Below is a video of Sara Ronis from Yale University discussing the future of the importance of online education. It is an interesting perspective on the online teaching platform that I was not aware of. I used to think that online education was frowned upon and that employers prefer prospective employees who completed on campus programs. At first it made me skeptical of an online program and whether or not my degree would be taken seriously. Yet it does make sense in certain fields to require online experience with the way technology is shaping our world. As Sara Ronis discussed it is important for those interested in becoming a teacher since many courses are now offered online. Some majors may be questionable, such as those studying to become a doctor, where hands on experience is extremely vital. Although health care is also becoming more involved with online platforms where patients can view all of their records and doctors notes through an online portal. Maybe a healthy balance of both would be beneficial to all areas of study?
What do you think? Are there any majors that you feel would or would not benefit from an online education?
Interesting! I have a friend who is an art history professor, and she told me online courses "don't count." (I didn't say she was a close friend.) I would think learning about art could easily be done online! She's also the snobby type who thinks you can only eat Italian food in Italy, so I try to take her with a grain of salt. But that attitude is definitely still out there. I'm glad to know it's changing.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to know that there are people out there who think that way. Sometimes I find online classes to be more difficult than campus courses so for someone to say they "don't count" can definitely be irritating! I'm glad to hear that you don't take it personally, some people tend to be close-minded and that will never change. Online courses require a great deal of responsibility since you do not have someone reminding you when something is due. You also need the ability to teach yourself some of the material and keep up with the course. I find it much easier to fall behind and lose focus with online courses. Even though it can be difficult at times, I think any major could benefit from online courses in some way. Honestly a mix of hands on and online I think is the best type of program.
DeleteAs a teacher it is vital to have experience in online coursework. From my theatre degree I can see what Amanda's Art History professor was thinking. After all it would be difficult to stage and direct a play online but certainly students could watch the process online. There is also the aspect of just being a functioning member of society. Much of how we communicate has an online element in it and not having those skills leaves one ill equipped to perform certain functions. For example, older people that refuse to use Facebook are missing out on a vital part of some families lives.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you Janice, it is vital to keep up with the advancing technology in our society. Eventually online experience and being tech savvy is going to be a necessity for any job field. Sometimes it frightens me how dependent we are on technology, yet there are also so many benefits. It drives me nuts when I am spending time with someone and they are busy on their smart phone, tablet, or laptop. I am one of those people who wish people would just break away from it sometimes and enjoy the life around them.
DeleteKristen, over the years I have seen a shift in the work place from working in the same office with all my team mates and my boss, to a geographically dispersed work force and having to collaborate on-line on the daily basis. I think that the online programs are of the outmost importance in today’s world to teach students how to collaborate and work in teams where members located in the different time zones. However, I think that in the business community, employers are still looking at the name and the reputation of the school to determine the value of the degree. Best, Helen.
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