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Internet classes are not impersonal: they are a growing, educational advancement.
IntroductionInternet classes provide:
English 1A, Instructor: Peter Berkow, comparing and contrasting, November,1998Wendy Brown
BACK TO MY MAIN PAGE
Internet classes are not impersonal: they are a growing, educational advancement.
IntroductionInternet classes provide:
1. Flexibility with time.
2. Interactive modes of learning that are more effective than conventional lectures.
A. Video Tapes
B. Chat Rooms
C. Forum
3. Additional educational information at the click of a button.
4. An opportunity for an un-prejudiced interactive environment.
5. They are more cost effective for college and student.
6. They save time.
7. Provide easier, educational access to the retired, time-constrained and the physically, handicapped student.
Controversy concerning the development of social skills and the possible impersonal aspects of Internet Classes.
8. Social skills are needed and used in the Internet Chat Room.
9. Some students make friends easier over the Internet than on Campus.
10. Chat rooms are not impersonal; on the contrary, they are very personal.
11. Collaborative essays brought students together out of the Internet environment.
12. Internet Class Forums create valuable, additional, learning modes
13. Other forms of social skills are available in other sectors of our daily life.
Conclusion
14. Shasta College should offer more Internet classes.
Student's feelings about Internet Classes
15. Student's comments made at the beginning of the semester.
16. Student's comments made at the end of the semester.
Introduction
Rather than a substitute for on-campus classes, Internet classes should be considered an additional, educational medium providing reduced costs and easier accessibility.I, and other students, had the option of taking this English class on campus but chose the Internet instead. Some of the students taking this class didn't have both options because they found the on-campus English classes already full. If this Internet class hadn't been available, then those students would have had to wait until the next semester.
In the first week, some of the students struggled with the installation of the software that is needed to fully participate in this Internet class. Some of those students, and Shasta College, would benefit from a one-hour tuition class covering the installation of the software necessary to connect to these types of classes.
Internet classes are only a "new" teaching medium at Shasta College, however, that certainly isn't the case in many other colleges. College Internet classes are proliferate worldwide. There are esteemed Universities that provide the option to complete a Bachelor's degree over the Internet. You will need the free Real Audio plug in to listen to Dr. Jerald Tunheim, Dakota State University President, as he discusses distance education. Dakota State has been offering Internet classes since 1990.
"The Education Division, at the University of Illinois, expects to shape the way people of all ages benefit from education by transforming current practices, using imagination, scientific inquiry, and emerging computational technology to enable them to participate in and contribute to emerging education technology applications." http://www.ncsa.uiuc.edu/edu/Back to top.EOT-PACI is a joint effort of the National Computational Science Alliance (Alliance) and the National Partnership for Advanced Computational Infrastructure (NPACI)
Internet classes provide:
[1] Flexibility with time.
Internet classes are not the desired educational medium for everyone. As in all cases, we all have different needs and capabilities. Some students may encounter a personal lack of motivation, to complete the required class assignments, if they are not regimented into attending the classroom on campus. Other students may find the additional freedom to complete homework assignments an added bonus: particularly business owners, and their employees, who may have alternate busy and slow periods.Some Internet classes are extremely flexible, for instance: One of the two Internet classes at Shasta College, The Diversity of Life, allows the students to complete the class at any time during a six-month, open period.
[2] Interactive modes of learning: video tapes, chat rooms and forum.
Future Internet classes will have increasingly more interactive modes. There are universities that provide Internet classes where the instructor has the capability of being heard and seen, and the students have the option of sending questions to the instructor, and the other students, that are logged into the classroom. There are many science/biology classes being taught on the Internet (where the instructor provides slides and interactive, 3-D modules through the Internet) which are also combined with an on-campus laboratory class."The purpose of this site " http://chemweb.vei.co.uk/ " is to present a series of virtual lectures and product demonstrations. Among the facilities are a slideshow, real-time discussion window and audio/video. Whiteboard - An interactive demonstration running continuously in one of the Auditoria, with Java applets made from ChemSymphony Beans. This demonstration allows you to create and modify a structure in real-time, and display it to other delegates who are logged in. At the same time you have use of most of the usual features of an Auditorium."Back to top.
Video tapes.
