Skip to main content

Learners and Technology: Myths about Online Education

  • Chapter
Myths in Education, Learning and Teaching
  • 474 Accesses

Abstract

Although online education is a relatively recent phenomenon, its position in teaching and learning is evidently consolidated, and myths have arisen since its development. These can be less positive myths that can distort perceptions and expectations. This chapter identifies and explains four kinds of myths found in online education — social, organizational, instructional and technological. The main assumption underlying this chapter is that while the halo of online education mediated by modern tools is evident everywhere, there is sound research which casts doubt on the global effectiveness of this modality of education in terms of middle- and long-term learning results.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Artino, A. R., Jr. (2008). Cognitive load theory and the role of learner experience: An abbreviated review for educational practitioners. AACE Journal, 16(4), 425–439.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ash, K. (2008). Technology’s role in motivation. Retrieved from http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/motivation/2008/06/the_role_of_technology_in_moti.htm12/12/2013.

    Google Scholar 

  • Badia, A., Barbera, E., Guasch, T., & Espasa, A. (2011). Technology educational affordance: Bringing the gap between patterns of interaction and technology usage. Digital Education Review, 19, 20–35.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barbera, E. (2004). Quality in virtual education environments. British Journal of Educational Technology, 35(1), 13–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barbera, E. (2008). Mutual feedback in e-portfolio assessment: An approach to the netfolio System. British Journal of Educational Technology, 40(2), 342–357.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barbera, E., & Linder-VanBerschot, J. (2011). Systemic multicultural model for online education: Tracing connections among learner inputs, instructional processes and outcomes. Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 12(3), 167–180.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bekele, T. A. (2010). Motivation and satisfaction in Internet-supported learning environments: A review. Educational Technology & Society, 13(2), 116–127.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bigum, C., & Rowan, L. (2004). Flexible learning in teacher education: Myths, muddles and modals. Asia-Pacific Journal of Teacher Education, 32(3), 213–226.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blocher, J. M., Sujo de Montes, L., Willis, E. M., & Tucker, G. (2002). Online learning: Examining the successful student profile. The Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 1(2), 1–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brinthaupt, T. M., Fisher, L. S., Gardner, J. G., Raffo, D. M., & Woodard, J. B. (2011). What the best online teachers should do. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 7(4). Retrieved from http://jolt.merlot.org/vo17no4/brinthaupt_1211.htm.

  • Brophy, J. (2010). Motivating students to learn (3rd edn.). New York: Taylor and Francis.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cohen, A., & Nachmias, R. (2006). A quantitative cost-effectiveness model for web-supported academic instruction. The Internet and Higher Education, 9(2), 81–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davies, S. (2010). Effective assessment in a digital age. JISC publication. Retrieved from http://www.jisc.ac.uk/media/documents/programmes/elearning/digiassasseada.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  • Dobbs, R. R., Waid, C. A., & del Carmen, A. (2009). Students’ perceptions of online courses: The effect of online course experience. The Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 10(1), 9–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Echo. (2012). Blended learning technology: Connecting with the online-all-the-time student. Retrieved from http://echo360.com/sites/all/themes/echo360/files/2012_Student_Survey_WP_FINAL.pdf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ficapal, P., Torrent, J. Boada, J., & Sanchez, J.C. (2013). Evaluation of e-learning in vocational training: Factorial structure and reliability. Revista de Educacion, 361, 539–564.

    Google Scholar 

  • Globokar, J. L. (2010). Introduction to online learning. London: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, S., He, W., & Abdous, M. (2009). Using a web-based system to estimate the cost of online course production. Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration, 12(3). Retrieved from http://www.westga.edu/~distance/ojdla/fall123/gordon123.html

  • Greenhow, C. (2011). Online social networks and learning, On the Horizon, 19(1), 4–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hannay, M., & Newvine, T. (2006). Perceptions of distance learning: A comparison of online and traditional learning. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 2(1), 1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartnett, M., St. George, A., & Dron, J. (2011). Examining motivation in online distance learning environments: Complex, multifaceted, and situationdependent. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 12(6), 20–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • ISTE. (2008). ISTE.NETST: Advancing digital age teaching. Retrieved from: http://www.iste.org/docs/pdfs/nets-t-standards.pdf?sfyrsn=2.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jubany, J. (2012). Aprendizaje social y personalizado: Conectarse para aprender. Barcelona: Editorial UOC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laurillard, D. M. (1993). Rethinking university teaching: A framework for the effective use of educational technology. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, Q., & Akins, M. (2005). Sixteen myths about online teaching and learning in higher education: Don’t believe everything you hear. Tech Trends, 49(4), 51–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lynch, R., & Dembo, M. (2004). The relationship between self-regulation and online learning in a blended learning context. International Research Review in Open and Distance Learning, 5(2). Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/189/271.

