I was reading survey comments about the OER course I did in the fall. It was conducted online using Blackboard. Student Response: "This course was extremely difficult for me because I didn't have access to the internet." Why why why why do students enroll in online courses when they don't have access to the internet? -Matt
Well, if they're willing to go to libraries or computer labs where they have Internet access, then it shouldn't be too much more inconvenient than a classroom-based course.
Well before enrolling to online courses you should ensure that you have good internet connection so that you can learn without any interrupt.
We use Moodle, but the following are some in-class comments... by "adult" learners. "Wait, you want me to do this homework? I have to do it?" "You didn't explicitly say that I have to read every page in the assigned chapter, you just said read the chapter..."
I don't know about that. So far, all of my DL courses seem to be oblivious to things like HOLIDAYS. I've had numerous schools have numerous assignments due at ridiculous times (Dec 24, each Sunday, etc.) which would have been impossible if I'd needed access to their physical campus.
I have a file full of affirming comments... perhaps I should start keeping a file for funny (or not!) comments.
It's possible to turn in the assignment before the due date, right? (I mean, I agree that's an unfair disadvantage, but that merely makes it more challenging, not necessarily a deal breaker for all students.)
Got an email today.... "I was told I had to take your online class now. Which classroom is it in?" -Matt
When I visit the Boulder or Fort Collins areas of Colorado Starbuck coffee shops are full of students using the free internet.
If you can afford Starbucks and (most likely) a laptop, then you probably can afford home internet access.
