Online college courses have opened the doors to non-traditional students and changed the way people think about higher education. It is now possible to pursue a degree on your own time and without the inconvenience of having to travel to the actual university. The ease of accessing classes at any time is mostly appealing to people with full-time jobs, families, or other responsibilities that otherwise would not permit them to further their education. Some universities even offer degrees that are entirely online. Professors also find them practical because they do not actually have to be present in order to teach the material.
Universities are expanding their domain by using technologies like these and reaching wider audiences. By facilitating education, institutions are spreading the message that pretty much anyone can attend college. It is financially appealing to the institution as well as socially appealing to its students.
I agree that online courses promote universal learning and are of great benefit, but I also have some doubts.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that online courses may foster the attitude that education is transactional; it's a formula wherein you provide x effort and get y degree. Technically speaking, this is how many things work online. In terms of content, online learning strikes me as so directed as to eliminate the diversions and tangents that can enrich the learning experience and remind the student that learning is an end in itself. Online learning modules simply require students to click through "lectures" in a linear fashion and address predetermined questions in asynchronous discussion forums.
Granted, my experience with online learning is very limited. It just seems to me that when designing online learning experiences there is a big opportunity to encourage certain educational values over others.
I agree, Matt. Personally I do not favor online classes because there is no real interaction with the professor and your classmates. There's nothing like having real-time discussions where there's little room for misinterpretation.
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