Online and distance learning have been called a noble cause because they bring learning to the disenfranchised--people for whom the traditional classroom just doesn't work. And there are plenty of them. The University of Phoenix is one of the largest, private universities that has really taken online learning and run with it. Estimates shows that they have 150,000 or more students taking courses online from around the world. And that's just one, private university.
So with that said, we all know there are thousands and thousands more of us out there who think online education is the way to go. But what do you really think about its ability to sustain and grow as a viable source of education? Do you think it will change the world by bringing knowledge to all of its corners? Or do you think it's more likely to affect only those who would have had other educational opportunities, but simply chose online instead?
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Friday, January 20, 2006
Can Online Education Help U.S. Students Catch Up in the Technology Knowledge Race?
Pat Gelsinger is senior vice president and general manager of Intel Corporation's
Digital Enterprise Group. In March of 2005, he said that, “We have a lousy education system . . . [and] a weak infrastructure that is decaying." He also indicated that companies like Intel will be able to survive by hiring employees from other countries, but points out how fearful that is for America’s long-term survival. (http://news.com.com/Intel+exec+fears+for+U.S.+competitiveness/2100-1008_3-5598936.html)
So, what do you think? Is it possible for U.S. students to take the initiative and make up for their lack of technological knowledge? Do you think U.S. students really need to do that? Are they really behind in the Technology Knowledge Race, or just misunderstood?
Pat Gelsinger is senior vice president and general manager of Intel Corporation's
Digital Enterprise Group. In March of 2005, he said that, “We have a lousy education system . . . [and] a weak infrastructure that is decaying." He also indicated that companies like Intel will be able to survive by hiring employees from other countries, but points out how fearful that is for America’s long-term survival. (http://news.com.com/Intel+exec+fears+for+U.S.+competitiveness/2100-1008_3-5598936.html)
So, what do you think? Is it possible for U.S. students to take the initiative and make up for their lack of technological knowledge? Do you think U.S. students really need to do that? Are they really behind in the Technology Knowledge Race, or just misunderstood?
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Online Education Can Help Reform Prisoners
I doubt the idea of online education came about as a result of wanting some way to educate prisoners. Yet what group of people is more restricted from continuing their education than those who have been incarcerated? Online education in prisons is making a difference, not only to the incarcerated, but to society as well.
In England, thirteen prisons and five probation areas are receiving funds to provide online learning for offenders in prison and on probation. The funds will be directed at a new approach to rehabilitating offenders, which is expected to improve employability and lessen the chances of re-offending. (http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=4270&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0)
A study by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons found that among those inmates who received GEDs while in prison, a considerably lower number of them came back to prison than did those who did not receive one. (http://adulted.about.com/cs/prisoneducation/a/prison_ed_2.htm)
There are other examples, but the point is that online education can benefit not only those who receive it, but those who may interact with the recipients. If ignorance is the root of all evil, then perhaps educating everyone should be an important priority for society.
In England, thirteen prisons and five probation areas are receiving funds to provide online learning for offenders in prison and on probation. The funds will be directed at a new approach to rehabilitating offenders, which is expected to improve employability and lessen the chances of re-offending. (http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=4270&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0)
A study by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons found that among those inmates who received GEDs while in prison, a considerably lower number of them came back to prison than did those who did not receive one. (http://adulted.about.com/cs/prisoneducation/a/prison_ed_2.htm)There are other examples, but the point is that online education can benefit not only those who receive it, but those who may interact with the recipients. If ignorance is the root of all evil, then perhaps educating everyone should be an important priority for society.
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