The excellent video tapes, "Writing for life", produced by Berkow and Berkow, are an important contribution to this English class. I particularly found them extremely educational, while also entertaining. The videos showed many English instructors, novelists (some famous), and other professional writers being interviewed; who all gave their point-of-view on many different subjects and rhetorical modes. The same subject was restated many times, with the speaker's individual thought, which resulted in reinforcing their collective view-point. Each student found something educationally unique, or memorable to them, from the different videos. For instance: A student interested in football might find the comments made by the football coach, on the videos, particularly memorable.I recorded these tapes, which gave me the advantage of watching the programs again and pausing to take notes. While taking an on-campus class, I would often miss what an instructor was saying while I was busy taking notes. Or, a noisy student may have prevented me from hearing something that the instructor said.
The following URL is a link to the speakers (guests) interviewed on the video tape series "Writing for Life", produced by Berkow and Berkow: http://www.awwwsome.com/braincandy/Guest.htm
The guests were certainly varied in their professions, football players, musicians, comedians, novelists, columnist, English professors, play writers, and more. Among them were:
Al Franken, Frank McCourt, Chitra Divakaruni, Dave Barry, Ernest Gaines, Peter Farrelly, Bill Walsh, Mike Rose, John Lovas, Janet Turner, David Ellefson, Megumi Taniguchi, Michael Moore, Peter Elbow, Rush Limbaugh, Thomas Dolby, Steve Shanesy, Beverly Moss, Kevin Dorf, Sue Grafton, Teresa Redd, Tom Bodett, Whitlow Au, Cindy Selfe.
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Chat rooms.
In the Internet chat room, it is possible to go back and read what was said earlier. While at home, there aren't any annoying distractions that prevent me from reading what the instructor or the other students are writing.
Forum.
The forum has information that has been posted by the instructor and the students. This information is stored, and accessible, for the duration of the course.
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[3] Additional educational information at the click of a button.
The mass of information on the Internet is helpful when researching for reports. Because it is such a new technology, many of us are still learning to be more discerning in what we chose to believe.There can also be an information-overload problem. There is so much information on the Internet that it takes a little restraint to prevent wandering off into new, time consuming, search strings that may not have any connection to our original task.
Searching the Internet libraries, with free information, can be so intriguingly novel that it may become slightly addictive. I believe many Interneters may eventually suffer from, what I refer to as, an over-steering syndrome:
Computer burn-out from over use.Back to the top.
Leave it completely alone for a while.
Finally, return and use it with sensible constraint.
[4] Internet classes: An opportunity for an un-prejudiced interactive environment
Anonymity, and the freedom it provides, was noticed at the beginning of our English class. We were all given a log-in name using just our first initial and full last name. During the chat sessions, we were all unaware of whom was male or female. I was often a surprised to discover the correct sex of the writer. I had sometimes formed an incorrect idea about their sex because of their views expressed while in the chat room. Another positive aspect of this anonymity would be the oportunity for a student, who was normally very shy because they suffered severe insecurities due to their physical appearance, to open up and contribute to the class chat. This may provide the impetus which results in the student continuing to grow and eventually finding a comfortable confidence while engaging in verbal, social interaction outside the Internet environment.
[5] Internet classes are more cost effective for college and student.
Internet classes are more cost effective for the college as well as for the student. Less classrooms are needed which would also reduce the college utilities and maintenance costs. The student saves on traveling expenses and possibly baby-sitting costs.
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[6] Internet classes save time
Internet classes save valuable time for many students; which may make taking a college class a viable possibility while juggling with our work and home life, especially working mothers faced with baby-sitter problems. Saving the travel time, and the time it takes to get washed and changed, can often be the deciding factor in whether or not there is enough time available to take a college class. The Saturday morning class had the option of attending their class with their PJs on: not a pretty sight
[7] Provide easier educational access to the retired, time constrained, or physically handicapped.
Internet classes create ease-of-access for our retired community, disabled and long distant learners. A mature student often feels uncomfortable going back to college and being surrounded by the younger students.
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There is controversy concerning the development of social skills and the possible impersonal aspects of Internet Classes.
[8] Social skills are needed and used in the Internet Chat Room.
Social skills are needed and used in ICRs (Internet Chat Rooms). Social skills are a necessary part of the interaction. Simple methods of typing RH (Raised Hand) are used to create order. It is considered bad etiquette to shout which is denoted by typing in capital letters. A student must use the same, if not more, discretion in what they type as in their verbal communications. Reading, and typing, profanity can be more offensive than the spoken word. Without the aid of body language, there is an additional challenge for the student to communicate effectively while honing their writing skills.
