Back to School: The challenge of online learning

One of the most fascinating changes in education that has occurred since I last attended college is the emergence of online learning.

It's no longer necessary to physically attend classes to gain course credits, or in some cases even college diplomas. Many programs offer a mix of both in-class and virtual classroom learning.

Of course “virtual learning” has been around for a long time. My father got his laboratory technician ticket by finishing correspondence courses by snail mail, the only kind there was in the 1950s. All of this happened while he worked full-time and supported a wife and two small children.

The correspondence school would send him text books, worksheets and tests, and he'd mail back his work. In return, the school's teachers would grade his work and mail back his marks, along with comments of encouragement or advice. In the end he received a certificate that was recognized by an employer for whom he worked for 15 years.

Fast-forward to the year 2010 and the concept still remains, albeit using websites, online quizzes, exercises, video tutorials and even timed exams. The inbox has replaced the mailbox as the means of delivery and no stamp is needed!

Like in my father's generation, the online courses appeal to those who work full-time and can't fit conventional classes into their schedule. Yet it provides a means of getting ahead in a society where technology and skills constantly change. Those who don't stay ahead of the curve risk losing employment at worst or career gridlock at best.

As a full-time student, I'm taking one online course this semester: Applied MS Skills. Although I've dabbled in Word and PowerPoint this past semester, I'm a newbie to Excel and Access and I'll be interested to see how it shakes out.

I am a bit apprehensive though, because computer programs don't always behave like they're supposed to and without a real flesh and blood teacher to show you the way, things can get frustrating.

So far, our assignment has been reading a big section on Excel from an illustrated tome that cost an astounding $168. I was looking for some gold plating on the cover, but I didn't find it; I guess that's why Bill Gates is a billionaire and I'm not.

As I traverse the tome and the associated exercises, I'll file an update to this unique learning experience. I know for my younger classmates this kind of learning is intuitive, but time will tell whether this methodology will reap the rewards it promises.

Bruce Langer is a student in the Corporate Communication and Public Relations program at Fanshawe College. He can be reached at b_langer@fanshaweonline.ca.

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