Virtual matters

Updated on: Monday, July 04, 2011

Colleges today have opened their doors to technology, not only in terms of curriculum, but also by catering to the needs of those juggling complete courses with part-time lessons. The latest facility available is that of online distance courses.

COURSES GALORE

Ivy League schools across the world have taken up the task of spreading knowledge through the internet. With access to free online courses, students can learn about subjects they are keen to take up along with their current college/ university course. Yale University, for example, has added free courses not only to its online system, but to other social video portals like YouTube. Srinath Rao (20) asserts, "I love the fact that I can study virtually and sitting at home, I can avail of courses from reputed universities."

Although these courses are available to aspirants free of cost, they cannot connect with the professors and educators in case of doubts and questions. The extent of education and reasoning is limited to the online course alone. Such conditions can be limiting to the overall learning experience of a student, as the only answers he can provide himself with are through online research, which again, is not completely accurate.

Courses in various fields like media, science, arts/humanities, commerce, design and architecture, among others, are available for interested students. The BBC Academy, an example of an online media course allocator, is an exception when it comes to these online courses. Not only are they home to free online courses, but they also offer face-to-face online training for broadcast and new media. Besides, with larger companies opening their doors to virtual users, there are certain websites dedicated to simply providing innumerable options to choose from.

Amrita Phillips, visiting faculty, Usha Pravin Gandhi College of Management, says, "Online courses are a great way to learn from established foreign universities from within the comforts of your own home. They give students the opportunity to earn degrees for these courses through a much simpler process." With all these sources put in front of the user, the medium of online learning gains as a platform, making the entire process easier.

GOOD OR EVIL

There is a constant debate whether these courses really are of any use to students. For those looking at serious learning, the answer may not lie in these courses. But for those with a keen interest in expanding their knowledge and getting a better idea of a particular subject, an online course is the answer. Besides, being free, an online course gives you details that any regular book would, with the exception of a guide explaining it further. With the trend growing with each passing day, the phenomenon is an answer to many a student's question.

FINAL WORD

Whether an online course is beneficial for the student is entirely his/her call. Accessibility to these lets them know that there is more to choose from. It helps them understand that there can be serious learning beyond the four walls of the academy.

Phillips adds, "The downside of an online course is that the resources are limited. For instance, students are unable to interact with professors, which is a disadvantage when it comes to complete learning." The option of not being able to interact with an actual educator might leave some concerned, but at the end of the day, it really depends on the knowledge received.

Times of India

Virtual matters

More Education news