If you look through BGSU's schedule of classes you probably have seen the online classes being offered every semester. Online classes carry the "Distance Education" label. Students have been taking online classes for some time now, and many students enjoy the online course format of the classes.It was not too long ago that the idea of online courses was being argued over. People thought it was absurd to allow students to earn credit hours for a college course by them participating in a class run over the Internet. The online class format, obviously, has prospered and there are students in colleges all over the country who are enrolled in them.
There are still people who disagree with online education and firmly believe that "in-person education" is so much better. In a recent editorial, Jane Arnold makes a worthy argument in revealing how online classes aren't all that their cracked up to be and have serious downsides to them.
We would enjoy hearing from anyone who has a reaction to Arnold's piece or want to make a comment concerning how they feel about online versus in-person education.
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2 comments:
She makes some valid points that will hopefully be considered, not only for online courses/teaching, but for face to face (F2F) as well. Multisensory experiences are needed for effective and deep, meaningful learning. Online courses and portals do not make these offerings easy to do... yet.
Whenever referring to new and emerging technologies, it's awfully shortsighted to say, think, or believe that (as she says) "It can’t be done online" -- with the creative minds of teachers, instructional designers, and students seeking new and effective ways to teach and learn, it's only a matter of time. Giving up trying certainly puts the effort at a disadvantage and leaves students also at a disadvantage if access is denied.
You make excellent points. Thanks for your comments. It would be interesting to hear what other readers would have to say.
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