To the Editor:
Today’s students take courses online from any location using computer and smartphones with access to the Internet. Individuals can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees virtually without visiting the college or university in some cases. This makes it possible for many individuals who might not be able to complete a degree to do so. For example, nontraditional age students with careers and families can work on degrees at any time during the day or night. This positive approach to learning makes it possible for individuals to earn degrees who would not be able to do so otherwise.
On the other hand, traditional age students earning degrees online may slow down their progress towards maturity. Humans mature as the result of their aggregate experiences via interactions with other humans through work, church, school, and so forth. Students earning degrees online miss out on developing relationships with numerous individuals. Some of these experiences with others are brief, while others result in life-long friendships. For example, students who live on campus or commute regularly have face-to-face contact with other students, administrators, dining-service personnel (three times a day), faculty members, maintenance workers, and so forth.
Students attending courses on campuses have the opportunity to meet other students face-to-face and develop relationships through many academic clubs, such as, accounting, advertising, economics, biology, English, history, honors, management, marketing, and so forth. Students on campus also have the opportunity to develop relationships by means of formal and intramural athletics, such as, baseball, basketball, fencing, field hockey, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, skiing, swimming, track, and so forth.
Finally, students attending classes on campus have the opportunity to meet other students and develop relationships through special interest clubs, such as, Africa, Anime, culinary arts, dance, debate societies, game development, Hillel, human rights, student rights, and so forth. Students studying online miss these opportunities.
The increase of online education is a positive addition to higher education. Educators might consider enhancing the benefits of distance learning by developing additional opportunities for personal participation. For example, more hybrid courses might be offered to students. Students taking hybrid online courses must attend some classes. This will provide additional opportunities for developing relations.
C. Kevin Synnott
Lecturer
Department of Business Administration
Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic, Conn.