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[9] Some students make friends easier over the Internet than on Campus.
As the Internet class progresses, some students choose to exchange email addresses. The computer screen actually brings down the walls of insecurity that are often debilitating to some students in a campus, class room setting.Students feel more comfortable engaging in discussions while, in the comfort of their own home, behind the monitor's privacy wall. They don't have to worry about what they look like. The names in the chat room begin to form personalities as they type their thoughts to the class. In many cases, this openness results in the students getting to know each other far more than they would in a standard, campus class room.
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[10] Chat rooms are not impersonal; on the contrary, they are very personal
I have taken many classes at Shasta College. In my experience, there has been more interaction in this English class than in any other class that I have taken at Shasta College, including a soils class which required a two-day field trip.The Internet environment is far from impersonal. There have been extremely close relationships formed on the Internet, some have even led to marriage.
This English class also has a "Profile" page where the students may post their brief to lengthy personal description along with their picture. Of course, this can't compare to actually meeting people, or friends, and having a conversation with them; however, I have learned more from these profiles about the students in this class than I have about other students in other on-campus classes that I have previously taken.
During this Internet class, I have had ample opportunity to further a friendship with some of the other students. I have also made a few good friends at Shasta College while on campus. Both types of classes afford the possibility of making friends, and each have their good and bad points.
K. Lack wrote:
Written by K LACK on Wed Aug 26 03:42:56 1998 GMTBack to top.
"In my experiences in the "formal" college classroom they don't have the students interact as much. In most of the classes I have taken, (excluding interpersonal communication...hence the name), I don't think I even met anyone but maybe the person on either side of me-- at the most and sometimes I have finished a class not knowing or interacting with ANYONE! College classes tend to be in the lecture format rather then the interaction like our kindergarten classes where we would all go play dodge ball together. In my opinion the interaction to the extent that we are getting right now in this Internet class is exceptional for a college class."
[11] Collaborative essays brought students together out of the Internet environment.
Half way through our English class, many students chose to be part of a collaborative final essay which provided an opportunity to satisfy a possible personal need for physical contact and interaction with other students.During this English class, the students have met twice since the first enrollment day.
It was interesting to put a face to the names in the chat room. Many of us already felt that we knew each other well enough to carry on a comfortable conversation.
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[12] Internet Class Forums create valuable additional learning modes
There are hundreds of postings, on the class forum, providing an additional educational environment in which to read and write with our peers.A student, K.Fisher, posted: "Internet classes, personal or impersonal."
At the end of this essay I have added the student's responses that were made in the early days of our English class.
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[13] Other forms of social skills are available in other sectors of our daily life.
There are other opportunities in our daily life that give us the option of live interaction with other members of our community. Some of us may feel that there are actually too many and may welcome the opportunity to sit quietly, in our own environment, while receiving further education over the Internet.C.Dowty wrote:
Written by C. DOWTY on Sat Aug 29 20:59:59 1998 GMTBack to top.
"I like the idea of an Internet class more every time I visit this forum! which is probably too often) I can read everyone's thoughts, spend the day or a couple hours with them
in the back of my mind, and it helps me to clarify my approach to an assignment. In a traditional class the students might have great ideas, but unless you record the whole class you can't go back and check them out. The "paper trail" here is going to be a great help for me. There have been some really great responses to postings that help
me to think of a subject from a different point of view. Thanks to all of you for helping me get through this class."
Conclusion
[14] Shasta College should offer more Internet classes.
Internet classes should not be viewed as a substitute for on-campus classes but rather an additional mode of education. Both are needed, and both provide a different service.Shasta College is only just beginning to offer Internet classes which are continuing to rapidly grow while adapting to new, cutting-edge technology. The time has come for Shasta College to aggressively promote Internet classes. The students will demand it and go elsewhere if necessary. Internet classes worldwide are only a computer away.
1996 Goldberg, M. W. CALOS: First Results From an Experiment in Computer-Aided Learning. University of British Columbia, Canada. "Students that had access to only WWW-based material or the lectures performed roughly the same. It is encouraging that it seems possible for a WWW-based offering to be as effective as a traditional lecture-based course."1996 Witherspoon, J. P. A "2+2" Baccalaureate Program Using Interactive Video.
DEOSNEWS Vol. 6, No. 6, ISSN 1062-9416. Pennsylvania State University.
"...the average grades of Fountain Valley classes were marginally to half-a-grade better than those of their campus-bound counterparts."
