Evaluation

The issue being defined is whether an online education is better than original methods used in today’s society. With today’s advancements in every field of employment it is to no surprise that today’s society is also mirroring this trend concerning online learning techniques (Jhosta, 2007). Changes in today’s teaching methods have almost made the classroom and the internet synonymous. The internet has provided an extraordinary portal of resources from all topics imaginable (History of virtual learning environments, 2009, Para. 1).Websites such as google.com have provided a way to locate resources for topics on research papers, projects, and textbooks online. Furthermore, explaining why daily trips to the library have almost become a thing of the past. Convenience in the comfort of your own home is now becoming the standard norm. This flexibly also has provided a larger community that is able to take advantage of a college education. To elaborate, according to a recent study, statistics provided that “Nationwide in the fall of 2005, nearly 3.2 million students at degree-granting institutions were taking at least one course with at least 80 percent of its content delivered online,” these students otherwise were unable to attend traditional schooling (Chute, 2007, Para. 5).


Method Used / Decision on Topics
I was able to gather statistic from various online journals, articles, and library resources to support my opinion supporting why an online education is beneficial. When choosing my articles I wanted to incorporate strong statistic that coincided within topics concerning subsequence to finishing school, and the need for student involvement in online learning methods. Two articles found online that focuses on this trend, “Distance Education: Better, worst, or as good as traditional education?” by Shelia Tucker (Associate Professor) and “Difference between Online Education Vs. Traditional Education” by Harris Jhosta (A well respect columnist). The date of both articles centered after the new millennia. These articles both provide validity to the benefits of why being taught online serves as resource for students of today.

Ethos / Logos

Ms. Sheila Tuckers (2001)is a present educator in the Department of Business and Information Technology at East Carolina University. Ms Tucker’s accomplishments within education are especially commendable because of the amount of time invested in attaining her PhD in education. Ms. Tucker’s (2001) articles specifically concentrated on topics comparing the two methods of learning being discussed. One particular topic that was discussed was the application of learning styles. In the article it discussed how student of today’s learning styles are very unique with the advancement of technology. Many students were more receptive to information being taught to them in a method that was familiar. This concept was then tested in student’s ability to retain information and application of skills. As a result, students of today were scoring higher averages when applications were being provided through a style of learning that was familiar unlike conventional method used formerly.

Ethos / Pathos
Jhosta’s (2007) accreditation was valid because of his success in today business world. Mr. Jhosta (2007) is a present day columnist with familiarities within many modern day business magazines such as Business Week. His accomplishment varies with experience in the IT industry (two decades) and providing seminars and lectures in many well known universities and sizeable businesses. Mr. Jhosta’s (2007) article focuses mainly on the students subsequent to finishing school. His observation was that most business of today prefers a student with the online experience. Jhosta believes that an online class is equivalent in how many jobs are structured. Furthermore, why many employers when seeking staff would prefer a student that is current within the evolution of technology.

Identifying the Criteria
While both arthors are creditable I wanted my research to reflect a point of view that was versatile when considering statistics and personal observation. Ms. Tucker’s article did provide an outstanding supply of substantiation to answering why an online education is beneficial. Her information was supported my details, statistic, and a proven experiment with evidence provided by her findings. Mr. Harris article was mostly pathos driven because of his personal experience, and his personal opinion.