To address concerns that students in distance learning college programs may feel alienated from their peers and professors, one administrator has launched a program to keep these individuals more connected.
Inside Higher Ed reports that Douglas E. Hersh, dean of Santa Barbara City College, grew concerned that students and professors at his school were not receiving high quality online education because current internet-based learning platforms typically do not foster a great deal of audio and video interaction.
As a result, he adopted the Human Presence Learning Environment, an interface that allows professors to deliver their lectures and messages via webcam. The platform also enables students and instructors to communicate more directly using Skype and post audio responses to discussion topics.
Although the system is currently used exclusively at the college, Hersh told the news source that he would willingly give the software to other schools that wish to try it.
Similar innovations could prove beneficial to more students as the popularity of internet-based learning and online schools continues to rise. According to U.S. News and World Report, the number of students enrolled in online college degree programs has increased by nearly 20 percent over the past three years. This number includes those enrolled in associate and online bachelors degree programs.
April 30, 2010
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May 4, 2010
This is a great idea. I have been taking classes online and I think that being able to go on webcam and feel more like a classroom is a real enhancement to this type of learning.
May 4, 2010
I am currently attending online college and I think it would be great to watch lectures with a webcam. Also, then the instructor could see the students as well.
May 5, 2010
I want to go to online college and get my degree in medical coding and billing. Can you tell me how I decide what school to go to and how I get financial aid to pay for it?
May 7, 2010
Our college matching service can help you find the right medical coding and billing school that will guide you in getting the financial aid that you need.
June 2, 2010
I have been thinking about going back to school to get my degree buy I am concerned about being able to juggle both work and school and do well. Can you take classes at your own pace?
June 21, 2010
I have been considering switching from on campus to online classes. I though I would miss the interaction. However, if they are now offering the use of a webcam I think I will feel more a part of the class.
July 18, 2010
Webcams, wow, what a great idea. It would certainly seem more personal if the professor and all of the online students could all be on webcams and see eachother.
August 7, 2010
It think going to class online is so great. And the webcam makes it ever better. I wonder if you can connect with other students in the class by webcam as well?
September 5, 2010
I think webcams definitely improve the quality of distance learning courses because you have a visual and audio feed of what is going on, almost similar to actually being in the classroom. About how many colleges that offer distance learning, use webcams?
February 21, 2011
Hey Lizzy. Programs like Skype or simply Instant Messengers allow students to connect via webcam if they wish to.
March 5, 2011
Having a good webcam I think is crucial on both ends to make up for the lack of physical distance. Either way, with technology becoming cheaper and quality improving to match, the cost becomes negligible.
March 7, 2011
This webcam idea is a good one but I actually feel like I have plenty of contact with my professors and classmates. I have never felt secluded, but I think it would be good for people that do.
April 21, 2011
wow, great post and info
keep posting stuff like this
i really like it.
May 28, 2011
Webcams in combination with cable or dsl speed internet connection allow me to teach guitar, bass & ukulele to students around the world! My site is slowly start to catch on and it is amazing to be contacted by a student literally anywhere in the world, arrange a time to meet on skype, oovoo, yahoo messenger or windows live and have a lesson.
August 9, 2011
Hey Teague. This is a great question, however, it really is up to the teacher if they prefer to use a webcam or not. While some teachers and students prfer face-to-face interaction some find the ability to communicate online enough.