I think institutions need to offer both methodologies based on the customer's interest and need. Based on your response to Debra Smith, whether it be an degree from online or a traditional classroom, the selection criteria would determine if the degree program fits the job and organiational requirements.
Again, Charlotte, you have provided a very elaborate response to this topic. You have made some striking recommendations on a course of action to take when hiring someone who graduated from an online program.
In aanswer to your question in the opening statement, I cannot think of a mode of delivery that will offer these kinds of opportunities.
Satrohan
Doesn't everyone want to be on the "band wagon" which is why online coursework is so popular? What will be the next type of learning environment which offers a degree, convenience, and flexibily which we all want?
I think the standards of an online course are more difficult as an onmground course. The characteristics of indiviudals taking online courses is also quite different from those in on ground course.
Would I simply hire a person who met the qualifications and had a degree? My answer is no. I would want to check to see if the degree and institution are accredited, and what are the accrediation requirements. I would also want to know what courses were taken, grades achieved, and their attendance at school. Interview questions can then be developed to gain an understanding of knowledge obtained, person/job fit, person/ organizational fit, etc. Therefore, I would do some research prior to hiring someone because they had a degree.
Carmen:
Please be more specific in this request so that I can respond. I suspect that this is a very valid question as it relates to language instruction; however, I require more details befoe I can respond. Elaborate on "What about". Thanks, Carmen.
Satrohan
What about ESL Learners taking online vs. traditional courses? Any comments?
Corinne:
Agreed. Students have more choices of online programs offered by different institutions outside or their locale.
Satrohan
This is pretty obvious but can't really be stated enough. What I like best about online schooling is that a student is not confined to the courses offered in her or his geographical area. You can live in the middle of the woods in a tent... as long as you're online, you can learn.
Debra:
Your statements about easy retrieval of information, and repeated access to information are well taken. Students who are dedicated to their work have the opportunity to delve farther into the content and assimilate the information in an online setting.
In regards to choosing a candidate who received his or her education online Vs one who received his or her education in a traditional classroom setting, I believe several selection criteria will be applied. The bottom line is the candidate's ability to perform the duties associated with the job; so in my opinion, a job-perfromance based test prior to hiring should be one of those criteria.
Satrohan
I think the ease of which on-line courses allow you to navigate and retrieve information has a greater impact on ones ability to retain information. It can be difficult in the classroom setting to obtain missed information. Within a traditional classroom their may be well over 100 students with only a few hours a week all face to face time with the instructor. It is even more difficult to feel as though one on one attention is at all possible. Regardless, I think most would hire according to who fits best with their current needs and personality will play a large part in this.
Cheryl:
Your point is well taken. In an online environment, we lose many of the benefits human interaction brings with it in a traditional classroom settint; especially those associated with the dynamics of communication, immediate feedback and the overall synergy of the traditional classroom interaction.
Satrohan
I agree that online meets and even often exceeds traditional education requirements; however, communication and problem resolution between students is a very necessary skill to develop and to apply in a teamwork environment on the job. Individuals struggle with communication in the workplace even with traditional educational guidance. With the loss of visual response, as is the case with online learning (student to student) ability to respond or react appropriately per non-verbal cuing is lost.
Pamela:
Online courses have the primary benefit of convenience------once you have access to the Internet, you can take the course anywhere. This is an important criterion for the audience you have specified. Important also is your first statement. The learning gains are heavily anchored on the quality of the course, the learning activities, and evaluation measures. These elements of the equation play are of highest importance when the knowledge and skills addressed in the course are directly related to one's ability to perform the duties associated with a job.
Satrohan
George:
You have made two important observations. The credibility of the school, the program, the quality of the course materials and associated learning objectives as well as that of the Instructors are all key factors to a successful online program.
Quite often, I have seen instances in which courses are watered down to accommodate the reduced duration of the course so that the number of offerings per year can yield higher revenues.
Moreover, you are quite correct about someone else taking the course. Some institutions with which I am working have implemented proctored exams which require students to show up at a location to take their exams after producing identification.
One cannot dispute the benefits of the dynamics and synergy in a traditional classroom setting.
Satrohan
I agree that the degree is more important than how it was obtained. I belive that for a single mom with a full time job that wants to further her education and still have time with her kids on line classes are the way to go.
I agree, but where the person did there on-line learning is very important. Classes can be watered down and someone else could take the class for an individual . So school and personal integrity is very important. I Have taken many on-line courses and I do prefer them over traditional classes.
I think I would initially be more sceptical of the qualifications of a person who had received an online degree than I would be of a person who had received a degree from a more conventional setting. In my experience (I have a son and daughter who have received components of their education delivered online) there can be a sense of "jumping through hoops" that is not as prevalent in traditional education. There seems to be an understood agreement that goes something like this: "I know and you know that you just need this paper credential and that you really don't care if you learn anything. So, do this, this, and this, and I'll give you the piece of paper that you need."
These are liberal arts type courses in accredited programs from accredited schools, and I would say that both programs are a "joke."
In the career school setting, in courses where there are more objective skillsets to be demonstrated, I would look for 3rd party certifications to be a guarantee that perspective employees could actually do what the courses on their transcript imply that they could do.
I agree that more and more employers are requiring not only more continuing education but certifications as well. Many people are juggling 8 to 10 hours days, 1 or more jobs, family, etc. Many of us are finding that the online courses give some flexiblity in our time management for education and study. Online courses have improved tremendously in the last few years. I think the employer is looking at the quality of training--whether you can do the job more effectively.
In addition to the school credentials, some online course design standards needs to be
used for the criteria to determine if a school is offering a qualitative online education.
Examples of such standards are interactivity, usability and relevance.
I agree with checking the schools credentials. I believe there are many fly by night schools out there that claim to offer great things, so before spending any money, it's worth chekcing them out.
