Logging on to learning

Portland State University will be offering more and more online classes in upcoming terms. When perusing the class schedule, this fact is fairly obvious. And due to what seems like a lack of physical class offerings of the same titles, one must also assume that these online classes are intended to be online only.

In an age shaped by the infusion of the Internet into nearly every aspect of our lives, this online class thing (to use the technical term) seems inevitable. Change, after all, is inevitable. Growth is inevitable, but then again, so is death.

Which raises the questions: What will be the impact of the proliferation of online classes on the quality of our education and social interaction? Who will be hurt by this teaching style, and who will benefit? These are not questions that are easy to answer.

Obviously, it makes sense to advance into the realm of online education. The Internet has provided humanity with access to more information, entertainment and options for social interaction. These are not bad things to have more of in our lives, and no one can deny that the more we experience as individuals and as a community, the more intelligent and interesting we become as a society. That’s the idea, at least.

According to the Vanguard [“The expansion of online academia,” Jan.11] such course offerings provide the traditional drag-your-books-to-class-at-freakin’-8a.m.-because-it’s-the-only-time-the-class-is-offered students more access to the classes they want. I’m paraphrasing. The freakin’ 8 a.m. thing is all me, but you’ve probably been there and know exactly what I’m talking about.

Furthermore, Roy Koch, provost and vice president of academic affairs, explains in the article that online classes increase opportunities for education to a wider population. People from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles and situations can attend college from the comfort of their homes, work-places or really anywhere Internet access is present, which is virtually everywhere, as already stated. This list of people includes parents, people with full-time jobs—people who work at all, really—people with a variety of disabilities, non-English speaking individuals, people living in another state or country, seriously devoted geeks, anyone who is just too lazy to get dressed or take a shower on a regular basis—you get the idea. This is great, and fits right in with the university’s dedication to diversity! Well, almost.

The Office of Diversity & Inclusion’s mission is to “create a university learning environment that celebrates diversity, builds partnerships, promotes equity, and provides support to enhance the successes of the campus community.”

Problems immediately come to mind.

First, the academic issues. What keeps students from cheating or having someone else complete assignments on their behalf? Absolutely nothing. There are even websites describing the best ways to pull this off. Equity is lost.

Then there’s the question of who is going to be teaching these online classes. The same instructors who can’t figure out how to operate the overhead screen projection technology? I mean, no offense, but let’s be serious. How is anyone’s success supported by this potentially disastrous situation? This includes the instructor.

Lastly, there’s the reality that not everyone can learn through web-based formats. Some students need to talk and do, and be physically present in the situation in order to grasp new information. If some classes are only offered online, partnership and community are forced into narrow definitions that only work for some people.

Now I’ll bring up the social issues. How can we fully engage with another person if we only interact online? That’s not promoting diversity; it’s encouraging separation and avoidance of developing or using tolerance and acceptance skills. Also, what do the leaders of PSU have to say in regards to the way they have touted the accessibility of instructors? It’s used as a major selling point in recruitment. Will that be lost?

Online classes bring unique advantages and challenges to improving education opportunities while attempting to maintain the valuable social aspects of on-campus classes. If we’re not cautious, the diversity of educated individuals present in the community could be compromised rather than improved. While some people will benefit from online courses, it might possibly be at the expense of the quality of education and social interactions. ?