I started teaching Online in about 1994. Mine was the first Web based Introductory Psychology class.
I am also at a small commuter based institution and I saw this as having some real benefits for our non-traditional students who worked full time, had kids, and were trying to go to school full time. I was not as successful as would have liked to be with these students, in part, because they missed so many classes. I still do half or more of my teaching online, and at this point, MORE than half of our institutional enrollment is Online students and growing. (And some of our students are "abroad" - in the military or traveling while going to school.) While there are limitations, I find that this IS a good way to teach and learn. It also promotes the conscientious behavior and independent learning we want our students to engage in for the rest of their lives. (If you don't do these things, you are not successful in online classes.) While having the advantage of approaching retirement, I am encouraged by some of the changes I see as there are opportunities to create a more educated population with increased access. There will still be a need for the interpersonal skills you get from interacting with people face-to-face. I would missing seeing my students in the classroom. I also treasure the depth of the interactions that I get in an online class. I sometimes know more about these students than I would EVER know from the students who just walk in the door, sit passively, and take the tests. As with other things - there is a place for this more massive and accessible education. Not any worse than that section of 500 students I was in as an undergrad! There are also the same differences in quality as in any college I know about, from the incompetent professor who just reads 20 year old notes and has a TA grade the multiple choice tests, to the really inspiring individual who says just the right things to change your life. Education, and life in general, is changing rapidly. We can either adapt or become extinct. ;-) Suzi S. Shapiro Ph D Indiana University East 2325 Chester Blvd Richmond, IN 47374 (765) 973-8284 [email protected] On Mar 12, 2013, at 7:43 AM, MiguelRoig wrote: Ken, at St. John's U., a primarily commuter, urban university, enrollments in on-line classes have been steadily increasing and are projected to continue increasing in the foreseeable future. My sense is that the spread of 'study abroad' programs has also helped in this regard. --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected]. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=24288 or send a blank email to leave-24288-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
