Once Upon A Time...

Once Upon A Time…

I was sitting in a meeting recently and heard a faculty member from well respected research university say that the reason they have not offered online classes in their division is because the “faculty can not come to agreement on online efficacy.”    He went on to say that they have been talking about it for a few years but just can agree that you can provide quality education online.

This is not the first time I have heard this type of statement.  As a matter of fact, I actually hear it fairly regularly.  It may be masked as:  students can easily cheat online, how do I know that the student at the other end of the computer is really who they say they are, student success rates in online classes are not as good, etc.

It is about 6:45am and my wife and son are sleeping.  I am drinking some coffee and musing about this idea of online education.   Is it really online classes that are the problem or the people we choose to develop them and teach them that are the problem?  Are the faculty that choose to teach them doing it because they believe in it OR because it provides flexibility in their schedule?  Maybe they do it because they think it will be easier.

Comparison of the naysayer….

Once upon a time:

(Anna) Hey Billy, look at that boat sailing out there towards the sun.

(Billy) Wow Anna, the better turn around soon.

(Anna) No kidding.  They are getting awfully close to the edge.

(Anna)  I don’t think they know it drops off.

(Billy)  There they go.  It’s like the 5^th one we have seen this month.

(Anna)  You would think they would put up a fence or something.

(Billy)  Some people just gotta learn the hard way.

(Julia)  I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.  What if it’s round?

(Anna & Billy)  ????

Once upon a time remix:

(Anna) Hey Billy, look at those students about to sign up for online classes.

(Billy)  Wow Anna, they better change to in-person classes soon.

(Anna)  No kidding.  They are getting awfully close to the start of the semester.

(Anna)  I don’t think they know how the success rates drop off.

(Billy)  There they go.  It’s like the 500^th one we have seen this month.

(Anna)  You would think they would block enrollment or something.

(Billy) Some people just gotta learn the hard way.

(Julia)  I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.  What if online works?

(Anna & Billy)  ????

Online classes are here whether we like them or not.  It is our responsibility as educators to ensure they work.  This means academic rigor, student learning, and student success while maintaining the flexibility that online offers.   We have to be prepared for the learners of the future.   They are learning in ways we never imagined.

Helicopter Parents

Helicopter Parents

Do you know what these are?  In the world of higher education, helicopter parents are soccer moms on steroids.  They are the parents that want to do everything for their children.  Speak for them, think for them, do for them, etc.   If possible, they are over parenting.

We all know parents like this.  If you do not know a parent like this, parents know you.  Just kidding.  Kinda.  No, really, I am kidding.  Or am I.  HA!

I have worked in higher education for the better part of 15 years.  I have a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration.  I have worked in small private liberal arts universities, large public universities and the community college.  You may think I have seen it all, but honestly, when you work with college students they can surprise you at every turn! 

I am not an expert on parenting, nor do I play one on TV.   I am a parent, however, and typically by late January each year I have already lost the Parent of the Year award.   I would not classify myself as a helicopter parent, but I am involved in my child’s education.  What is the difference?  The answer to that question is more of a dissertation than a blog entry, but let me sum it up in one sentence.  The difference is that I support not direct, I advise not answer for, and I, too, love unconditionally.

College is a time for students to explore.  This has taken on the wrong meaning over the years, but exploration is critical.  They need to explore majors, explore involvement opportunities, explore friendships, explore interests, etc.  It is a time of a student’s life to begin to grow into an adult.  Times have shifted a bit, however.  Today, people are still considered kids into their mid to late 20s.  More and more kids move home after college.  We all know that parenting never stops.  These days however, we are parenting adults in ways we have not done with past generations.

What is the best way to help your college student be successful?  First and foremost, my recommendation is to be involved.  Be their support.  Be their sounding board.  Be their parent.  Second, allow them space to solve their own problems, remove their own obstacles and speak for themselves.  Colleges and Universities at all levels have professional staff members and faculty that teach, mentor and advocate for students every day.  Third, push your student to connect with the individuals on their campus that can help them.  For reference some of those are their professors and their academic advisor.  These folks know how to navigate the system and connect your student to the proper resource to assist them.  Fourth, you should regularly tell them you love them.  If they are away at college, send a care package.  Nothing says I love you more than a gift box full of delicious treats!  If you have extra, I take them as well! 

Finally, for the helicopter parents in you… It’s okay to hover above.  Just hover a bit higher so your kids don’t feel your breeze in their face.

Are Online Classes Right For Me?

Online classes are not for everyone.  I say that, but it's not for the reason you think.  Anyone can be successful in online classes.  Being successful in an online class has nothing to do with academic aptitude.  It really comes down academic discipline.  Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if you have what it takes to be successful in an online class......

1.  Am I willing to carve out regular time?  So often students think they can "do this anytime."  While that is true, you will have due dates for assignments, projects, tests, etc.  Students who set up regular time each week to focus on their online class are more successful than those who do not.

2. Do I like to read?  I guess that is not exactly the right question.  I would say it would be more:  Will I do all the reading?  It is much more difficult to fake your way through an online class.  They typically require you to write out your thoughts.  Professors are not asking you clarifying questions and there are not others raising their hands to answer questions.  You need to be prepared with the answers to questions.  That requires you to actually read the material.

3.  Am I a social learner?  While many faculty members require group assignments/projects in their online class, much of what you do is on your own.   Learning to work alone can be beneficial to you.  I will say however that if you primarily prefer social learning environments, online may not be the best answer for you.

4.  Do you communicate well in writing?  The online environment will force you to communicate your points in writing.  If writing is not your greatest strength, you may struggle in the online class.  Granted if you are taking math online this may not be relevant, but for everything else it is.

5.  Are you willing to seek out help when you need it?   Many campuses do not offer the same services online as they do in person.  If you are struggling with your class, you will need to be willing to come to campus for support if they don't offer it online.

The online environment is a fantastic way to both supplement your education and get your education. Nationally research tells us that students are less successful in the online environment than more traditional environments.  You can buck that trend if you are committed to the online course(s) you are in.