Why dons won't be logging on today

Why dons won't be logging on today.

Article from The Independent about the rise and fall of the online university "fad." Mentions US Open, Cardean, Britain's e-University, Universitas 21 (the latter the target of a proposed academic boycott).

 

None of them (with the exception of USOU) ideas that really grabbed me in the first place; the article would make more sense if it also found some way to address the successes of Capella, Jones, the UK Open University, the Scottish Knowledge program, et. al.


Cheers,

 

It also failed to address the huge increase in numbers of distance learning students and programs. If dl is a fad it is one I would like to own the rights to.

 

Dl is here to stay. To ignore it is to be blind to a lucrative alternate distribution channel for training and education.

However, DL is not the end all and be all of education. People have different learning styles, differing levels of socialization requirements and differing levels of time flexibility. DL is not for everyone, and not everyone will succeed in a completly DL environment.

I would be unhappy to see on-line programs go away. While I have as yet to earn a degree completely from a DL program, I have taken a number of courses in a DL format (My DBA program had a significant DL component. My comps in May will be done in a DL mode).

However, I think there is a misconception that DL programs will replace butt-in-seat delivery methods. It may surpass this delivery method some day, but I doubt it will completely replace it for a long time to come (I've learned never to say 'never').

I think the reason some people call DL a 'fad' is because of all the hype around it. It definitely is not a fad. Over time, I predict, the delivery method used for earning a degree will be a moot point. People will use the delivery method(s) that make sense for them at the time, and academic posturing will go back to meaningful issues, such as sucking up to the dean, getting the better office, and getting classes that do not interfere with one's tee time.

 

Article from the Guardian: AUT considers boycotting global alliance. This is about the proposed boycott of Universitas 21 by the Association of University Teachers.

 

regular colleges with on-line courses

The article seems to miss the expanding number of on-line classes at regular colleges. At least half of the degree at a local communty college may be completed through on-line classes that have the same catalog descriptions as their chair-sitting classes.
I think the internet failures reflect poor management of the particular school, not an industry trend.
I don't have firm numbers, but is seems many more regular colleges are going out of business, or merging than accredited on-line programs.
In my little neck of the woods, the accredited Trinity College for women closed and the campus is for sale. VT College was absorbed by Union. Goddard College is looking for a partner.
All the best!