Comments on: The challenges of online learning for the public university http://www.theother85percent.com/2008/06/the-challenges-of-online-learning-for-the-public-university/ Working adults and the new world of higher education Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:08:32 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Charlie http://www.theother85percent.com/2008/06/the-challenges-of-online-learning-for-the-public-university/comment-page-1/#comment-960 Charlie Sat, 02 Aug 2008 06:33:27 +0000 http://www.theother85percent.com/?p=23#comment-960 This was fascinating to read. I agree with a lot of it. I went to a smallish state college for undergrad, and almost returned for graduate work, as the school has an excellent reputation. But, I decided the online advantages were too much to ignore for me, given my situation, which is, to put it politely, quite "fluid" at the moment. I actually rather like the online learning and look forward to finishing my degree, which will probably be another 18-24 months. The college experience was a mixed bag for me. I made some really good friends, who I'm still friends with, and will be for quite some time, but because I was a commuter, I think I missed out on some of the fun stuff; something I do regret some. As a 30-something, if I returned to college now, I'd feel a little out of sorts, even though my school always had a large number of older students. I think that colleges need to find a better way to balance everyone's needs. The younger kids should be able to have fun and enjoy themselves, and the older students should be treated with more respect. As an aside, at least at my school, a lot of the older and younger students co-mingled, joined groups together, served on student government and were really good friends. My place may have been a bit weird in that respect, but it kept life interesting and enjoyable. This was fascinating to read. I agree with a lot of it. I went to a smallish state college for undergrad, and almost returned for graduate work, as the school has an excellent reputation.

But, I decided the online advantages were too much to ignore for me, given my situation, which is, to put it politely, quite “fluid” at the moment. I actually rather like the online learning and look forward to finishing my degree, which will probably be another 18-24 months.

The college experience was a mixed bag for me. I made some really good friends, who I’m still friends with, and will be for quite some time, but because I was a commuter, I think I missed out on some of the fun stuff; something I do regret some.

As a 30-something, if I returned to college now, I’d feel a little out of sorts, even though my school always had a large number of older students.

I think that colleges need to find a better way to balance everyone’s needs. The younger kids should be able to have fun and enjoy themselves, and the older students should be treated with more respect. As an aside, at least at my school, a lot of the older and younger students co-mingled, joined groups together, served on student government and were really good friends. My place may have been a bit weird in that respect, but it kept life interesting and enjoyable.

]]> By: Richard Castrillon http://www.theother85percent.com/2008/06/the-challenges-of-online-learning-for-the-public-university/comment-page-1/#comment-892 Richard Castrillon Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:30:20 +0000 http://www.theother85percent.com/?p=23#comment-892 I for one could never be working on an MS degree if it were not for schools like Capella. I fit the other 85%. To those in traditional college who say my education is not as good as theirs I will tell you that's so wrong, in fact schools like Capella are harder as who need to have great self discipline to complete the work. I for one could never be working on an MS degree if it were not for schools like Capella. I fit the other 85%. To those in traditional college who say my education is not as good as theirs I will tell you that’s so wrong, in fact schools like Capella are harder as who need to have great self discipline to complete the work.

]]> By: Mike Offerman http://www.theother85percent.com/2008/06/the-challenges-of-online-learning-for-the-public-university/comment-page-1/#comment-792 Mike Offerman Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:09:32 +0000 http://www.theother85percent.com/?p=23#comment-792 Thanks, Traditional University Senior Administrator. You points are well stated. I certainly agree that we need to imagine new, alternative 'contexts' in which to frame higher education. Mike Thanks, Traditional University Senior Administrator.

You points are well stated. I certainly agree that we need to imagine new, alternative ‘contexts’ in which to frame higher education.

Mike

]]> By: Traditional University Senior Administrator http://www.theother85percent.com/2008/06/the-challenges-of-online-learning-for-the-public-university/comment-page-1/#comment-785 Traditional University Senior Administrator Fri, 11 Jul 2008 01:15:52 +0000 http://www.theother85percent.com/?p=23#comment-785 Mike I think you're being overly generous to your colleague from the public university. The 'context' of learning (and growing up, which seems to be also implied) can be a number of things, including a job or even family life (i.e. the lives of the other 85%). As is often the case, the arguments made by and for traditional universities are circular. The traditional university 'context' is accidental, often insignificant and not surprisingly, something a student can only get a traditional university. They then try to define it as a 'requirement'. There is nothing natural or superior about the traditional university context. (In fact there is a great deal of evidence to suggest that the context / lifestyle of traditional universities (heavy drinking, sleeping till noon) is a negative, even destructive influence on the development of young men and women. ) It's time we begin to imagine new, alternative 'contexts' in which to frame higher education. Mike
I think you’re being overly generous to your colleague from the public university. The ‘context’ of learning (and growing up, which seems to be also implied) can be a number of things, including a job or even family life (i.e. the lives of the other 85%). As is often the case, the arguments made by and for traditional universities are circular. The traditional university ‘context’ is accidental, often insignificant and not surprisingly, something a student can only get a traditional university. They then try to define it as a ‘requirement’. There is nothing natural or superior about the traditional university context. (In fact there is a great deal of evidence to suggest that the context / lifestyle of traditional universities (heavy drinking, sleeping till noon) is a negative, even destructive influence on the development of young men and women. ) It’s time we begin to imagine new, alternative ‘contexts’ in which to frame higher education.

