Online Courses for Rutgers James Olivo 6/11/2015Sociology of Communications1

History of Distant Learning Colleges University of Houston George Brown College University of Phoenix 6/11/2015Sociology of Communications2

University of Houston First to use televised college courses for credit. Over 100,000 hours taught over broadcast Opened the door to distant learning classes in the U.S. 6/11/2015Sociology of Communications3

Helping the Students Allowing classes to be broadcast through television was a big help to students who needed the extra credits but also had work during the day. Students are also able to watch the classes in the comfort of their own room and are able to pay more attention to lectures. 6/11/2015Sociology of Communications4

Helping the Students (cont.) “University of Houston’s distance education programs provide excellent value to busy adults pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree.” – Distance Education An approach to learning that might work better for those with learning disorders. 6/11/2015Sociology of Communications5

George Brown College Course curriculum delivered on CD-ROM Instant access to tutorial support, counseling, and on-line exams. 6/11/2015Sociology of Communications6

Electronics Technician distance education program Offered by George Brown College with over 10,000 students enrolled into the program Largest program of its kind in the world Has helped create thousands of electronics jobs worldwide 6/11/2015Sociology of Communications7

Electronics Technician distance education program (cont.) This new technology has brought up the number of female electronics majors from 2% of the class to over 20%. This is mainly because they are less worried about entering a predominantly male environment. 6/11/2015Sociology of Communications8

University of Phoenix Offers “Ground” classes that differ from normal college classes in that students are urged to do learning outside the classroom as well as inside. Offers online classes via internet or other web-based interfaces. Offers FlexNet, where students meet the first week, then have three weeks of online classes, and then meet for the last week on campus again. 6/11/2015Sociology of Communications9

Types of Online Classes synchronous classes – both teachers and students meet online at the same time for an accelerated rate of communication and learning while online. asynchronous classes – students choose when and where they want to learn with maximum flexibility and 24/7 availability of material. 6/11/2015Sociology of Communications10

Benefits of Online Classes Certain students who are afraid of a college environment due to shyness or other problems are able to stay at home and avoid any worries. Obtaining a college degree is an easier effort and creates more jobs for graduates. 6/11/2015Sociology of Communications11

Should Rutgers Go Online? Although there isn’t much information making its way to Rutgers’ students about an online education, there are many that would like this opportunity. The 30+ crowd would especially benefit from online classes due to the fact that many of them have kids and full-time jobs. It is definitely something Rutgers should look into and evaluate. 6/11/2015Sociology of Communications12

Where Rutgers Should Go from Here? Start to generate polls and questionnaires to see what students know and how they feel about taking online classes. Speak to faculty and ask them to propose ideas for online classes they could teach at one point. Always think of a better way to improve classes in general. 6/11/2015Sociology of Communications13