A student could complete their whole education over the Internet. Would that provide us with another Ted Kazinski, the unabomber and serial killer? Perhaps! However, lets not forget that 20-yr-old Ted Kazinski graduated from Harvard with a Ph.D: an intelligent man who went to school/college/university . . . on campus.
The following link is full text of the Unabomber's Manifesto
http://www.thecourier.com/manifest.htmAs in all cases, simple moderation should be considered.
Back to top.Constructive critisizm greatly appreciated
Wendy Brown
Student comments made at the beginning of the semester.
Posting by student K.Fisher: Internet Classes Personal or impersonal.
Twenty-six responses made within the first week of class.
With their follow-up comments made at the bottom.Written by K FISHER on Thu Aug 20 20:11:52 1998 GMT
I like this idea of a online class. Seems to me that it is a very good idea, but is it a little lonely? I mean it is a good and affordable way to get credits for a major. But what happens when a kid gets Internet classing most of his college life. I think why everyone likes college so much is because you learn so much about one's self. I think that you learn as much outside of class as you do in one. Here is my question, "Do you think that it could impair a person for real life, by taking computer classes instead of normal classes?".....Written by Peter Berkow on Fri Aug 28 00:46:22 1998 GMT
KFisher: This is GREAT!
I was hoping that some of the forum threads would be initiated by students, and not JUST the teacher. Other students take note: Until we overload the computer, I would like you to also consider starting forum discussions. Please keep the topics related to the course --- though this certainly gives you some flexibility.
My goal is to sharpen CRITICAL THINKING skills while at the same time giving you practice in your writing skills. Golly, when you think of it, you are writing all the time when you respond to this thread. And THINKING. And PERSUADING And COMPARING AND CONTRASTING
etc. Thanks again Kfisher
Back to top.Written by J MARSHALL on Sat Sep 5 18:44:06 1998 GMT
You bring up a very good point. If someone were to take nothing but Internet classes all their life, they would never interact in a classroom environment. That could be potentially damaging due to the fact that a lot of what is learned in the classroom largely has to do with teamwork. Without learning how to collaborate on a project in person, you are pretty much worthless in the employment field. Sure most everything will be computerized, but I am pretty sure there will still be a lot of jobs requiring in-person human interaction. What do you think?Written by C DOWTY on Sat Aug 29 20:59:59 1998 GMT
I like the idea of an Internet class more every time I visit this forum! (which is probably too often) I can read everyone's thoughts, spend the day or a couple hours with them in the back of my mind, and it helps me to clarify my approach to an assignment. In a traditional class the students might have great ideas, but unless you record the whole class you can't go back and check them out. The "paper trail" here is going to be a great help for me. There have been some really great responses to postings that help me to think of a subject from a different point of view. Thanks to all of you for helping me get through this class!Written by C BENNETT on Sat Aug 29 16:40:24 1998 GMT
As with most things, a case can be made for both how beneficial online classes are, and for how bad they are. An Internet class has the same draw as a normal chat room on AOL, with one notable exception: you learn a thing or two. The main draw being your physical limitations disappear. You are dealing only with the mind of another person. You do not see the wheelchair, or the hearing aids, or the missing or deformed arm. Even though most of us don't like to admit it, these factors play a role in how we interact with another person. In a chat room, the first thing you "see" maybe a sense of humor, rather than a sense of pity.Written by C DOWTY on Sat Aug 29 16:57:36 1998 GMT
excellent point! It is really a shame that sometimes meeting a person "blind" is the only way we would be interested enough to get to know them.
Back to top.Written by C BENNETT on Sat Aug 29 16:58:57 1998 GMT
And now the other side:
While I seriously doubt that the Internet is going to close down the colleges and universities of the world, it will increase dramatically in time. There are, however, quite a few classes that would be , at best, impractical. More important to me is the "chat disease". I don't know what else to call it. Not everyone gets it, but there are lots who do. You may have noticed that chatrooms can be kind of addictive. At least those of you who have been o, say, AOL for any length of time. The main problem is the danger of losing touch with reality. I have had friends online who have met, started a
relationship, gotten married, and divorced and they have NEVER met in real life!
