“Social networks provide new lessons in learning”, an article written on September 9th, 2009, by CNN’s Lara Farrar explains a newly-created method of educating people online. The University of the People, the world’s first global, tuition-free online university, was founded by the Israeli entrepreneur, Shai Reshef, hoping to provide education to those who may never have the opportunity to obtain it. Reshef, also the chairman of the online study community for college students, “Cramster.com,” says “Our mission is to change people’s lives…We want to be an option for people who don’t have any other option.”
Approximately 2,000 people from about 142 countries around the world have applied for the completely virtual university since enrollment began in April; and, the interest to attend has been continuously growing. In order to be viable, Reshef believes the online school will need about 15,000 students over the next four years and $6 million to fund the project. Like every college or university, there are academic requirements that must be fulfilled. In order to attend, students must have received a high school diploma, speak English, be willing to pay admission fees ranging from $15-$50 and exam fees. Reshef said that after completing their studies and obtaining a legitimate qualification, students will pay about $4000 for their time at The University of the People.
In my opinion, I think that Shai Reshef’s purpose for creating this tuition-free virtual university follows the Jesuit ideals of being a “man for and with others” or an “agent of change.” I’m sure he is probably a millionaire from his work, but is still willing to establish this university for those unfortunate and giving them a chance to be someone in life. In the article, he proposed that the university will need about $6 million for the project to be sustainable and he is donating $1 million of that fund.
With every virtual educational project, a serious and significant problem arises for students, retention. What will Reshef and The University of the People do in order for it’s students to be actively engaged? In the article, a possible answer for this issue deals with the notion of "social networking." After studying readings and lectures posted by the University’s professional staff of volunteer and retired professors, it will be mandatory for students to enter the virtual classroom and discuss the week’s work online with each other. In the article, Reshef comments on the social networking of the University, “We believe the social networking we build around our programs will serve as a cement to keep students with each other and stay in our program.” I completely agree with his ideas because his goals seem extremely acheivable. A study mentioned in the article by the U.S Department of Education “found that “on average, students in online learning conditions performed better than those receiving face-to-face instruction.”” After reflecting on the issue, I understand more clearly that this statistic could be true. I have done online homework for my Micro and Macro Economic classes my freshmen year, and currently doing Financial Accounting homework online through WileyPlus and find it very helpful in my understanding of the course material.
In conclusion, I feel that the idea of an online university is another example of how fast this world is developing through modern technology. Yes, there have been courses given online previous to the University of the People, but Reshef’s project just takes the notion of online education up a couple of notches. It’s a great opportunity and I hope it will be a success and truly helpful to those who attend.
*All statictical information has been derived from the following article: http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/09/09/university.socialnetworks/index.html
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I believe that a totally virtual University has some negatives and positives. This opportunity could allow people to receive a college degree at a very low price and they would not have to leave their homes, but the whole college experience is about getting yourself out there and experiencing things that will prepare you for the real world. Unfortunately, a virtual university takes away that large factor. A University for the people (online) is showing how far we have come with technology and I think it is a great way to learn, despite the lack of contact between humans.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the University of the People is a great way to allow more people to receive an a college education; however how credible will these degrees be for the people virtually enrolled in the school? I'm curious about what classes the University will offer or how they can monitor cheating and ehtical issues. While I have also had classes where homework was completed and submitted online I think there are positives to being taught lectures face to face. What type of technology does this school have in place to set up full degress online? They could be using online textsbooks, webcasts of lectures, online homework, timed tests and quizzes which would all make this online University successful. To relate to our class, I could see an institution like this using database warehouses to store and analyze grades, tests and information about students enrolled online.
ReplyDeleteAs I commented on another blog, I believe that online universities, at their current stage, offer more drawbacks than benefits. Although they equalize the opportunity to receive a college education and accommodate financial and time constraints, overall, I don't think they offer the same experience as a campus environment that provides personal interaction, a wide variety of classes and activities and better prepares a student for his/her future career. Online applications as supplements, however, can be a beneficial asset to a class. My experience with online homework and quizzes has given me the opportunity to identify areas of difficulty, access solutions/explanations and locate the information in the textbook. Reshef had good motivation behind this development, but online universities are still in the introduction stage and must be marketed to a specific group of people.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this Univeristy of the People is an excellent way to get those less fortunate or with less time and money interactive in a college education. A university education can be very time consuming and requires you to dedicate at least four years of your life to that particular university or college. People all over this world everyday face set backs in their lives which were not expected which causes great obstacles when it comes to education. This online university provides these less fortunate a chance to make something of their life. In this ever so changing society it is almost imperative that one has a college degree to achieve any kind of career. Although this university is online the idea of virtual classrooms and social networking helps to give the feel of a more connected education with classmates and professors aside from you and your computer. Although I think that this is a great idea I also think that nothing can replace the quality of a four year university or college which one is attending class everyday with other students. Even though i do hold this opinion I also think that for certain circumstances limiting others from a real 4 year college education this University of the People is the next best option.
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