Spring Break
Online Classes Become More Common
Andrew Peters
Issue date: 1/29/07 Section: News
The result is a unique class experience that is different from traditional expectations, but challenging nonetheless. In short, McCaffrey said, it's all what you make of it.
"I wouldn't say every online class is an adequate substitute [for traditional class]," he said, "but many classes that we worked on match equally, have the same or more academic rigor as a face-to-face class - though that's not what all students expect."
Many undergraduates find the idea of an online course appealing because they can work at their own pace and learn the material more efficiently on their own.
"Taking an online course is easier than a regular course because you can read the material at your own pace, not have to have a discussion class, and use notes or a book on the quizzes and tests," said Tim Conboy, a 4th-semester pharmacy major. He is currently taking a sociology course online.
"It allows for more procrastination because you don't have to do any of the reading until the quiz deadline," Conboy said.
However, McCaffrey said it takes a certain type of student to excel in the online environment.
"If a student needs a face-to-face experience, they might think twice about taking a class online," McCaffrey said, "but people who are more structured and self-motivated might flourish in an online environment."
"I would argue some classes with 400 students, sitting in the back of the room - that's 'distance education,'" he said. "It's just a drawback of a Research One university."
The online class experience can be a refreshing alternative for students who don't learn well in large environments.
"If the designer, coordinator, instructor and student are all involved, there will be the same quality of learning," McCaffrey said. "That has to be attractive to students."
"I wouldn't say every online class is an adequate substitute [for traditional class]," he said, "but many classes that we worked on match equally, have the same or more academic rigor as a face-to-face class - though that's not what all students expect."
Many undergraduates find the idea of an online course appealing because they can work at their own pace and learn the material more efficiently on their own.
"Taking an online course is easier than a regular course because you can read the material at your own pace, not have to have a discussion class, and use notes or a book on the quizzes and tests," said Tim Conboy, a 4th-semester pharmacy major. He is currently taking a sociology course online.
"It allows for more procrastination because you don't have to do any of the reading until the quiz deadline," Conboy said.
However, McCaffrey said it takes a certain type of student to excel in the online environment.
"If a student needs a face-to-face experience, they might think twice about taking a class online," McCaffrey said, "but people who are more structured and self-motivated might flourish in an online environment."
"I would argue some classes with 400 students, sitting in the back of the room - that's 'distance education,'" he said. "It's just a drawback of a Research One university."
The online class experience can be a refreshing alternative for students who don't learn well in large environments.
"If the designer, coordinator, instructor and student are all involved, there will be the same quality of learning," McCaffrey said. "That has to be attractive to students."
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