Online Learning: Trends, Potential and Challenges

This paper examines trends, potential and challenges in online learning. We consider 6 online learning trends and the issues associated with the trends. These include a one sided emphasis on the technology; physical versus online presences; formal face-to-face versus distance/workplace education; mono-versus multi-lingual online learning; open source versus proprietary software; and the open standard oxymoron. The potential of online learning include 4 factors of accessibility, flexibility, interactivity, and collaboration of online learning afforded by the technology. In terms of the challenges to online learning, 6 are identified: defining online learning; proposing a new legacy of epistemology-social constructivism for all; quality assurance and standards; commitment versus innovation; copyright and intellectual property; and personal learning in social constructivism. The authors contend the necessity of developing new ways of thinking to face the challenges relating to the development of online learning.