The Feasibility of Expanding University Enrollment for Online Courses
Years of experience in online education suggest that the quality of an online course can quickly degrade as the number of students increases, barring specific adaptations. The crux of the matter often revolves around the efficacy of maintaining a personalized educational experience despite logistical challenges.
My firsthand experience, for instance, highlights the critical importance of personalized attention and timely responses. Unless students receive these elements, retention rates in online courses can plummet. The notion that online courses can accommodate a larger student body without compromising educational quality is primarily based on misguided assumptions held by individuals without firsthand experience.
Personalized Attention and Retention
The key to successful online education lies in ensuring that each student receives individualized attention, akin to what is afforded in traditional face-to-face classes. This means that educators must be accessible and responsive to student inquiries to maintain engagement and prevent dropouts. Time constraints and the need for regular sleep serve as stark reminders of the limitations of online learning. While the convenience of not having to dress up or commute is appealing, it does not negate the fact that students still require structured learning environments.
My Experience as a Teaching Assistant
During the 1970s, while working as a teaching assistant at UCLA, I was involved in a world history course that accommodated over 400 students. These students gathered in a large auditorium for lectures, and small discussion sections were organized to foster more intimate and interactive learning environments. This approach significantly enhanced the educational experience by allowing for deeper discussions and question-and-answer sessions, which were not feasible in the large lecture hall.
Adapting Online Learning to Match Traditional Lectures
By leveraging online tools, universities can mimic the traditional lecture-based format while still catering to a larger number of students. With modern SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) cards, which have evolved into more sophisticated online assessment tools, universities can now manage quizzes and other assignments more efficiently. This technology allows for remote participation and evaluation, ensuring that even a larger number of students can receive timely feedback and support.
Potential for Increased Enrollment
Given the availability of robust educational technologies and the willingness of universities to create smaller discussion sections, there is no legal or practical barrier to expanding enrollment in online courses. Universities can offer a similar educational experience to large lecture courses by providing a blend of online lectures supplemented with smaller, discussion-based sections. This approach not only overcomes logistical challenges but also ensures that students receive personalized attention and support.
As on-campus student income faces decline, many universities are exploring the potential of online courses to increase enrollment and revenue. By adapting and innovating, universities can not only survive but thrive in the digital age, providing quality education to a broader audience.