Although this is only the second week of blogging, I'm already taking a sidetrack from my original research focus (trying to find resources for computer teachers) to discuss some thoughts I've had in relation to online classes and programs.
I was recently speaking to another teacher in my building about taking graduate classes. In the conversation, I happened to mention that I was happy that I didn't have to drive to Bloomsburg this semester for classes especially with the unpredictability of the weather (since I live near Stroudsburg, it's over an hour drive each way). I said that I was taking the class online. She got really excited and proceded to tell me about how she absolutely LOVED online courses, because she didn't have to do as much work since there really wasn't a teacher and that she could do all the work at her own pace. She said she had six weeks to read a book, write a couple of papers and she got 3 graduate credits for it. I was shocked.
I then proceded to try to explain to her how the class I was taking was nothing like that at all, that I had an actual meeting time where I had to "be in class," and projects and assignments to do just as though I was in a "face to face" class. Interestingly, no matter how I tried to describe it...she just didn't get it. As far as she was concerned...it's an online class so there really isn't someone to be accountable to and you don't have to sit through a regular class. I actually found myself becoming defensive of my online experience...it was like I didn't want to be lumped in as someone who is taking the "easy way out" by taking an online class.
With that said, I think I may be spoiled by the quality of the online classes that I have taken as part of this program. To me, what we do here is true elearning. Call me strange, but if I wanted to learn something by just reading a book with no feedback, I'd take a drive to Borders or Barnes and Noble, grab a Starbucks and peruse the computer section. That to me is not a true online class. Nor does it even fall within the category of elearning.
The question this leads me to is this. Do online programs or courses carry a stigma because of the "bad" ones that are out there? Over the summer I was doing research to try to find a PhD program in Instrutional Technology...trying to make plans to continue my education beyond this M.S. Most of the programs are available as online programs. Instead of becoming excited about finding a possible program, I found myself becoming immediately extremely critical of of the program just because it contained the word "online." (again...perhaps Bloomsburg has spoiled me) I found myself wanting to know if it is just a correspondence courses wrapped up in the packaging of an elearning course? (I remember when I was young, my father wanted to learn hotel/motel management and he sent away for a book and some tests to take that made him certified) or if there is actual instrutor/learner interraction.
I've also looked into some programs at local universities. What is it about a "face to face" class that seems to cause us to be able to validate what we have learned? Not even to say that that any of those classes are any better. I've been in face to face classes in which I haven't learned 1/10th of what I have learned in my online Bloom classes yet interestingly, if I have a choice between taking a class online and taking a class face to face...I will drive the hour to Bloom and take the face to face class.
So I throw a couple of questions out there to everyone...If distance were not an issue...would you choose to take a class online or face to face and why? Secondly...do you think that online courses carry a stigma that might make people shy away from taking them?
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4 comments:
In response to your question, I would still choose the online class. Being a parent it's more comforting to take a class at home and have the babysitter upstairs than to leave home and go to class. There's always the chance that something will pop up to pull me out of class, so I'd much rather be home to yell up the stairs. I will definitely concur that online courses at Bloom (this being my first) has totally exceeded my expectation of an online class. Class seems much more "relevant & realistic" when there are people involved.
I know my school district does not allow teacher to take just any online course.
I remember that one of our supers got his degree through an online course. People in the public and the school did not think very highly of this.
So yes there is a stigma
same here...we've had several admins get degrees from NOVA university...we really don't think too highly of them...is it because they are online programs? or because they are "cake" programs?
Rose,
You raised some great concerns about the entire field of online learning. Yes, there are still stigmas about the quality of an online course. Which is one of the main reasons we try so hard to make the online courses in the Department of Instructional Technology so robust, strong, and participatory.
In all studies about online learning, one of the most critical components for success is that of engaging the learner, getting them involved with the content and the class. Which is just as critical for success in a face-to-face class!
I would venture to say any good class, no matter what the format, will have well designed activities and learning experiences that promote collaboration, sharing ideas, and applying the information.
Perhaps the main difference between face-to-face and online classes is the visibility and accountability - we know who is really there and looking at the professor (although we still don't always know who is listening to the professor).
So, who thinks that technology will eventually evolve so that we can have true engaging and interactive classes online? Just a note - since our first online course we have always included the synchronous meetings with Centra, never have we taught a course via email communication only.
Sorry for these ramblings, but it's a great discussion topic.
Cheers, Dr. N
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