What is the value in getting an online education?
As the higher education learning environment is shifting with a heightened use of Internet technologies, a majority of faculty members are more wary than excited about the change, while a much larger number of administrators are more enthusiastic than fearful about the expanding online environment, according to a study from Inside Higher Ed.
Many at MSU said they benefit from traditional, face-to-face learning, but the learning conditions at MSU are ever-evolving.
This evolution has included new online course options, the use of ANGEL and Desire2Learn, new redesigned technology-infused classrooms and the development of massive open online courses.
“(Online learning) is a piece we are looking very carefully at to see what works and what doesn’t work,” said Doug Estry, associate provost for undergraduate education and dean of undergraduate studies, adding it is good that education is developing and faculty and students are finding new ways to teach and learn.
But some students have not fully jumped onto the bandwagon with the same positive outlook as some administrators.
Psychology senior Pete Nini has never taken an online class and doesn’t plan to, while criminal justice junior Jeff Bertram has taken an online course and didn’t get the grade he’d hoped for.
“I’m more of a people person,” Nini said. “I like having someone there, rather than whatever the alternative (is) — watching lecture videos online or doing it independently.”
Both students said they have benefitted from blended online and in-classroom courses and course management systems, such as ANGEL or Desire2Learn — two things Estry said also were part of MSU’s expanding educational environment.
Engineering professor Gilbert Baladi said he agrees in some cases, face-to-face interaction cannot be beat when a complicated topic is being discussed.
But he has acknowledged and adapted to the expanding online world and currently is developing his first online course with some of his colleagues, he said.
He said this resource also could be useful in a classroom setting.
Baladi said he is excited for certain classes in an online format, but is cautious of more complicated, upper-level classes being taught online.
Estry said MSU is investing in new forms of education and recently designated an additional location for a Rooms for Engaged and Active Learning, or REAL, classroom in the Union.
REAL classrooms are technology heavy with multiple screens and round tables.
The tables allow students to work in teams, said Brendan Guenther, director of MSU IT Services.
He said the REAL classroom in the Union should be open in spring 2014.
Bertram, who currently is taking a Global Studies in the Arts and Humanities course in a REAL classroom, enjoys the human interaction and believes other students would benefit from this type of course, he said.
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