Better medium of instruction: computer or classroom?

I think in todays society we need a mixture of both. We need to be able to use computers effectively and learn how to seek out knowledge and information using the internet. But you can't beat the classroom for the social element of learning that just cannot be gained on a computer. Classrooms give the valuable skills needed in learning to communicate efficiently. People can explain things in many different ways to enable a greater understanding of the subject. I am all for computer based learning in the right place. But I think it definately needs to be combined with an element of classroom learning and discipline.

For me computer is the best way. I only say that because I'm in the military and I'm a single mother. Between work and my kids, I don't have anytime left over to go to a classroom.

for me, there are no substitutes for really qualified teachers taking hold of that classroom teaching a pack of students. how can a student ask for clarifications from the computer on some points which are so cloudy for the one who is learning the lesson in particular? only a teacher can fully expound on any subject matter that needs further clarificatory explanations. i am convinced though that the mix of a computer and a teacher is the best one of all. computers explanations and presentations will never be afftected by problems and whatever prevailing conditions at the time of learning process. so, the students can be made to listen to the computer at this period of learning. soon after, the teacher can expound on what was presented through the computer. the students will then receive further lectures in line with what was presented before hand through the computer.

Both medium are beneficial and both may be non-beneficial it dependrs on students. If Students is crazzy for study so both medium are good otherwise useless both medium.

i think this must be both... if this two use together there will be a more effective and efficient learning for students... computers can stand alone by itself and teach students on its own since it would be boring for students if there teacher is a computer... and a classroom discussion would be more interesting if the students will see good images and graphics to enhance their imagination...

For me, it would be classroom learning. This is because there are some subjects where interaction is important and it is really impractical to learn it over the computer.Besides that, the fact that you need to bring your self to classes makes me buck up while studying at home on a computer probabaly will make me lazy.

better medium of instruction for me is classroom. why? because it is easy to discipline ourselves. to pay attention to the teachers and there are less distractions. whereas in computeR? anyone could be attacked by the laziness bug, and there are just too many temptations, one could just easily surf the net, play games and not be caught by anyone. its difficult to discipline one's self if its through computer. still there are different preferences and needs, and it all depends on the person. if the person opt for computer as medium , he or she has to make sure to be dedicated just as he or she is dedicated to his or her studies inside the classroom. practice discipline and should have strong will away from any distractions in computers :) this is just my own opinion. it varies anyway on what people likes and prefer.

No, I still think that the classroom is the best way to learn. Doing activities and actually practicing what you've learned in the classroom is also a good way to learn. I think these kinds of activities, including using the computer, should complement every classroom lecture. But theory from textbooks are a must, in my opinion. And it's a very good form of socialization as well. :)

depends on what kind of learner you are. Personally i like the classroom for learning and then researching on the computer... i like the interpersonal communication with a teacher and students in a clas that you cant really achieve online. Theres a lack of full conversation on the net and less chance to really ask questions fully answered. Especially in classes like philosophy where ideas change all the time... it's too absolute sometimes when you depend on a computer. Also kinda lonely.

I do not have the discipline required for "attending" classes online. In college I had a class that required I meet with an instructor once per week to report on my daily progress. If it had not been for that I don't think I would have done the work the same way. Working independently can help you progress faster in some instances but there are advantages to classroom learning and regualr ineraction with other students as well as having a professor with office hours that just can not compare. It's ok for distance learning if there are no other options but if there is a chance to learn in a classroom that would be the best option especially with younger students.