In LSU’s Fall 2014 Distance Learning Programs Guide, there’s a picture of a young, supposed “GEOG 1001 student,” with a quote that says, “Excellent course! I enjoyed the flexibility of DL [Distance Learning] courses but still learned as much as if I was physically attending class!”
Distance learning usually means the course is taken online. There are also print-based options which involve submitting work through the mail, but either way, attending in a physical classroom or interacting with an instructor face-to-face isn’t part of the equation.
Distance learning is praised for its outreach to a wider range of students and the enticing amount of flexibility it can offer. It usually comes at the expense of replacing a human with a computer screen.
What’s the big deal? Teachers are boring and replaceable, right?
Clearly, “GEOG 1001 student” was excited to share his thoughts on his DL course. The exclamation points say it all.
Here’s what the Distance Learning Programs Guide is trying to say: taking a distance learning course is equally beneficial as attending class in a physical classroom with a human being who’s paid to share their knowledge and interact with you.
The quality of education received from a distance course can never be equated to that of a traditional classroom setting because in the end, teachers are the factors that make or break a student’s success.
To compare a computer program to a human being with years of education and experience completely undermines the credentials that college professors deserve to be recognized for. It also undermines the importance of human interaction.
Online teaching consists of standardized programs designed to reach a large number of consumers — but standardized programs rest on the assumption that all students are standardized learners.
The student takes on the role of a consumer, and individuality becomes insignificant.
In a classroom, the instructor has the power to mold lessons around the needs of students in that specific class. When a student comes across a teacher who goes above and beyond to show their concern for student learning, students’ concern for learning is more likely to be reciprocated.
I’m sure everyone has one teacher they remember who was so engaging and passionate that they changed your life in some way or another. Maybe they’re the reason you chose your major.
What would happen if a computer screen replaced that teacher who impacted your life?
Let’s give credit where credit’s due. Whether it’s because of family, work or location, some lifestyles just don’t work with physically attending a classroom. Distance education is better than none at all.
Distance courses are also far more affordable, not just for students, but for the schools providing them.
Money is a huge factor in any decision about education, but paying less for an online class sacrifices some of the most crucial components of education. You really do get what you pay for.
Online options shouldn’t be seen as a wholly negative thing. But to claim that the quality of education in a distance course is equal to that of a traditional course is insulting to what teachers do everyday.
“GEOG 1001 student” might’ve learned a thing or two, but I don’t think he learned as much as he could’ve in a physical classroom.
A pre-packaged distance course will never be able to deliver the inspiration, experience and passion that professors bring to our University.
Shirin Chowdhury is a 20-year-old English junior from Manhattan, Kansas. You can reach her on Twitter @TDR_schowd.