Peter Hill - CSCI 343

Presentation On Online Education

Classes that can be taken to obtain a Degree via the

Internet

Advantages of Taking Classes on the Internet

Students can interact more in large lecture classes.

Can take classes while at work. Universities experimenting with

new technologies to create a more personal experience.

Costs less overall.

More Advantages

Study at California State University at Northridge:• 15% of students respond to question

in normal classroom.• 90% response rate for online classes.

Students feel less intimidated by peers and instructor.

Disadvantages of Online Classes

Don’t get normal university “experience”.

Takes a team to put class content on web:• Content expert.• Instructional designer.• Technology specialist.

More Disadvantages

Expensive to put classes online. Some classes need multiple plug-

ins. The technology can be very slow,

takes a lot of patience.

Class Structure

Some have to meet at regularly scheduled times.

Some self-paced and can be taken when student is ready.

Use RealAudio to hear lectures. Digitized pictures of boards and

overheads to view notes.

More Structure

Streaming Video to view instructor and class.

Written content on password-protected web sites.

Threaded discussions via e-mail. Chat rooms.

Credibility

Pepperdine University - Degree certificate says nothing about being obtained online.

Distance Students must meet same requirements as on-campus for study.

Testing, coursework deadlines the same as on-campus.

Sources

“Stanford Offers Desktop Degree”. WIRED NEWS. Beverly Haney. September 9, 1998.

“Online Ed 101”. WIRED NEWS. Beverly Haney. September 17, 1998.