On-campus students would benefit from online flexibility
Editorial Board
Issue date: 8/14/09 Section: Ed-Op
These days you may see ads for Drexel on buses and billboards, on local TV channels and in the background of major motion pictures. There's no denying that Drexel is growing at lightning speed - and we love this growth. But in this time of transition and expansion, there is one area where current students are definitely being left behind.
One of the most advertised aspects of Drexel lately is the online education system. We at The Triangle are endlessly proud of our University's success in the distance learning industry, but as students who are registering for classes for the upcoming term, it's a bit disappointing to see that so many online courses are not available for regular on-campus students.
The allure of online education is its flexibility and convenience; the ability to engage in class work and discussion 24/7 allows non-traditional students the opportunity to complete their degrees. "Traditional" Drexel undergraduates are far from traditional, with many on-campus students staying on part-time or even full-time at their co-ops or working other jobs while taking classes and participating in a myriad of extracurricular activities. During class terms, some undergrads have schedules that are just as hectic as, if not more so than, the average online student. By being allowed to take just one online class, a "traditional" Drexel student could have a less stressful schedule.
In fall 2007, a policy was enacted to allow undergraduate students to take one class up to four credits while on co-op for no extra charge. However, this policy extends only to on-campus classes. Why are students who are working full-time - one of the primary demographics for distance education - not permitted to enroll in an online course if one is available to them? Co-op students who spend eight hours a day at work may prefer relaxing at home while engaging in class activities online rather than having to come to campus for a three- or four-hour class, if they can even make it on time after fighting through rush hour congestion. Some on-campus programs have many classes that are offered only online. Additionally, students are encouraged to co-op abroad and out of the Philadelphia area, but may not be able to do so if they need to take a class while on co-op. Especially with jobs more scarce than usual, it is unfair to force students to choose between a valuable professional opportunity and the possibility of having graduation held up by one or two classes.
One of the most advertised aspects of Drexel lately is the online education system. We at The Triangle are endlessly proud of our University's success in the distance learning industry, but as students who are registering for classes for the upcoming term, it's a bit disappointing to see that so many online courses are not available for regular on-campus students.
The allure of online education is its flexibility and convenience; the ability to engage in class work and discussion 24/7 allows non-traditional students the opportunity to complete their degrees. "Traditional" Drexel undergraduates are far from traditional, with many on-campus students staying on part-time or even full-time at their co-ops or working other jobs while taking classes and participating in a myriad of extracurricular activities. During class terms, some undergrads have schedules that are just as hectic as, if not more so than, the average online student. By being allowed to take just one online class, a "traditional" Drexel student could have a less stressful schedule.
In fall 2007, a policy was enacted to allow undergraduate students to take one class up to four credits while on co-op for no extra charge. However, this policy extends only to on-campus classes. Why are students who are working full-time - one of the primary demographics for distance education - not permitted to enroll in an online course if one is available to them? Co-op students who spend eight hours a day at work may prefer relaxing at home while engaging in class activities online rather than having to come to campus for a three- or four-hour class, if they can even make it on time after fighting through rush hour congestion. Some on-campus programs have many classes that are offered only online. Additionally, students are encouraged to co-op abroad and out of the Philadelphia area, but may not be able to do so if they need to take a class while on co-op. Especially with jobs more scarce than usual, it is unfair to force students to choose between a valuable professional opportunity and the possibility of having graduation held up by one or two classes.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Andy
posted 8/14/09 @ 9:19 AM EST
I agree wholeheartedly! As it stands Drexel students don't have many options in terms of registration. Making that additional option available to students who aren't enrolled in an "online" program gives them another layer that they can use to set themselves up for success. (Continued…)
Drexel Student
posted 8/18/09 @ 10:17 PM EST
I strongly agree with this. I recently completed two online courses at my local community college and enjoyed the great flexibility that these offered. (Continued…)
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