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| Adapt or Die: The Ever-Changing Dimensions in E-Educaion
Online learning is not just for continuing adult education, but is increasingly employed in specialized training and professional development because it evens out the professional playing field around the globe.
"I entered the Webster M.B.A. program knowing that I needed to 're-tool' to facilitate a smooth career change," explained Caroline Todd. "I found the instruction to be high quality and particularly accommodating with the online classes."
The E-Education Era The industries of online education and educational technology have developed rapidly. Now it is easier than ever for students everywhere to obtain their college degree or the job training they need.
And the main reason for this is the ability of students to be able to control their own time, according to Susan Seymour, director of Graduate Studies for Webster's School of Communications. "Students have more control and can contribute to discussions at midnight if that's what works best for them." Plus, with the cost of implementing e-learning tools going down, more and more higher learning institutions are adding online programs, courses and other forms of distance learning. As of January 2007, the School of Business and Technology had 783 online students. This represents a near 50% increase over the number of online students, which was 526, the same time last year. This number also includes 141 new students compared to 59 a year ago. Looking back three years, combining all five schools and colleges at Webster--online enrollments reached 1,160 in 2004; 1,386 in 2005 and 1,883 in 2006.Deserting the Cookie-Cutter Course E-learning has become more and more sophisticated, evolving from a more-structured online presentation to a much more fluid and integrated type of collaborative learning. Many higher learning institutions are even developing systems to incorporate video game technology to produce engaging--yet effective learning environments in their online classrooms. Since the first online courses were offered in 1999, Webster has added online programs in many key areas of study. To date, they are: Graduate Offerings:
Undergraduate Offerings: *Note: There are several emphasis areas within the MAT majors that are available online, including: Specialized SHRM Exam Preparation Course Now Online Webster is also offering the HRCI exam preparation course based on the SHRM Learning System® online in addition to the classroom option. In fact, Webster has offered the SHRM course since 1995 and has successfully prepared hundreds of professionals for the exam.
According to Renee Porter, director of Webster's online business programs, a number of undergraduate management seminars are planned for 2007. "Webster students and faculty are embracing online learning as demonstrated by the continued growth," she added. Cutting the Cord With the invention of wireless technology, students can now take it one step further. Webster has had hundreds of students graduate who continued their online degree programs--even if they were serving in Iraq, for example.
"I have been the Commander for 16 months and have deployed my company to Iraq. But I took my last course online from Iraq," explained Capt. Marci Miller, who earned her M.A. in Management and Leadership in 2006. "I think that as soldiers, we are trained to just soldier through any situation. I have always been goal-oriented and this was one more goal I had set for myself."
"Webster is perfect for military. I was able to take two courses while deployed to a combat zone in the Middle East," said Lt. Clair Kling, who earned his Webster degree in Information Technology Management. In 10 years, online learning will seem as quaint as online banking or online social networking, according to associate professor of Economics and director of Webster's MBA program, Steve Hinson. "While increasing time demands have been partially responsible for the increase in online activity, there are certainly advantages to shopping online for life insurance or a new car. The same is and will be increasingly true of online education.
"Online education also has pedagogical advantages over classroom instruction. Online learning is less passive, more inclusive, and arguably more reflective than what takes place in a typical classroom. I expect that in 10 years, online education and in-class education will have significantly merged, hopefully retaining the strongest characteristics of both," Hinson added. According to Tamashiro, there have also been innovative courses in which student have traveled to Geneva, Vienna and Hong Kong for one- or two-week courses in conjunction with online learning experiences. "The special online plus international travel course combine the best teaching and learning approaches from the classroom, from e-learning, and intense first-hand experiences," he explained.
In turn, with each new student that graduates with an online degree, the public acceptance of this form of learning continues to grow. Though it is not likely that online degree programs will ever pass up traditional classroom study, it seems pretty obvious that in the not-too-distant future, most graduates will have gained some level of online learning experience in their education. "Webster's online learning is great. The M.A.T. gave me new insight into the benefits of technology," explained graduate Lori Ortbals. "Developing professionally with technology is necessary for the 21st century." "I think we've just scratched the surface," said Seymour. "With improving technology, online courses will become increasingly richer. They not only will achieve all the onsite interaction but will far exceed it in ways we haven't yet imagined." "At Webster University, we have always taken pride in being able to fill the unique needs of all of our students," said Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean of the School of Business and Technology. "That means taking our education to those who need it when and where they want it. The School of Business and Technology currently offers more than 110 online courses within 13 online programs for those students who can’t or don’t want to attend class at one of our many campuses. Now programs like ours are being seen for their benefits to students going into the workforce in an article for Diverse: Isssues in Higher Education magazine featuring Webster University. I hope you take a moment to read Online Degrees Increasingly Gaining Acceptance Among Employers and see how Webster continues to set the standard for universities all around the world." To learn more about Webster's online programs, visit www.webster.edu/online/. |
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