If the idea of getting up at 8 a.m. on a snowy Monday morning doesn?t sound too appealing, consider taking distance learning courses. Distance learning is another term for Internet classes. Although all of the courses are not exactly the same, the design is very similar. The instructor will have a learning Web site set up according to units, and the students will finish the assignments at their own pace. Most Internet courses never meet in person.
These Internet classes are very helpful for students who work full time jobs or are overloading their semester. Even if the load is light, it?s convenient to take classes at the student?s pace.
The popularity of these classes has drastically risen in the past few years. Although introduced several years ago, the courses didn?t really take off until the new millenium. A study released in July 2003 by the U.S. Department of Education found that almost 2.9 million students were enrolled in college-level distance education courses in the 2000-01 academic year. This amount was more than double the enrollment of 1997-98.
West Chester University has 70 professors that are qualified to administer Web courses. However, the spring 2005 undergraduate course catalog is lacking in Internet courses. The only distance learning courses offered next semester are mass communication and the fundamentals of computer science. The Internet learning trend has yet to take off here.
Dr. Lainey Jenks, a professor in the communication studies department, shared her opinion of Internet learning with her interpersonal communications class saying, “I don?t think we like anonymity in education.” Her view is commonly shared by many students and educators.
In fact, more students withdraw from Internet courses than regular courses. “When you do a Web course, it?s hard to keep up with it,” said senior Shanaya Dantzler. Most students that take online classes find it hard to become committed to finishing them.
Procrastination rears its ugly head as the demands from the “real” classes? workload become priority.
In the midst of college students? lack of enthusiasm with Internet classes, there lies another age group who only goes to school from their computers.
Adults who have full-time jobs but want to further their education often times turn to distance education facilities such as the University of Phoenix or Strayer University.
The University of Phoenix?s Web site reports that online learning is just as effective as learning in a physical classroom; “Numerous studies have proven that distance learners perform as well or better than their on-campus counterparts.”
Bachelor degrees can be completed through the University of Phoenix in as little as two to three years. The program is designed to cater to the lives of the working professional.
Even though distance education isn?t a new phenomenon, it?s still not as popular as it could be. If any students are interested in seeing more courses here at West Chester offered on an online basis, they are encouraged to talk to the dean in their major?s department.