Bits and pieces of steel that perform routine chores, food readily edible in a matter of seconds, games capable of eerily replicating the outside world, people oceans apart becoming the best of friends with one simple click, and whole societies hinging on the whims of a few electrical wires—a mere century ago, these realities would have been dismissed as the fanciful ramblings of a science-fiction writer. Today, computer technology has made science fiction a reality.
How has this new reality reformulated higher education degree-seeking, and what are its effects?The increasing emphasis on online degrees coincides with the increasing popularity of the World Wide Web. The web is a complex global network of education, entertainment, and other miscellaneous portals of information. Individuals access the World Wide Web through an Internet modem attached to a computer. In 2003, the U. S. Census indicated that fifty-five percent of American households (sixty-two million) possessed a computer with Internet (Web) access.
Individuals with web access utilize their Internet capabilities for nearly every aspect of their lives.For example, the Census data also revealed that more than half of respondents communicated with others on the Web. Other popular uses for Web-connected users included shopping, banking, health-related searches, news updates, and job searching (Lieb, “Most Americans”). Perhaps one of the most key areas immersed by rapid technology growth is education. The kindergarten student has definitely graduated from chalkboard assignments to the frenzied multimedia whirlwind offered by the computer. Computer exposure for children is over- whelming, as ninety percent of American children have some type of computer access.
Today’s students perform numerous online tasks (homework and otherwise) on a daily basis. In fact, one survey revealed that the average child spends as many as three hours of his or her day at the computer (Wan, “Children”). Modern classrooms also reflect the contemporary trend toward electronic learning. While more traditional classrooms consist of an instructor standing before a class of desk-bound students (paper and pencils in hand) while talking and writing on a chalkboard, one is likely to find small huddles of students in today’s classrooms.These students are often huddled around computers, as they perform assignments in electronic cooperative learning workstations. Even teaching methods mirror technology growth, as PowerPoint presentations and other modern methods of communications have replaced the traditional blackboard (Schoomer, “Electronic Classrooms”).
At a young age, today’s students are immersed in computer-based learning. Once they reach college, online degree-seeking is the next logical step. One of the most popular college majors is computer technology, likely because students realize just how much our present and are our future will ultimately be dictated by the whims of technology.Another key cause of the online versus traditional degree question is the ever-rising number of working adults returning to higher education pursuits. As much as seven years ago, nearly half of college students (41 percent) were over 25 years of age.
A 2005 report by the Aslanian group concurred with these findings, pinpointing an astonishing 73 percent of college students as “nontraditional” (Libby, “Colleges”). In other words, today’s student is more likely to bear the face of a fortyish professional than an eighteen-year-old fresh-faced high school graduate.Such individuals have less time to attend traditional classes (set at specific times). Often, they must balance their educational aspirations with the dueling obligations of career advancement and family commitments. Colleges and universities have responded to these needs by implementing adult degree programs, many of which come in the form of distance learning.Most major universities have adopted high-speed Internet connections to better serve the rising demand for online education, and experts say smaller colleges should possess equal electronic capabilities within a few years (Mitchell and Sigle, “Electronic Classrooms”).
. What are the proposed effects of online degree-seeking as opposed to traditional degrees? The most crucial effected group is students.Most advocates of online learning propose many benefits for students. One key benefit is flexibility, especially for working adults.
The flexibility of electronic classes and assignments without a strict time constraint allows students to work at their own pace. In addition, computer technology allows for a greater interactive experience, utilizing methods that stimulate a student’s brain in new and exciting ways.Electronic learning materials may allow students to work with tables, maps, animations, databases, and several other types of cognitive-enhancing instructional tools (Bain 50). In a greater sense, online educational programs are beneficial to traditional students because most of today’s children have grown up with the technology, and many are more comfortable sitting in front of a computer desk than sitting in front of a book. Therefore, the attention span of students using an Internet-based program is likely to be greater.
However, critics do contend that possible drawback effects of online education are apparent—effects which are absent in traditional education. Namely, online students are deprived of the face-to-face interactions and social components of learning which will serve them well in a professional environment (Caris, Ferguson, and Smith, “Teaching College Courses”). Further, some statistical surveys indicate that employers frown upon degrees obtained in a non-traditional manner (Carnevale A43). Another important group to consider in the online versus traditional debate is teachers.
The implications of computer technology means just as much (if not more) to teachers as students.Online programs force teachers to approach their curriculum from a more creative dimension. Through the use of aforementioned interactive materials, online courses allow both student and teacher to rediscover the fun, excitement, and curiosity in learning. Since teachers, like students, will also be able to present materials at a more time-convenient pace, computer technologies will allow teachers more opportunity to help those students (through e-mail and other correspondence) who may be on a slower learning curve.In addition, a decrease in the production of costly textbooks and time-consuming paper assignments will increase funding opportunities for teachers in other areas. Finally, online teachers help build onto the worldwide reference system which is expanding exponentially everyday (Usery & Seong 183).
In today’s world, people and cultures are more interconnected than ever before. The sharing and distribution of information across countries and continents will allow peoples of all ideals and backgrounds to join together in the mutual pursuit of knowledge. Yet, just as with students, the drawbacks of a lack of traditional instruction must be considered.Building a level of trust and respect with an anonymous, faceless student may prove more difficult, and unexpected technical difficulties (such as downed servers) may throw even the most diligent lesson plan off-track (Mitchell and Sigle, “Electronic Classrooms”).
Despite the debatable effects of online degrees versus traditional degrees, one effect is certain: the division will continue. Questions of technology may be black and white, but our society is an irrefutable palette of gray. As long as we favor sides over compromise, the battles will rage forward, without end.
