With the technology and information age changing, the chance to take online classes offers students the opportunity to do academic work on their own time. This service can offer the flexibility of juggling an already busy schedule.
Dr. Dan Brown professor in communications, said that online courses are structured for highly prioritized students. “When I taught at the freshman level in the online environment, about 10 percent dropped out,” Brown said.
“However, at the senior and graduate level, almost everyone finishes the courses unless they have medical trouble or other problems not related to the courses,” he added.
Taking online courses is not for everybody. “Some students have not gained control of their time and need a schedule imposed by someone else to force them to keep current with assignments,” Brown said.
“Those students delay working on their online courses until they find themselves in crisis mode. More mature students thrive in the online environment because they control their own time. Having the ability to double check improves quality and satisfaction with results. Success breeds happiness. Failure breeds frustration.”
In an article by Dan Carnevale, for the Chronicle of Higher Education, www.chronicle.com, the author reported that, “Distance education is continuing to grow, according to a new report by Eduventures Inc. In 2004 the report says, nearly 1 million students nationwide enrolled in courses that took place completely online – up from half that only two years earlier.”
Brown said, “From the responses of students who have told me their reactions, they prefer online courses.” However, a minority of students in my online classes has said that they wish the courses had been live instead of
online.”
There are mixed reviews among students though.
University of Tennessee student Jessica Hartley said, “I like the fact that I can do my work whenever I want, but I feel that the education is lacking by not being in the classroom.”
ETSU student Rachel Horton said, “I think online courses are a good way for dedicated students to get credit for classes they would otherwise not be able to take. I also think that it takes a dedicated person to do them because of the lack of interaction in class.”
Online courses are also convenient for the professors who teach them. “I like online teaching,” Brown said. “My assignment at ETSU involves a heavy commitment to administrative duties as associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. In that capacity, I attend many meetings. If I were not teaching online, I would either have to miss meetings or miss class to fully complete my job responsibilities.

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