There are many rooms on aol that if you take a look at the room list, then go back at hour intervals, you will find that several of the people will stay online for most of the day, until they are so exhausted that they are falling asleep at the keys. These same people have problems going to the store for food, because of having to interact with real people. Many of these people do ALL of their shopping online and have groceries delivered. (yes, it is now possible to live out your life through the computer, and never have to leave your house) Is this healthy?Written by J KWICKWARE on Sat Aug 29 03:19:14 1998 GMT
I like your question, and I do agree that it can be hard to get all out of this Internet class that you can a real one, but I think that in this class we are talking among the students more then we would in a 'regular' English class. I don't think we are missing out on anything other then the drive to Shasta College. I think its great, and we are learning more then what we would inside a class room. Jamie
Back to top.Written by H ARIAS on Wed Aug 26 23:18:22 1998 GMT
I think that classes on the Iinternet is great. Your able to be in the comfort of your own home and you don't have to get into the car and drive anywhere. As far as impairing a person, I think we get enough interaction at the workplace, shopping, and with friends and family.Written by C DOWTY on Wed Aug 26 05:08:42 1998 GMT
I, personally, love the idea of the Internet class. Not only does it appeal to my joy of playing with computers, but I can say whatever I really feel without embarrassment. I won't know you guys from the local dog catchers on the street, so what harm in saying what I think? No one can see me blush if I say something stupid and it will be more fun all the way around!Written by M GRANRUD on Wed Aug 26 03:45:28 1998 GMT
I'm going to answer that last question . If a person is well rounded and has plenty of opportunities to interact with others, balance is achieved. We are not living at our computer terminals,(though it seems like it); nor are we living in the classrooms on campus. We will not become warped from an internet class. With rising student populations and reduced classroom space, technology is our "friend".Hug a computer. Thank You. Mgranrud.
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Written by K LACK on Wed Aug 26 03:42:56 1998 GMT
Hopefully by now all of us have had our fill of interaction in high school, grade school and work. I am sure that most of us work now and interact on a regular basis with co-workers and customers in some cases. We are no longer young children who need the interaction to learn how to be proper in public (ie. don't pick your nose) and to share. To be honest, some may feel more comfortable to interact when being a part of a chat room rather then a class room. In my experiences in the "formal" college classroom they don't have the students interact as much. In most of the classes I have taken, (excluding interpersonal communication...hence the name), I don't think I even met anyone but maybe the person on either side of me-- at the most and sometimes I have finished a class not
knowing or interacting with ANYONE! College classes tend to be in the lecture format rather then the interaction like our kindergarden classes where we would all go play dodge ball together. In my opinion the interaction to the extent that we are getting right now in this internet class is exceptional for a college class.Written by A BRAZ on Wed Aug 26 02:55:49 1998 GMT
I like the internet class but it is kind of hard to understand exactly what the teacher is asking for! But it does make it more interesting and less time consuming, you can work at you own pace and make it what you want it to be!!
Back to top.Written by A BRAZ on Wed Aug 26 02:55:47 1998 GMT
I like the internet class but it is kind of hard to understand exactly what the teacher is asking for! But it does make it more interesting and less time consuming, you can work at you own pace and make it what you want it to be!!Written by K WEBB on Wed Aug 26 02:49:57 1998 GMT
Do you think that it could impair a person for real life, by taking computer classes instead of normal classes? I think that anything that is over done can be impairing. Getting a P.H.D. from Internet
classes would probably not be the best education, nor would it give you much of a social life. But
taking one class online in order to make more of your time could not be impairing. I am assuming you all have some form of interaction with people from all around the world from the Internet. Talking to these different people for long periods of time can make you emotionally attached. This is itself shows that total interaction with the "outside" world is not taken away by being taught online. Also keep in mind people still work and shop and all that good stuff so we are meeting people, it's not isolation.Written by H MANGENG on Tue Aug 25 22:40:12 1998 GMT
I ALSO LIKE THIS IDEA OF A ONLINE CLASS. ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE OF US WHO AREN'T READERS, AND HATE WHEN YOU HAVE TO BUY 3 OR 4 BOOKS FOR ENGLISH AND READ, READ, READ. THIS HELPS ME FOCUS ON MY WRITING AND READING BUT IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT WAY, I GET TO MEET WITH THE COMPUTER EVERYDAY. I ALSO TALK MORE ONLINE THAN I NORMALLY WOULD IN CLASS, WITH EVERYONE STARING AT YOU. FOR ME THIS IS MUCH MORE PRACTICAL AND IS KEEPING MY INTEREST GOING.
