On September 6, 2007 The New York Times Company made an announcement regarding their most recent contribution to higher education. Now students in campus classrooms or taking distance learning courses will have access to the Knowledge Network, which incorporates all of their printed documents, videos and Web casts. They are also working with many schools to enlarge their distance education programs. I see as this as an opportunity for education to start taking advantage of the technology, resources, and money being offered. I think that more colleges and universities need to move forward from the traditional modes of learning and begin offering more degrees and classes online.
There are schools that offer distance education, ranging from a few classes to entire degrees. My school, The University of New Mexico, does offer many online classes each term, but only two degrees. Unfortunately, neither my major nor my minor is offered completely online, and the online class selection seems to repeat each term. I have taken courses on campus most of my education; however, I took my first online course over two years ago and since I have been hooked. I know that for some people it is intimidating and others may think it’s not a real education. As a person who has taken almost a dozen online classes let me clarify a few things. Yes, it can be intimidating at first, but all my teachers have always been extremely helpful and answered all my questions. It is a real education and in my experience online classes require more time and energy than classes on campus. Even though they require more time and effort then going to campus I still prefer them and wish more were offered. What is better than attending class at a Starbucks that offers a WIFI connection or going to class in your pajamas?
You may think I am just being funny, but think about it for a minute. Taking classes on campus involves more hassles than distance learning, such as hundreds of dollars in parking fees a year, if you’re lucky enough to find a spot. An hour or more out of your day driving to and from school, and possible bankruptcy from gas prices. If you work, like most students do, organizing your schedule for work and school. Then, on top of all that, childcare and familial responsibilities cause additional time conflicts for many of us. I always feel a sense of panic when the classes I need to take are not offered at any time I can possibly take them. I do not have an endless amount of time or an extremely flexible schedule, and I do not think I am alone. There is not a typical college student anymore and the average nine to five schedules are virtually gone. Colleges need to recognize the need that so many students have for a flexible, adaptable, and still worthwhile education. Distance learning is the answer.
What hassles do you face trying to register for classes each term? What happens when you have to take two classes that are offered at the same time? What if you don’t even live in the same state or country as the school you attend? If you are like me stress and frustration set in at the same time. It makes sense to me that distance learning is the future in education, not a replacement for traditional learning, but a strong and viable option. For all the above reasons, I think that UNM, as well as other schools need to listen to those of us who want more classes offered online. There are so many of us who have a lot of priorities and responsibilities besides school. We pay the same tuition, take the same classes, and should be given the same consideration.
9 comments:
This was a really fun post, very enjoyable. I must say that I enjoy attending classes with other students, often you can learn from each other. Having just said that I realize that the blogging tool is a way of doing that too.
It is nice that I am able to work on my English class from home, in pajamas at 11:24 am.
I agree that there you can learn a lot from attending class but as you said communication occurs in other formats. You may miss nonwritten communication but it certainly doesn't detract from what does occur. I don't miss the distractions that have occured in my campus classes, such as toenail and fingernail clippings (I am not kidding), cell phones, talking, and eating...just a thought, and I often am in my pajamas too.
I totally agree with you. I have also taken many classes on campus, however I had to move to be wiht my fiance and I'm glad that there is some distance learning. In regards to having more classes I could no agree more. I almost couldn't graduate because there were not enough online classes. I was lucky enough to only need electives so I could take anything, but it came down to the wire in finding classes I hadn't already taken or were actually qualified to take. Had I needed certain classes this semester I would have been out of luck and not be graduating on time.
I love taking my classes in the comfort of my own home (I wish my town had a starbucks!) I think you hit the nail on the head here!
I think UNM primarily offers DL classes for the classes that get the most traffic and they try to wean down the number of students online. I wish they saw the potential registry for more online classes. I attended CNM prior to UNM and they had so many classes online, even labs and it was so nice.
So, I'm a people junkie; I love going to school. If people talk during class or phones go off, I say something. I'm paying to be there, so shut up. I worry alot about this world going all technological, and face to face communication becoming nill. I'm a little biast to this blog topic then.
But I must say anything offered, should be offered at it's best. UNM should refine the distance learning programs, so people can get there degrees via distance learning. All of us after all, are just trying to get more smarter. Laugh.
I am in the Bachelor's advancement program for nursing at UNM's CON. I work full time as a RN and have familial responsibilites as well. I find it frustrating that they only offer one or two required classes on line per term. I find it hard to get into them if they are even the classes I need. I agree that expansion is necessary in this area. Today's student is very different from the students of a decade ago and the technology needs to match up!
I have to agree with you. I waste time worrying about whether or not Ill get to class on time or work on time after class. The parking fees are ridiculous... especially when they continue to limit the use of each lot. Tuition fees increase often and it seems students dont reap much of a benefit. I wish there were more online classes to take. Ive read the argument that people like regular classes because of the need for socialization but I don't think I ever socialized in classes. All of my friends tend of come from work or old aquaintances.
I have thought about the socializing in class but I agree with you that most friends come from work and other places. Maybe it is more of a place to find friends if you lived on campus and school was your main priority. I don't know anyone like that. If anyone does live on campus and doesn't work, maybe you can lend your prespective about distance education.
I have completed two Masters degrees while raising a family and the only way this was possible was the availability of distance learning. While there is a social advantage to being on campus, the real purpose is getting an education...right? At the time I was working three jobs, raising four kids, and working on my Masters degree...who had time for socializing!?!
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