Should online learners feel that they have received the same value?
Does a traditional education come with more rigor and do online learners themselves believe that they are receiving a comparable education?
Milka,
It depends on the program. Some program, probably not; however, some traditional programs don't have the rigor either. There are good online program and bad ones and good traditional programs and bad ones. Unfortunately because some individuals have started online ventures to make money regardless of rigor, online at times has received a stigma of not being rigorous. If you ask my online students and my traditional students in the same program....they would both agree it is rigorous. The online students might even be getting some slight benefits over the traditional.
Herbert Brown III
Hi Milka: This is a question that is really best answered by the online students who have actually had experience as ground-campus students as well. This is the way that you can get a more true and accurate assessment and answer. However, from my perspective; online students typically don't feel that they have missed the rigor displayed by ground campus if the online program is a quality one where the specific instructor displays the same type of expectations, explanations, and quality in their instruction. This coupled with the proper credentials and experience usually puts those thoughts to rest when they find out that there is no margin for fooling around and thinking you will get the grade while doing almost nothing.
HI Dr. Brown.
Learners are in programs for various reasons. Some just want the sheepskin to get qualified for a specific job so it is just a ticket punch scenario. Some are truly looking to learn a particular topic for professional reasons. Many have realistic expectations and some do not. Regardless of their beliefs in comparing brick and mortar schooling to on line they should feel that what they are paying for is worth it and will ultimately help them in their success. One thing I encourage is the joining of relevant professional organizations associated with their area of study. This gets them employed.
David
David,
Excellent point. Professional organizations do provide MANY avenues for students to connect with individuals in their same field, network, etc. It has worked for me on several occasions.
Herbert Brown III
I believe online learners believe they are receiving a comparable education to traditional learners. Online programs do not vary much from the traditional 'brick and mortar' schools as they curriculum is generally the same just condensed. The benefit of online courses is a shorter length of time but the information is still the same; it is all cramed into 6-11 weeks versus 16.
Aretha,
At my institution we still have 16 week online courses; however, I believe my students do feel they receive the same value, and in fact, I think they might be getting a better experience in some courses.
Herbert Brown III
In my opinion both traditional and online students should receive the same level of education and we should not expect any less from our online students. Moreover, I believe that online education comes with more rigors as it requires high level of maturity, commitment and dedication from a student.
Karina,
I agree 100%. I find that some of my students come in with the opposite view; however, they quickly realize the rigor of quality online programs.
Herbert Brown III
I honestly believe it all depends on the instructor. I teach the same class face to face and also an online version. I do require same from both methods. I do not cut corners in my online version. I would only be hurting my students.
However, I have a feeling that some students do think that the online version can be easier than the face to face one.
Elizabeth
Teaching is like directing an orchestra. It is very important to study each student's face and manners to be in touch with each. The loss of attention, confusion, or interest is detected and reaction is applied. This is missing from online courses and I think this makes them less effective.
I agree with you but don't you think the student should understand that online classes can be just as challenging.
NORMA,
I do believe students should understand that online courses are just as challenging...in fact they are more challenging in many cases because the learning becomes student-focused, not instructor-focused which many students are accustomed to coming out of our public schools today.
Herbert Brown III
Herbert, I agree. Students feel on line classes are easy. As you point out, instructor's can make their programs challenging or not. Students can be curious and aspire to learn more or not. The quality of the instructor and commitment of the student probably have a bigger impact on the quality of the learning than if the course is on line or face to face.