Back to top.Written by K SHIGGS on Tue Aug 25 20:32:22 1998 GMT
Well I doubt that it could impair a person, because it is almost impossible to never go outside unless u r an invalid or shut in. The college experience is about meeting others and expanding one's friendships and social contacts, but by virtual communicating u lose the human aspect and the experience just because u r in front of a monitor. I believe human contact is essential to a well
rounded education, in fact with out contact the knowledge learned is sorely lacking in the skills of human understanding. I hope this makes since to u.:)Written by W BROWN on Sun Aug 23 18:07:29 1998 GMT
Rather than a substitute, Internet classes should be viewed as an ‘additional' medium providing reduced costs and easier accessibility. I, and many of us, had the option of taking this class on campus but chose the Internet instead.
I do realize that some of the class didn't have both options, however, if this Internet class hadn't been available, then those students would have had to wait until next semester.
Future Internet classes will have increasingly more interactive modes. There are ‘currently' universities that provide Internet classes where the Instructor has the capability of being heard and seen, and the students have the option of sending questions to the instructor or other students that
are logged into the classroom.
I see a future where most classes will be able to be partially taught over the Internet, and the other part of the class could be taken on campus. At this present time there are science/biology classes, being taught on the Net where the instructor provides slides and ‘interactive' 3-D modules over the Net, and the ‘lab' part of the class is taken on campus.
As for developing social skills, well my thought is that there are many other opportunities in our daily life that give us the option of interaction in ‘live' time with other members of our community.
To me, this seems to be the best of both worlds, and simple moderation should be considered.Written by Peter Berkow on Fri Aug 28 00:41:24 1998 GMT
This is a very thoughtful and complete response, W Brown! Exactly the kind of thing the instructor is looking for. In fact, you could easily use this as a start -- and expand on it for a complete essay that would be included in your portfolio.
(I am not sure what assignment -- though you are using techniques of persuasion as well as comparing and contrasting --- and a touch of critical thinking --- all things we brush on in the television programs.) Of course, from looking at your list, you have a lot of other topics you would like to explore. Pberkow
Back to top.Written by J GOOCH on Sat Aug 22 04:52:05 1998 GMT
Internet class seems very different to me. So far I like the class. I find it easier to understand what the instructor is saying. All of his thoughts are written out. You don't lose anything through the translation of listening and note taking. I have been going to Shasta College for two years now. I have met many different people in the various classes I have taken thus far. I know I would have not traded that kind of interaction for anything. I feel the Internet restricts people from meeting and getting to know your class mates and instructor face to face. Sure we can read each others profiles, But it lacks a sense of personality you can only obtain from a traditional class setting. Internet is the wave of the future. Being part of the first Internet class offered at Shasta College is quite exciting, but I highly recommend spending more time in a traditional class setting. I feel it helps with learning to verbally communicate effectively and professionally. Therefore I don't think that people should restrict themselves to Internet classes only.
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Written by A RISHEL on Fri Aug 21 03:39:27 1998 GMT
I feel like it impairs you when dealing with people in a work related way. I work in an operating room where emotions run high, if I could have the time to collect my thoughts like I do online, we would all get along beautifully. I wouldn't catch all their body language, dirty looks and raised voices. Although, when trying to learn something I think in ways that it helps. You don't get as distracted, it's more accessible and I don't have preconceived notions about people (not seeing them).Written by R CUENCA on Fri Aug 21 03:02:26 1998 GMT
If it is proven that Internet learning is as effective as the traditional style of learning then I believe that it would not impair an individual in the least. School is an institution of learning and if you want to find yourself go take a walk in the Himalayas. If one method works better than another, utilize it...if they are equal, utilize them both. If anything, a student will come out just as strong and maybe even more so by taking Internet classes.Written by G PRYATEL on Thu Aug 20 20:30:56 1998 GMT
Do you think that it could impair a person for real life, by taking computer classes instead of normal classes? I think Internet classes are a good thing, but it would really take away from the college exp. if they ALL were Internet classes. A few normal ones in there would help too. It also depends on how you like to interact with people. I like a little bit of both.
