A recent editorial in the UM-St. Louis Current charges that many of the reasons universities start online classes are harmful to student learners. Instead of starting online courses for student convenience or as a viable learning alternative, some universities do it because they can save money on facilities and can squeeze 200+ students into a single class. Here's a blurb from the editorial:
"An online class can hold up to about 200 students, where as an average sized-classroom (not lecture halls) can only seat about 25. However, for the students to get the most out of a professor, a good student-to-teacher ratio needs to be about 15-to-1.Instead of providing a quality education, professors are now shoveling students through each class just so they can meet their requirements. It is very cost-efficient.
The bottom line is that online classes require fewer professors, less space, and most of all, less money, meaning less money to pay for faculty salaries and lower costs to maintain a classroom.
That last part about money is ironic in that students, particularly in the communications department, pay supplemental fees for distance learning to cover the costs for all of the technology and software needed to run an online class."
It's unfortunate that many colleges still see online learning as a money-making venture rather than focusing on student needs. Hopefully, as online learning becomes more mainstream, schools will change their focus.
Top Online Colleges
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Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University is a dynamic institution that offers accredited, online degrees to students seeking to jump start a new career. Kaplan University makes it easy for students to get the college degree that they want.
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Ashford University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Ashford University has a rich tradition of online educational excellence. This excellence is shown in the quality of each class that every student receives.
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University of Phoenix - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, & Doctoral Degrees. University of Phoenix shows each student how easy and convenient it is to earn your college degree through their distance learning program. Students can choose to learn at home or from a campus location near you.
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Liberty University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. At Liberty University, students educational goals and needs are met by an outstanding faculty and support staff. Any adult learner looking to go back to school will be pleased with the course offerings available at Liberty University.
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American InterContinental University Online - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. At American InterContinental University, every individual has an opporunity to receive an excellent college degree and the ability to maximize their human potential. American InterContinental University allows you to pick a time and place that fits your schedule.
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DeVry University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Students who attend DeVry University are welcomed with an outstanding faculty who put each students needs and dreams first. DeVry University is an accredited university that offers affordable degrees.
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Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Everest University is committed to the on-going commitment of providing each student with a high-quality, low-cost online education. Everest University has a well rounded faculty with real world experience.
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Westwood College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Westwood College uses a student-centric approach to its educational curriculum and each student benefits from this ideal. Westwood College is an accredited university with degrees in high-growth industries.
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