Media Analysis 2
Abstract
Online learning has increased in popularity in recent years. As it has grown, so have the
criticisms of it, more negative than positive. Some articles point out the negatives, while others only like
to discuss the positives. Not all these articles are valid. The significance of each is different based on the
perspective of the writer and whom the writer is writing for.
Media Analysis 3
6 Reasons Why Online Learning Can Be More Effective Than Enrolling in A Face-to-Face Training
This article is written for eLearning Industry, an online learning platform. The bias exists in the
article itself since it is an online learning program. The article only states why online learning is a positive
thing and doesn’t address any of the negatives of it. It states statistics without a citation to check the
validity of the article. Therefore, the article is not valid and is simply an opinion piece without actual
facts to confirm any of the arguments or statistics.
The significant finding of the article is stated within the conclusion when the author points out
there are different types of learners. The different types of learners need different experiences. The
author also states the differences in learning are more related to the design of the course(s) rather than
how the courses are attended.
The Impact of Online Graduate Students’ Motivation and Self-Regulation on Academic Procrastination
This research paper looked specifically at online graduate programs and student intrinsic
motivation. This paper has validity as it was research conducted by university faculty members at two
universities. The research paper examined previous research conducted at various times using different
several metrics. It lacks validity in that the sample size was only 81 participants. It is written from the
perspective of curiosity rather than a persuasive paper.
The significance of the paper is in the details of how educators in higher education can help to
prevent academic procrastination and ultimately improve student performance. The paper gives
suggestions such as using peer modeling and encouraging students to work through distractions rather
than succumb to them.
How Does Virtual Learning Impact Students in Higher Education? (Cellini, 2021)
Media Analysis 4
This article was published by Brookings during Covid in 2021, when colleges were still online
only and working through the trials and tribulations of online education. The bias exists in the time it
was written, and the selection of research conducted during Covid. “Negative effects of online course-
taking were particularly pronounced for males and less-academically prepared students.” (Cellini, 2021,
Evaluating online instruction in higher education section). This sentiment was reiterated numerous
times after each study.
The article has validity by citing numerous other studies but also lacks it by stating studies that
did not look at colleges and universities that have had online learning for years. While the headline of
the article would give the reader the perception of an article looking at both sides, the article lacks
research on the positive aspect of online learning and rarely mentions it. The significance of this article is
that more research needs to be conducted with a wider variety of students and colleges to truly
determine how successful or unsuccessful online programs are.
How Does Virtual Learning Impact Students in Higher Education? (Bay Atlantic University, 2022)
This article was written by Bay Atlantic University with online programs. It is biased toward the
prevalence and availability of online programs. “Technical issues, more screen time, the sense of
isolation, and other negative effects of virtual learning are all overthrown by the positive sides of this
online experience…” (Bay Atlantic University, 2022, Conclusion section). Its’ perspective is how online
learning is beneficial. It contains validity because it presents both the pros and cons of online learning. It
goes in-depth on discussing both sides: the efficiency of learning to a sense of isolation.
The significance of the findings within the article is the detailed explanations of how higher
education can make online education work despite some of the negatives. It can be easily used by
higher education to ensure their online programs are the most beneficial for a wide variety of learners.
Discussion and Biblical Application
Media Analysis 5
In the fall of 2020 in the United States, nearly 75% of undergraduate students enrolled in an
online course while only 44% of American students were enrolled in a fully online program (National
Center for Education Statistics, unknown). Teaching is taking on new forms and is changing with the
times. Christ was a teacher himself. He chose to teach others and encourage them to teach even more
people. The Bible states in Proverbs 1:5 “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one
understands obtain guidance.” The Lord knows and understands the complexities of learning and simply
encourages us to continue that learning, whether it is in-person or online. It is up to us to find the
method most suitable for our learning styles and to expand our learning while holding the teaching of
Christ in our hearts. “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man,
and he will increase in learning.” (Proverbs 9:9).
Media Analysis 6
References
Bay Atlantic University, (2022). How Does Virtual Learning Impact Students in Higher Education?
https://bau.edu/blog/virtual-learning-in-higher-education/
Cellini, S., (2021). How Does Virtual Learning Impact Students in Higher Education?
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-does-virtual-learning-impact-students-in-higher-
education/
Christians, T., (2022). 6 Reasons Why Online Learning Can Be More Effective Than Enrolling in a Face-To-
Face Training, https://elearningindustry.com/reasons-why-online-learning-can-be-more-
effective-than-enrolling-in-face-to-face-training#:~:text=Students%20Gain%20More
%20Knowledge%20Than%20In%20Standard%20Classes&text=Because%20online%20courses
%20provide%20students,work%20at%20their%20own%20pace.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Edition, (2021). Crossway Bibles. https://www.crossway.org/
National Center for Education Studies, (unknown). Distance Learning.
https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=80
Rakes, G. & Dunn, K., (2010). The Impact of Online Graduate Students’ Motivation and Self-Regulation
on Academic Procrastination. Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 9(1), 78 – 93
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