Standard System of Evaluation Needed for Online Programs

A recent TimesUnion editorial spoke of the need for a standard system of online class evaluation. A few "bad apples" give online classes a poor reputation, and standardized evaluations could change that.

Many TimesUnion readers agreed, and sent in letters to share their observations. Here's a blurb from one of the more articulate letters:

"The point of the editorial was, it seems to me, that establishing universally accepted criteria for evaluating the various Online Degree Programs would greatly assist in debunking the myth that "a degree earned in the virtual world is inferior to a sheepskin obtained in the real one."

I couldn't agree more and, in fact, would humbly suggest that, in certain respects, an online academic experience can, for many individuals, be superior to classroom learning."

A school's reputation is definitely important. When online degrees are universally respected, students will have the freedom to learn in the way that's best for them…without having to worry about preconceptions.

Student Paper Criticizes Drexel’s Online Classes

Drexel University's independent student newspaper recently published a critique of the college's online courses. The editorial acknowledges that online learning can be helpful, but suggests that there are some problems with the current system. Here's a blurb:

"The University…must be careful with its use of online technologies for its traditional undergraduate programs. The Provost's office must not lose sight of the fact that many undergraduate students come to Drexel expecting a brick-and-mortar experience with face-to-face interactions between professors and classmates. Even though Drexel may be expanding its online learning venture, it should not abandon its traditional approach to education. Technology should enhance, not replace, the classroom experience…

We are concerned about the quality of Drexel's online offerings. Professors and students often complain that BB Vista and Blackboard have clumsy interfaces. Both parties cannot find features and often times they just give up. It is essential for the learning experience that these tools make learning easier, not harder. It almost seems as if the online courses have been put in place to accommodate the students that the University has enrolled, but for which doesn't provide classrooms. This shouldn't be the case."

It's important that students know what they sign up for. Those who choose to enroll in a brick-and-mortar college shouldn't be forced to take numerous online classes. Likewise, online students shouldn't be assigned lengthy residency periods, without being warned in advance.

I think the editorial also makes a good point about technology being a help, rather than a hindrance. If you've ever tried to give a multimedia presentation in front of a live audience, you probably know the feeling (i.e. the fact that Powerpoint always refuses to work in front of a crowd…). These are problems that can't be solved overnight. But, if online schools keep working to make the technology user-friendly, taking an online class should soon be as easy as opening a book.

The Wikipedia Controversy

There's been a lot of controversy lately about whether or not students should be allowed to use Wikipedia. The BBC reports that Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales now advocates for students to use the site:

"As long as an article included accurate citations, he said he had "no problem" with it being used as a reference for younger students, although academics would "probably be better off doing their own research".

"You can ban kids from listening to rock 'n' roll music, but they're going to anyway," he added. "It's the same with information, and it's a bad educator that bans their students from reading Wikipedia."

I think the issue is a lot simpler than many are making it out to be. Obviously Wikipedia is a great source of information. Obviously you will come across inaccurate information (due to the site's open editing policy, anyone can change content). College students should never use Wikipedia as a cited source. Instead, they should be taught how to use Wikipedia as a tool to find more reliable primary source material.

Top 10 Online Apps for Teachers

Top Education Degrees recently published a list of 10 useful online applications for teachers. Here's a blurb:

"Teachers for all levels of students today have so many more teaching aids than even just a few years ago. That's not just because of greater access to the Internet but also because of the growing number of web applications that they can use. Some applications are specifically geared towards teaching and learning. Other applications can be adapted for these purposes. Here's a list of some online applications, listed alphabetically, that we feel are excellent for teachers."

Among the links are a multimedia content builder, an educational blogging system, and a virtual grade book. Online teachers, in particular, can benefit from many of these resources.

2-Year Colleges Offer Most Online Learning Programs

When it comes to online learning, large universities are getting shown up by 2-year colleges. The latest report from the Sloan Consortium shows that enrollments in 2-year colleges grew the fastest during the past year. Wired Campus explains:

"Two-year associate-degree institutions not only had the highest annual growth rate at 24 percent, but they also accounted for half of the online enrollments for the past five years, the report says. Baccalaureate-awarding institutions, on the other hand, had the lowest online enrollments and the smallest annual growth rate, at 6.9 percent."

Why are two-year online programs growing so quickly? I have two theories. First, online learners are often juggling responsibilities at home and work. Two-year programs give them an education fast. Second, two-year programs usually contain more general education requirements. It's easier for colleges to create a few streamlined general education classes than to create many classes tailored to meet the requirements of bachelor degree majors.

New School Profile: AIU Online

I just published my latest online school profile over at About.com. American InterContinental University Online offers dozens of virtual degrees in subjects such as web design and criminal justice. Here's a blurb:

"American InterContinental University is a regionally accredited college system with six campuses, both in the United States and abroad. Its virtual division, AIU Online, offers accelerated associate, bachelor, and master degrees. AIU Online students take one or two multimedia courses during each five-week class session. Students also have access to AIU Online's supplemental learning labs and individual tutoring services."

AIU Online does have one unusual requirement: applicants seeking bachelors' degrees must already have an associate's degree. Those without an associates will need to earn one. Check out the profile for more details about AIU Online's admissions requirements, virtual programs, and tuition schedules.

Nursing Students Practice in Second Life

We've seen Second Life used for all sorts of educational purposes. But, a nursing course from Washington's Tacoma Community College is taking the program to another level. The News Tribune explains:

John Miller said his second-year surgery students benefit more from practicing the procedures in second life, an online virtual reality network, than they do from hearing about them in lectures…For the first time this quarter, Miller is having his students create online avatars that can diagnose and treat virtual patients in Second Life, which has attracted more than 10 million users worldwide since 2003….

In the simulation Miller operates, students are presented with a patient lying on an operating table, suffering from a certain condition. They can instruct their avatars to treat the patient using a variety of real-life tools, including oxygen hookups, medication, defibrillation or IVs. Miller has the patient respond realistically to whatever option the students choose. The patient's vitals are projected on the back wall of the simulated operating room.

Some Second Life educational projects are frivolous and over-the-top. However, letting students practice techniques on virtual patients before interacting with actual patients seems like a great use of this new technology.

Balancing Family and School

Online learning can be great for flexibility, but students often have a lot of distractions when studying from their dining room table. My About.com article, 4 Ways to Balance School and Family, offers a few tips to help students stay focused. Here's a blurb:

"Balancing school and family life can be a challenge, even for online learners. While many older adults choose to continue their education through the internet, they often find their study time interrupted by spouses and children who miss them and don't understand the need for "alone time." Here are a few suggestions for maintaining good relationships with those you love while studying online."

If you could use a few suggestions (especially as classes go into finals and family members need more attention during the holidays) check it out.