Educational Psychology - Article Example

 Article Summary The article titled “Online Educational Delivery Models: A Descriptive View” by Phil Hill offers a descriptive and informative typology of the emerging online educational models that are increasingly being used to improve educational access and affordability as well as enhance a more personalized learning in the higher education. The author particularly focuses on the rapidly expanding parameters of the contemporary online education forums and the emerging new ideas such as the massive open online courses (MOOCs), ad hoc online programs, educational partnerships, fully online programs, school as a service approaches and competency based education. According to Phil Hill (2012, p.86), each of the emerging hybrid approaches offers an interrelated but different technique to the online learning process. As a result, the current debate of traditional vs. online is largely based on a false dichotomy that ignores hybrid or blended approaches by treating online models as similar. Based on the carefully outlined pros and cons of the different online education forums, the article concludes that despite the popularity of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), there is no single model of online education is appropriate for all situations (Hill, 2012, p.95). This is particularly because each of the online educational delivery models has its own set of specific characteristics, benefits and potential limitations. Summary of the Research Methodology The article is largely based on a qualitative research methodology which involved undertaking a comprehensive literature view of important books, articles and other sources pertaining to the issue of online educational delivery models. Although the author did not use other qualitative data collection methods such as questionnaires or surveys, the comprehensive review of recently published secondary materials of information and observations offers a well rounded a form of active research. For example, the author has based his discussion from sources such as the New York Times and also Wall Street Journal and The Atlantic. Additionally, the researcher has Hill has also based his findings on a number of speeches that certain academicians gave concerning MOOCS. A total of 19 recently published articles, newspapers, blogs and commentaries have been carefully examined to provide critical information for the findings of the research. In my opinion, the systematic literature review used by the author of the article is fairly up to the required research standards. Based on the review of these publications, the author has drawn up four key conclusions that can serve as important lessons for the contemporary traditional institutions of higher education. The four main conclusions include: (1) online education is a blended approach that consists of different educational delivery models (2) The increasingly legitimacy of online education is likely to result in new pressures for its adoption (3) online educational delivery models are intended to increase access to education while at the same time reducing costs in all institutions including elite schools and lastly (4), adoption of online education is likely to enhance competition among various institutions of higher learning (Hill, 2012, p. 96) How the Research Results will be Beneficial to Education There are a number of potential benefits of the results of this study to the contemporary education particularly with regard to the traditional higher education institutions. One of the ways through which the results are likely to benefit the traditional education is that it offers important lessons for the traditional institutions on how to manage the emerging new educational delivery models. Another important benefit is that the article provides a critical view of the cons and pros of each of the online education delivery models thereby providing educationists with important knowledge to make informed decisions. Lastly, the author advices that despite the potential transformative power of the emerging generation of online educational models, there is no single answer to change in higher education and no delivery model can ever be appropriate for all situations. The results, however, proposes these models can be blended together to improve educational access and affordability as well as enhance a more personalized learning in the higher education. According to the biblical perspective, education is critically important for every individual (Proverbs 14:23, Genesis 3:19, Timothy 5:8, Ephesians 4:28 and Thessalonians 3:10-12 KJV). These verses particularly highlight the importance of education in equipping Christians with the necessary skills that would allow them to work for a living and be able to support their families In this regard; education is identified as the key to human success. Lastly, some of the questions that arise from the article that can be subjected to further research include: Is online education the ultimate answer to educational change? Are we likely to witness educational revolution in the near future? The answers to these questions are likely to find the best educational delivery model for higher education. This is particularly attributed to the transformative potential of the current and emerging online educational delivery models. Research’s Role in Education Psychology According to the article, online education is expected to lower the students' education cost but not increasing it. For example, educationists and pedagogists will be able to use a blend of different educational delivery models to help in the creation of a bridge between theory and practice by simplifying research into relevant, understandable and innovative practices in the classrooms. Such unprivileged children should be helped in a special way for them to improve their academic performances. Additionally the various online educational approaches have different mode of delivery and therefore; educationists should choose the style that suits it. On the other hand, the author cautions that online education will not be the solution to problems in higher education (Hill, 2012, p.97). He adds that the strategy will be a matter of try and error in that some institutions will incur financial constraints. However, the solution is to have faith while at the same time putting more effort in our quest to improve higher education. In the book of James 2:17 (King James Version), the bible clearly tells us that, faith without action is dead. Therefore, we should encompass both faith and actions in our activities of endorsing the online education programs and believe me, it will perfectly work. Conclusion In conclusion, the article has effectively described the various types of emerging online educational delivery models. The proposal the models should be blended together to improve educational access and affordability is particularly in line with the biblical perspective, that education should equip individuals to work for a living and be able to support their families. References Hill, P. (2012). Online Educational Delivery Models: A Descriptive View. Retrieved on March 18, 2014 from http://www.educause.edu/ero/article/online-educational-delivery-models-descriptive-view The Holy Bible. (1979). King James Version. New York, NY: American Bible Society Publishers. Read More