Spring Break
Administration anticipates online classes
Danielle Nieznanski
Issue date: 3/27/09 Section: News
Commuters and students who travel long distances to receive an education from Shorter can now rely on an Internet modem and just a few clicks of a computer mouse to get one step closer to receiving a degree. Shorter will begin offering online classes for a variety of subjects, according to Craig Shull, provost.
Courses will begin to be offered this summer and may include courses such as math, English, business, sports management and Western Civilization. These classes are common courses that students can take in the summer at a local community college.
Keeping up with the demands of becoming a more competitive school, Shorter has begun looking into the growing industry of online classes.
"Because of technology and competition, every organization feels like you have to have a viable online program," said Shull.
According to Shull, the move to online coursework is in part a result of Shorter's transition into university status, which will take place in June 2010.
"University status says that we have a commitment to offer a wider range of activities for our students and be more competitive in the market," said Shull.
The move is not seen out of the ordinary, but, as Shull views it, as part of the educational norm.
Shull said, "People area so used to technology that they are used to having it as an option."
Shull continued, "I don't think you can develop any area nor broaden any other areas without having the technological advantage in the world we live in today."
Classes will function like an online forum like Moodle, the learning management system adopted by Shorter in the Spring of 2008 in place of its former management system, Scholar.
Discussions will be made via posts to the class page and other students will be able to respond to the item.
Students custom to the idea of online educational systems like freshman Seth Selman are looking into the benefits and disadvantages of this idea.
"I strongly dislike Moodle and web sites like it because they sometimes can be confusing," said Selman, "but I think it's a great way for students to continue to take college classes from a distance."
According to Shull, the online courses offered during the summer are mainly targeted to local students who want the ability to stay at home and still participate in their courses.
Once the program is fully implemented, it will be open for a broader audience, including students from around the world.
Courses will be charged per credit-hour. Three credit-hour classes will cost around $1200.
An online education fee may be charged in addition to the class cost.
"It seems pretty expensive," said Selman. "But in the end, it might be worth it."
Freshman Ally Blackwell agreed with Selman, saying, "It does seem like a great way to fit in all the classes you need and could help you stay on track."
Courses will begin to be offered this summer and may include courses such as math, English, business, sports management and Western Civilization. These classes are common courses that students can take in the summer at a local community college.
Keeping up with the demands of becoming a more competitive school, Shorter has begun looking into the growing industry of online classes.
"Because of technology and competition, every organization feels like you have to have a viable online program," said Shull.
According to Shull, the move to online coursework is in part a result of Shorter's transition into university status, which will take place in June 2010.
"University status says that we have a commitment to offer a wider range of activities for our students and be more competitive in the market," said Shull.
The move is not seen out of the ordinary, but, as Shull views it, as part of the educational norm.
Shull said, "People area so used to technology that they are used to having it as an option."
Shull continued, "I don't think you can develop any area nor broaden any other areas without having the technological advantage in the world we live in today."
Classes will function like an online forum like Moodle, the learning management system adopted by Shorter in the Spring of 2008 in place of its former management system, Scholar.
Discussions will be made via posts to the class page and other students will be able to respond to the item.
Students custom to the idea of online educational systems like freshman Seth Selman are looking into the benefits and disadvantages of this idea.
"I strongly dislike Moodle and web sites like it because they sometimes can be confusing," said Selman, "but I think it's a great way for students to continue to take college classes from a distance."
According to Shull, the online courses offered during the summer are mainly targeted to local students who want the ability to stay at home and still participate in their courses.
Once the program is fully implemented, it will be open for a broader audience, including students from around the world.
Courses will be charged per credit-hour. Three credit-hour classes will cost around $1200.
An online education fee may be charged in addition to the class cost.
"It seems pretty expensive," said Selman. "But in the end, it might be worth it."
Freshman Ally Blackwell agreed with Selman, saying, "It does seem like a great way to fit in all the classes you need and could help you stay on track."
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