skills in order to successfully complete their course of studies online. Online learners must prepare themselves with strong skills in time management. At the same time, literacy skills among online learners are also vital which include good reading, writing and comprehension skill. If any of these skills is absent, it will lead to lack of motivation among the students to successfully complete their course of studies online.