In
the last few years online education has become an integral part of the learning
experience as more and more students from around the world are now pursuing
online programmes. However, there is still some scepticism remaining among a
segment of education experts and institutions. Some educators believe that
online learning provides valuable education and significant teacher-student interaction.
On the other hand, some teachers think that online education is inferior to
traditional classroom learning and contest associations with external for-profit
providers.
Implementing Online Learning
For
instance, most of the faculty at the School of International Service at
American University were apprehensive about collaborating with an external
provider to deliver online graduate education. Most of the teachers wondered
how learners could benefit by not attending face-to-face interaction with professors.
However, as the online programmes were implemented, the educators discovered
that digital learning has its own set of benefits and could actually help
students learn better.
But
a huge investment of innovation and resources is required to achieve success
and to make sure that institutes meet their objectives. This is important as administrators
and faculty are committed to teach those learners who are unable attend on-campus
classes for different reasons like location problems, family or professional
responsibilities etc.
TheSchool of International Service introduced an online master's degree course in
International Relations (MAIR) in May 2013. Now over 100 students have already
taken part in real-time online classes from more than 13 nations and 26 states.
Around 33 per cent of the students are either retired or active duty retired
U.S. military. The school manages the admissions, offers curriculum and course
content and organises with the university to determine different policies
regarding the online programme.
Offering The Right Platform
The
educators and faculty take around 7 to 9 months to prepare for the online
course, which includes developing study materials so that the learners can
study at their own pace by watching videos, lectures, simulations and presentations.
The
institute has also collaborated with 2U, which offers online platforms and
allows educators to provide live and pre-prepared coursework. Both students and
teachers have said the online programmes offer high levels of satisfaction. A
recent survey in the school found that around 94 per cent students claimed that
the online master's programme is highly recommendable and they would surely
suggest it to a friend.
Merging On-Campus And Online Learning
The
school eventually invited online learners to the campus for an immersion
programme in September. For the first time, students met with their fellow
learners in person, whom they have met via their online programmes. The
students also interacted with the faculty face-to-face and participated in academic
and career advising sessions.
Although there are many challenges in developing
and delivering an effective online master's degree programme, but with the
right technological platform and trained professors and faculty, any
institution can achieve its goals.
