With the expansion of the internet, and the need for a higher degree of education, many people have moved toward online degrees, or “e-learning.” CNN’s article, “Social networks provide new lessons in learning,” by Laura Farrar, explains how a new institution, University of the People, plans to use social networking as its catalyst for teaching students over internet courses. Internet courses have slowly been progressing into a better source for a student to learn, and this article explains another step into the improvements of online schooling.
University of the People plans to put social networking into use in its newly found institution. Along with readings and studying the textbook, online students will have resources from professors of the University of the People. Documents that will aid the student will be posted. Students will also have to link up with other students for discussion after reviewing course material. There are aspects of this networking that makes the online students feel like they are in the classroom. This social networking also helps thrive online schools in another way: retention. If a student using “e-learning” can develop a sense of trust and unity with its online peers, online schools have a better chance of staying afloat.
I find this interesting because I have read some articles predicting that most schools will consist of 50% online courses. I personally doubt the abilities of an online course. I learn better from a well prepared, well addressed lecture by a professor. I think the hands on learning in a classroom can not be beaten. The assistance a professor has is also a big aspect I think. Sure, e-learning users may be able to email their professor, but that could take time they may not receive the right answer they really wanted.
I also realize that e-learning presents many opportunities for people who can’t afford institutions with hands-on learning with credited professors. This is where I feel online courses with this social networking is a big improvement in society. It can give the less fortunate a higher degree of education, setting them up for a successful future and not bound to the limits of society.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/09/09/university.socialnetworks/index.html
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I agree with you for the most part Ernie, Social networks and more specifically the University of the People does provide an online alternative for those that are pressed financially yet I doubt the credibility of these online institutions. Working through internet discussion boards and working mostly from home, participants lose the aspect of college that incorporates in-class discussions and the ability to interact with professors one on one, face to face. Another side of this that I have a problem with is the integrity of these online students, for the most part I feel that the majority of students will be honest with their work yet there is still the chance of some individuals cheating on assignments and in the end gaining a tainted online degree.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in the fact that online learning gives people with lesser means an opportunity to not only learn, but earn a degree. I think that Loyola would benefit by giving students the option of taking some of their core classes online. This might allow students to take a full course load, plus an online course which would ultimately allow us to take more important major courses in person. One problem I have with the core is that it takes away the option of potentially double majoring without having to take summer courses. I however believe that the best way to learn is in a classroom atmosphere. Being in a classroom, in person with the professor and my peers allows for more interactive learning. I don’t think that online courses allow for the same competition that fuels learning in an open classroom. The technology behind these courses and all of the networking that has to go on for them to be possible is amazing. After working on the survey project, I am starting to respect the magnitude of the different technologies used every day.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the fact that online courses are definitely a positive option for those who may not be able to afford the opportunity of attending a university. With that said, I still believe that nothing beats the education one can receive in a classroom setting. That aside, this article is a testament to how far technology has really come. A short time ago, an online education was looked upon as a joke, an within the last couple years my high school even began to offer online courses for credit. Now with the added aspect of social networking during these classes it appears that they will literally be able to create a virtual classroom environment. I never really understood how one could be legitimately tested on material through an online class, but who knows, maybe they'll be able to monitor that someday too.
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this article, I had never heard of simulating a university through a social networking site or "e-learning." Although this new type of classroom environment seems to make degrees more affordable and accessible as the same time, it limits aspects of the college experience when you're staring at a computer instead of being a full part of the student life. There's no way that connecting with people from an online class and living on a campus with a group of people for four years can produce the same connection and furthermore when applying for a job, I think that a degree from Loyola University as opposed to University of the People provides more opportunities in the long run. Although online courses are a great option for summer classes, picking up some extra credits, or adding another dimension to the regular classroom, I think they function better as a supplement to a regular course or as a way to get a few non-essential courses out of the way. Overall, I think the online university/classes appeals more to working individuals who are trying to better theirs educations without sacrificing family time and theirs jobs. As far as, the current population, I think the majority will continue to be primarily attracted to life on a campus unless otherwise restricted from that experience because of another issue, but that's not to say it can't become more popular in the future. For me personally, an online university wouldn't be the best choice for me. I enjoy being on the campus, working with students, other activity participation, the school spirit and events and the one-on-one contact with professors- all things that would be either impossible or very difficult over the computer.
ReplyDeleteI definitely don't like the idea that most schools could consist of 50% online courses in the future or that some schools could be completely online based. In my opinion, a learning experience isn't complete without personal interaction. The University of the People and other "e-learning" sites eliminate that possibility. Sure, students will be able to interact with one another through the social networking site, but any classroom discussion or debates would be difficult if not impossible. Also, the online setting diminishes the value of the students' work, because there is no guarantee that it is their own if their education is based on internet submissions.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the prediction of 50% virtual learning is very high and doubtful. I do think that online learning will be a resourceful tool in the future. Especially for those already in the work field, taking time off for class is difficult. I think online courses therefore will find themselves most useful for graduate programs or people who are going back to school. I think, also, that these courses need to be given credit. Online learning is not easier, just different. I'm sure courses cover the same material. It relies on the student, though, to use such a resource to their advantage and not take it as a joke.
ReplyDeleteI am not for online courses that are classes that should be taken in person. There could be some exceptions, for example, my internship class I took over the summer was an online course-this was only because all we had to do for the class was work at a company and turn in a weekly log summarizing what we learned and did. Because we can turn in papers via email, I did not have an issue with this class being online. Other classes such as math, history, buisness courses, etc. should be conducted in the traditional setting. I could not imagine taking a calculus course online-some things you just need to be taught by a real person. Also, I think inline courses are unfair-anyone can cheat on a test. No one is there to make sure you aren't starring at your notes. In rare occasions online courses could be acceptable, but for the most part, online classes are just absurd.
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