Abstract
Administrative progressivism as the educational philosophy may be applied in online studying. This conclusion is drawn out of a number of factors which point at the similar goals and desire to reach success in teaching students. However, due to differences in the points of view to control of students’ knowledge, the combination of the learning style and educational philosophy under consideration may lead to worse learning outcomes for students.
Introduction
Education is essential in human life as people have understood its value. There are a lot of different approaches to education and view of its development. Some philosophies of education are new, others are older but their use in the modern system of education points that their nature is to create a deserving member of the society who has managed to get good knowledge, is informed, democratic, equitable, and humane.
Along with different approaches to the education, there are a lot of particular forms of learning which may be chosen depending on students needs. The main idea of the discussion is to consider online learning from the perspective of administrative progressivism with identifying the advantages and disadvantages of using the mentioned approach along with the chosen method of study.
Online Learning
Online learning is a particular way of learning when students do not have to leave their places if they want to get knowledge. Online learning allows students use the information from all over the world. Having got the access to a number of international databases, students will have to read books and study scientific works which may be available only in other countries.
When students refer to online learning as the way of getting knowledge, they feel importance in communication and sharing their perceptions with each other. It has been proven that the success of student learning depends on the structure of the course along with the type of the assessment (Armstrong, 2011).
Students pay much attention to online assessment as they believe that the lack of necessity to sit in class under the direct supervision of a teacher makes them feel better. Additionally, those students who apply to online learning have an opportunity to continue their everyday activities and being students at one and the same time. Considering the main priority of online learning the possibility to access classes from any spot of the world is to be mentioned.
One should not refuse from anything, it is just important to have a handicap. Students can structure their study time according to their desire, however they are not to forget that being 24/7 class availability does not mean the same level of availability of teachers and other students. Additionally, to take part in this type of learning, students are to be aware of the technological innovations and other specific programs necessary for coming through this class (Nagel, Maniam, & Leavell, 2011).
Administrative Progressivism
Progressivism is the particular educational philosophy which main idea is covered in the following. Progressivism is the education where instructions and curriculum are based on the students’ needs, interests and the level of knowledge. Students are directed at learning stills which are going to be necessary for them while learning the subjects instead of directing students at studying the subject. Students are actively engaged that promotes discovery and creativity while studying.
Social relevant themes are raised while studying to make sure that this particular philosophy of education promotes “values of community, cooperation, tolerance, justice and democratic equality” (Labaree, 2005, p. 277). The main advantages of the administrative progressivism are that this philosophy of education supported the strict structure and managing of education along with focus on management of the level of knowledge students get (Labaree, 2005).
Arguments for or against Using Administrative Progressivism in Relation to Online Learning
Having considered the advantages and disadvantages of the online learning and the peculiarities of the administrative progressive educational philosophy, it may be concluded that administrative progressivism ideally fits the online learning. Supporting the structured learning and strict managing of students’ success, online learning presupposes constant and regular assessment as there is no another possibility to check what students’ have achieved.
Documentation of the results is important as only on the basis of these results students have an opportunity to assess personally the level of knowledge and to increase them if possible. Additionally, administrative progressivism is aimed at creativity is studying and improving skills which may help consider the subject. This is exactly what online studying does as teachers are unable to teach students the subject, they can only to help students acquire the skills students are to possess to learn subjects themselves.
The creativity is important while online studying ads there is no similar source of information and each time students find out something new they are to think about the use of information themselves, there are no teachers who are going to assist them. However, administrative progressivism presupposes direct supervision of teachers over students which is impossible due to the fact that online learning is more individual type of studying.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be stated that online learning as the way of teaching may be used with the administrative progressivism due to the similarities in approaches to education. The similarities in the consideration of the style of teaching, use of creativity and direction as teaching skills how to learn the subject rather than teaching the subject are the main advantages.
However, administrative progressivism supports strong supervision over students which is impossible to do online except for increasing the number of tests and other assessments. However, this may lead to too much stress connected with constant assessment and which is considered as inappropriate.
Reference List
Armstrong, D. A. (2011). Students’ perceptions of online learning and instructional tools: A qualitative study of undergraduate students use of online tools. Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology – TOJET, 10(3), 222-226.
Labaree, D. F. (2005). Progressivism, schools and schools of education: An American Romance. Paedagogica Historica, 41(1&2), 275–288.
Nagel, S., Maniam, B., & Leavell, H. (2011). Pros and cons of online education for educators and students. International Journal of Business Research, 11(6), 136-142.