]]> By: Mike Offerman http://www.theother85percent.com/2008/06/the-challenges-of-online-learning-for-the-public-university/comment-page-1/#comment-767 Mike Offerman Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:34:09 +0000 http://www.theother85percent.com/?p=23#comment-767 Rebecca, thanks for your comment. It is important to have your perspective, the perspective of the "working professional pursuing education part-time." Mike Rebecca, thanks for your comment. It is important to have your perspective, the perspective of the “working professional pursuing education part-time.”

Mike

]]> By: Rebecca Mott http://www.theother85percent.com/2008/06/the-challenges-of-online-learning-for-the-public-university/comment-page-1/#comment-718 Rebecca Mott Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:53:53 +0000 http://www.theother85percent.com/?p=23#comment-718 This just confirms what I believe is the "non-value" of traditional universities for me. As a working professional, I already have an extended web of social networks and professional working relationships. The value that traditional settings propose to has no value for me as a student. I want to actually learn material within the context of my current work situation. The question for the 85% is: how does the traditional context address what is becoming the norm (i.e. working professionals pursuing education part-time). This just confirms what I believe is the “non-value” of traditional universities for me. As a working professional, I already have an extended web of social networks and professional working relationships. The value that traditional settings propose to has no value for me as a student. I want to actually learn material within the context of my current work situation. The question for the 85% is: how does the traditional context address what is becoming the norm (i.e. working professionals pursuing education part-time).

]]> By: Mike Offerman http://www.theother85percent.com/2008/06/the-challenges-of-online-learning-for-the-public-university/comment-page-1/#comment-706 Mike Offerman Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:44:30 +0000 http://www.theother85percent.com/?p=23#comment-706 Thanks for this post and suggestion to contact Mr. Grey and Senator Obama to advocate on behalf of higher education for adults. The same might be done with Senator McCain. Mike Thanks for this post and suggestion to contact Mr. Grey and Senator Obama to advocate on behalf of higher education for adults. The same might be done with Senator McCain.

Mike

]]> By: Carmen! http://www.theother85percent.com/2008/06/the-challenges-of-online-learning-for-the-public-university/comment-page-1/#comment-698 Carmen! Sun, 29 Jun 2008 15:11:34 +0000 http://www.theother85percent.com/?p=23#comment-698 I understand the head of education for Sen. Obama is Daniel Grey. Is it a negative to inform him of the basis served by provision of higher education to adult learners? As well, can a proposal or suggestion to the purpose served be identified to Mr. Grey and Sen. Obama? Possibly neither of them realize the importance attached to this level of learners. Though most students are employed, there is still the small percentage that have held little or no jobs for years and possess the determination to still gain the highest level of education, since knowledge is beneficial to all learners. For example, some health issues accompany inactivity to learn in later and even elder years. The more a learner does to sharpen their mind the better the contribution from experience of life by these learners. Carmen! I understand the head of education for Sen. Obama is Daniel Grey. Is it a negative to inform him of the basis served by provision of higher education to adult learners? As well, can a proposal or suggestion to the purpose served be identified to Mr. Grey and Sen. Obama? Possibly neither of them realize the importance attached to this level of learners.

Though most students are employed, there is still the small percentage that have held little or no jobs for years and possess the determination to still gain the highest level of education, since knowledge is beneficial to all learners. For example, some health issues accompany inactivity to learn in later and even elder years. The more a learner does to sharpen their mind the better the contribution from experience of life by these learners.

Carmen!

]]> By: Ameenah McCann http://www.theother85percent.com/2008/06/the-challenges-of-online-learning-for-the-public-university/comment-page-1/#comment-667 Ameenah McCann Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:19:53 +0000 http://www.theother85percent.com/?p=23#comment-667 Can we marry the two? In some ways we can but the context of brick and mortar schools will always outweigh the overall experience of distance learning. I went to a traditional university for undergrad; however, I find this (distance learning)style of learning fits my current lifestyle. Ten years ago, the traditional setting was appropriate for me because I was fresh out of high school and ready to go. Therefore, I went. A shift is definitely needed in today's higher education system because we have a different way of communicating. While I support distance learning I think the non-learning/contextual environment of brick and mortar schools holds an experience that is invaluable. Can we marry the two? In some ways we can but the context of brick and mortar schools will always outweigh the overall experience of distance learning. I went to a traditional university for undergrad; however, I find this (distance learning)style of learning fits my current lifestyle. Ten years ago, the traditional setting was appropriate for me because I was fresh out of high school and ready to go. Therefore, I went.

A shift is definitely needed in today’s higher education system because we have a different way of communicating. While I support distance learning I think the non-learning/contextual environment of brick and mortar schools holds an experience that is invaluable.

]]> By: Diane Sykes http://www.theother85percent.com/2008/06/the-challenges-of-online-learning-for-the-public-university/comment-page-1/#comment-644 Diane Sykes Thu, 19 Jun 2008 01:13:50 +0000 http://www.theother85percent.com/?p=23#comment-644 Hi Mike: I agree that we are on the cusp of a paradigm shift in learning institutions. However, not only do the institutions fail in addressing this shift in their branding, the educational system (in the sense of valuing potential faculty who can address this shift) fails as well. More institutions are looking for professionals who can also teach. But until the workplace and the antiquated educational institutions come together to address the non-traditional student's needs, the problem will continue. How do they marry the two? There are ways, but they have to think out of the box. Diane Hi Mike:
I agree that we are on the cusp of a paradigm shift in learning institutions. However, not only do the institutions fail in addressing this shift in their branding, the educational system (in the sense of valuing potential faculty who can address this shift) fails as well. More institutions are looking for professionals who can also teach. But until the workplace and the antiquated educational institutions come together to address the non-traditional student’s needs, the problem will continue. How do they marry the two? There are ways, but they have to think out of the box. Diane

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