2008 Woodie Awards
Editorial
Online classes need upgrade
Editorial Board
Issue date: 11/30/07 Section: Ed-Op
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Technology is all about enhancing the distribution of information. It makes information more available and more accessible for everyone, including students. Technology is embraced in the classroom and has a major impact on the learning experience, especially at Drexel.
The University has been pushing departments and professors to begin using online portals like BB Vista and Blackboard. Some classes are now a mix of face to face meetings and online discussions, while others are now offered completely online. In today's age of Internet ubiquity, this new trend makes sense.
The concept of creating online classes may sound like a good solution to the scheduling problem. It removes the need for a classroom and specific times and gives students flexibility to schedule around other classes or other activities.
The University, however, 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.
Additionally, professors should be trained in how to use these tools effectively. Currently, some online classes consist of merely submitting an assignment every week; there is no discussion or interaction. Teaching an online class is much different than teaching a physical class. Discussions and interactions do not come as naturally; they need to be encouraged and built directly into the class structure.
The University has been pushing departments and professors to begin using online portals like BB Vista and Blackboard. Some classes are now a mix of face to face meetings and online discussions, while others are now offered completely online. In today's age of Internet ubiquity, this new trend makes sense.
The concept of creating online classes may sound like a good solution to the scheduling problem. It removes the need for a classroom and specific times and gives students flexibility to schedule around other classes or other activities.
The University, however, 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.
Additionally, professors should be trained in how to use these tools effectively. Currently, some online classes consist of merely submitting an assignment every week; there is no discussion or interaction. Teaching an online class is much different than teaching a physical class. Discussions and interactions do not come as naturally; they need to be encouraged and built directly into the class structure.
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