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Written by K SHIGGS on Thu Aug 20 21:58:55 1998 GMT
I feel its for people who really have a grasp on the way it works,(computers that is). The idea of classes not in classrooms is a little weird, not to mention u never see your classmates, which cuts down on ones REAL contact with the world outside. I've had my computer for 1year and I'm not very good with understanding how or why it does the things it can do, but there r others in class who can get around one as if they were driving there car, simple and easy. Technology can be good but what price as humans will we wind of paying when we all become cyberlistic people? ell either way I'm glad I do have a larger picture of the world outside.:)Written by R WATTS on Thu Aug 20 20:19:51 1998 GMT
Personally I think that if you took ALL of your classes on the Internet, it would kill society and personality. People won't have to be themselves, they can be someone else. Students won't learn to interact with others (I'm shy, and college will probably help). On the other hand, it helps people who are shy. I would usually NEVER participate in class discussions because of how I am, but via the net no one can see me. I don't know how to describe it... you feel more secure sometimes if you can put on a different face without others knowing the truth...errr something like that.Written by K SHIGGS on Thu Aug 20 22:04:28 1998 GMT
A very good point, and might I add how do u teach values to a child over the net? Teachers instill lots of positive feelings into kids and adults as well, and we as a society of people have a need to be together, because it makes us feel good to come togetherWritten by C BELL on Thu Aug 20 20:18:12 1998 GMT
I also like the idea of the Internet classes. I would have to agree that going to college is also a very social time, too. Like with all aspects of life, too much of a good thing isn't really good for you. My thought is that a mixture of Internet with actual on campus (if they can) is the best of both worlds. I am one of these types of students. This is my first semester, and I hope my feelings ring true.
Back to top.Written by T BOS on Fri Aug 21 17:46:54 1998 GMT
I feel that a learning experience based soley on Internet learning will hurt humanity. I am a big tech-head, as much as I love computers, I feel there are some courses that should not be on the Internet. How can a person learn geology when the are in front of a monitor? Feel the pleasure of paint gliding across a canvas when sliding a mouse?
There are some courses that I feel definitely work well with the net. English for one, what could be a better forum than an environment where on has to type, pay attention to spelling and composition? I feel any class that involves hands on needs to kept off the net. This does not even begin scrap the factors of social interaction and the development of a person. College is where people start to become". Their individuality is starting to solidify, take away the social interaction and we will more than likely retard society. A person at his/her base core needs social interaction, this has been proven over and over thru anthropology, biology and other sciences. When someone usually goes out and takes out 5 to 10 people in a McDonalds with an AK47, what do the neighbors usually say..."He was a quiet individual, kept to himself" or something 9 times out of 10 something very close. There are distinct pros and cons to both sides. All in all I feel it needs to be watched closely, humanity has enough problems without adding on to them.
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Below are the student's replies to an email I sent which asked, "How do you feel about Internet classes now?"Jeremy Marshall replied on November 30
Now that we are nearing the end of the semester, and I really know what a class over the internet is like, I am very proud to say I participated in it. It has taught me plenty of skills that I wouldn't have learned in a "classroom" setting. One of them that comes to mind is organizational skills; another is self motivation to actually do the work. This class has also opened my eyes to a whole new horizon of learning. I think it is the first step to a better education. Sincerely, Jeremy MarshallAmber Braz replied on December 1st.
Wendy....I really like the internet set up...I find it easier to write and not get side tracked by others in class......When I start a project, I usually finish it...The only bad part is that the internet allows more time for procrastination, which I am terrible about!! AmberGail Pryatel replied on December 1st.
I think internet classes are very helpful. I like them because you can work at your own pace and it's not as formal.Heather Mangeng replied on December 3rd.
I think that the Internet Classes are going to expand our education further now that you can take your class from home. And what a convience that is, for people that work, are raising a family, and being educated at the same time. I love distant learning it will help me go to Chico State for my B.S. and not have to commute everyday. I LOVE IT!! Heather MangengMark Granrud replied on December 3rd.
Having almost completed my very first internet class; I'm finding that I'm already starting to miss it (the class, that is). It has been very exciting to have been involved in a pilot program, paving the way for the future. I have never had so much fun taking a college class. The entire experience has been both, enjoyable and educational. I would do it again. Mark GranrudChristine Dowty replied on December 12th
Hi Wendy, Having finally finished the last assignment for our internet class, I can truthfully say that it lived up to all my expectations. It was convenient, informative, and above all, Not Boring! I managed to become aquatinted with some very nice people through a collaboration assignment, and wish that there had been an opportunity to meet with others who had touched me through their writing. If anyone asked my opinion on the value of taking this class over the internet, I would talk their ear off. I have had no bad experiences with software, or confusion about assignments. I feel that we have all been lucky to be the lab rats for Mr. B's course. :)Wendy Brown