  • McConnell, D. (2000) Implementing computer supported cooperative learning. London: Kogan Page Limited.

    Google Scholar 

  • Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., Bakia, M., & Jones, K. (2010). Evaluation of evidence-based practices in online learning studies: A meta-analysis and review of online learning studies. Washington, DC: U. S. Department of Education, Office of Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oblinger D. G., & Hawkins, B. L. (2006). The myth about online course development. EDUCAUSE Review, 41(1), 14–15. Retrieved from http://www.educause.edu/ero/article/myth-about-online-course-development.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ong, C. H., & Lai, J. Y. (2006). Gender differences in perceptions and relationships among dominants of e-learning acceptance. Computers in Human Behavior, 22(5), 816–829.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reiners, P., Renner, K., & Scheiber, J. (2005). Technology and student motivation. Retrieved from http://kr012.k12.sd.us/Portfolio/Group%20Research%20Paper.pdf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roach, V., & Lemasters, L. (2006). Satisfaction with online learning: A comparative descriptive study. Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 5(3), 317–332.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodriguez, M. C., Ooms, A., & Montanez, M. (2008). Students’ perceptions of online-learning quality given comfort, motivation, satisfaction, and experience. Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 7(2), 105–125.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rovai, A. P., Ponton, M., Wighting, M., & Baker, J. (2007). A comparative analysis of student motivation in traditional classroom and e-learning courses. International Journal on E-Learning, 6(3), 413–432.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rumble, G. (2004). The costs and economics of open and distance learning. Abingdon: Routledge Falmer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schunk, D. H., Pintrich P. R., & Meece J. L. (2008). Motivation in education: Theory, research, and applications. New York: Pearson/Merrill, Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shroff, R. H., Vogel, D., Coombes, J., & Lee, F. (2007). Student e-learning intrinsic motivation: A qualitative analysis. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 19, 241–260.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shroff, R. H., Douglas, R., Vogel, J., & Coombes, J. (2008). Assessing individuallevel factors supporting student intrinsic motivation in online discussions: A qualitative study. Journal of Information Systems Education, 19(1), 111–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shroff, R. H., & Vogel, D. R. (2009). Assessing the factors deemed to support individual student intrinsic motivation in technology supported online and face-to-face discussions. Journal of Information Technology Education, 8, 59–85.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012) Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education. Boston: Pearson.

    Google Scholar 

  • SLOAN. (2008) Staying the course: Online education in the United States, 2008. Retrieved from http://sloanconsortium.org/publications/survey/staying-course

    Google Scholar 

  • Sloan Consortium. (2009). The sloan consortium: The 5 pillars. Retrieved from http://www.sloan-c.org/.

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, D., & Mitry, D. (2008). Investigation of higher education: The real costs and quality of online programs. Journal of Education for Business, 83(3), 147–152.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun, P. C., Tsai, R. J., Finger, G., Chen, Y. Y., & Yeh, D. (2008). What drives a successful learning? An empirical investigation of the critical factors influencing learner satisfaction. Computers & Education, 50(4), 1183–1202.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Torrent, J. Diaz, A., & Ficapal, P. (2009). Overmedication or structural change? An analysis of the impact of ICT, university training and organisational change of business salaries. Revista de Universidad y Sociedad del Conocimiento (RUSC), 6(2), 1–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, J. C., & Patrick, H. (2008). How does motivation develop and why does it change? Reframing motivation research. Educational Psychologist, 43, 1–13.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Veletsianos, G., & Navarrete, C. C. (2012). Online social networks as formal learning environments: Learner experiences and activities. International Research Review in Open and Distance Learning, 13(1). Retrieved from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/1078/2077.

  • Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind and society: The development of higher mental processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watson, J. (2009). Blending learning: The convergence of online and face-to-face education. Retrieved from http://www.inacol.org/research/promisingpractices/NACOL_PP-BlendedLearning-lr.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  • Wertsch, J. V., & Sohmer, R. (1995). Vygotsky on learning and development. Human Development, 38, 332–337.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wighting, M. J., Liu, J., & Rovai, A. P. (2008). Distinguishing sense of community and motivation characteristics between online and traditional college students. Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 9(3), 285–295.

    Google Scholar 

  • Xie, K., DeBacker, T. K., & Ferguson, C. (2006). Extending the traditional classroom through online discussion: The role of student motivation. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 34(1), 68–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yukselturk, E., & Bulut, S. (2007). Predictors for student success in an online course. Educational Technology & Society, 10(2), 71–83.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Copyright information

© 2015 Elena Barbera Gregori

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Gregori, E.B. (2015). Learners and Technology: Myths about Online Education. In: Harmes, M.K., Huijser, H., Danaher, P.A. (eds) Myths in Education, Learning and Teaching. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137476982_10

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics