Virtual Learning continued...

I just found this article and found some elements rather interesting. The research quoted here is taken from 1997 but is still very relevant:

"Schutte observed that the traditional classroom could be sometimes an inhibiting environment for students, and its structure can be pressurising and intimating. Whereas the virtual environment encourages freedom of expression and students are more open to communicate and express opinion and would often thrive in these environments."

"One thing that Schutte pointed out in his report was the fact that ?the virtual students seemed more frustrated?, not from only the technology but from the inability to, ask the teacher, questions in a face-to-face environment. This lack of human face-to-face interaction is what concerns a lot of those critics against virtual learning environments, as they fear students will not develop a deep understanding of their own emotions and this could have a long-term effect on their relationships as future adults in society."

There are two things that come straight to mind when I read the article. One is that Ravensbourne has the perfect opportunity to create a hybrid of the virtual and physical environments achieving the best from both scenarios.
Secondly I was reminded of another section of the interview with Fiona where we talked about the publicising of colleges' e-learning facilities. I previously read that some institutions felt that by making their course content public, they were losing some of their IP as it were and the exclusivity of their status. But Fiona rightly said that the information alone is worth very little and it is the networks and face time with the lecturers that make the college experience.
I want to go further into public learning so it will be covered in a seperate post.