June 11, 2008
What's Online Learning Really Like?
The Chronicle‘s Goldie Blumenstyk has covered distance education for more than a decade, and during that time she’s written stories about the economics of for-profit education, the ways that online institutions market themselves, and the demise of the 50-percent rule. About the only thing she hadn’t done, it seemed, was to take a course from an online university.
But this spring she finally took the plunge, and now she has completed a class in government and nonprofit accounting through the University of Phoenix. She shares tales from the cyber-classroom — and her final grade — in a podcast with Paul Fain, a Chronicle reporter.
Posted on Wednesday June 11, 2008 | Permalink |Comments
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What an interesting approach to reporting a story about online learning. It mirrors what I heard from a colleague who took an online course at a different institution, particularly the extent of group work and the pressures to pull one’s share.
— wm Jun 11, 05:43 PM #
Herein lies the problem with this form of online instruction and podcasts. Maybe its an age thing, but while comfortably reading the article and the comment by wm, suddenly I need to listen to a recording while staring at a computer screen. I’d rather not! I could read the contents in a fraction of the time, retain more, and not be bored. OK, if I wanted to listen in the car, fine. But that’s my time to relax and I’d rather listen to music. I can’t comment on the report because I didn’t listen to it.
— Henry Jun 12, 10:03 AM #
I agree with Henry. Was going to read, not going to watch.
— Daniel Muller Jun 12, 10:13 AM #
Online learning is comparable to in person meetings. It also has other benefits that traditional classroom settings do not. You spend no gas money because it cuts out having to travel to school. In addition to the money you save on travel costs, you can use that extra travel time to be with friends and family.
Not to mention the flexibility online learning provides for everyone. You can “go to class” whenever you want…lunch break, in the middle of the night, etc.
Although it is not for everyone, there are MANY of us who could not even dream of completing their educational goals without online learning. When you work full time, have a family and attend want to attend a University full time, online is the way to go.
— CJ Jun 12, 10:40 AM #
My favorite part of online classes—and I’ve taken many—is that after tucking in the family I could attend class in my scivvies, drink beer, scratch and belch and do those other manly things without offending anyone.
Well, occasionally, the dog would look up and frown.
— darrell in dallas Jun 12, 10:50 AM #
The podcast was very informative. In response to Henry & Dan, why are you commenting at all if you didn’t listen to the report?? It must be an “age” thing because I had no problem listening to the podcast while doing other tasks. You don’t have to stare blankly at the screen – it’s called multi-tasking. And clearly online learning doesn’t apply nor appeal to your demographic so please save your comments for bingo night.
— Courtney Jun 12, 04:22 PM #
Bravo, Courtney. I couldn’t have said it better myself!
— Wendy Jun 12, 07:57 PM #
Actually, I appreciated this audio format. I teach online and use a wireless headset, so I was able to go fix dinner and listen to the article.
— G. Wolusky Jun 12, 08:05 PM #
The beauty of 2lst century communications is that it happens through multiple channels — face-to-face and electronically. Let’s keep that in mind and open learning in various venues to all demographics without comments that hint of age discrimination. Remember, too, that economically disadvantaged learners of all ages may not have access to technology.
— Patty Jun 15, 06:28 PM #
I found this pod cast very informative. I’m a third quarter student at AI and am hoping to soon start online classes due to moving to another city. Thanks
— Shanon Jul 2, 12:54 AM #