Virtual Education

What's that they say about "full disclosure?"  OK, I still don't have a cell phone and see no time in my remaining years that I will get one.  How's that for "full disclosure?"

I understand that online courses, "virtual" education, and all that other technology is the wave of the future.  I can't stop it, although I wish I could.  I find it interesting that the lead definition of "virtual" is "almost, nearly...not quite complete...."  Yep, my thoughts exactly.

Here's a recent article from the NY Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/03/education/san-jose-state-philosophy-dept-criticizes-online-courses.html?smid=pl-share&_r=0

There's a reference in the above article to the Amherst College faculty's disapproval of online courses, virtual education, or whatevr it's called.

Perhaps coincidentally, I heard a high level officer (CEO?) of edX (or was it Udacity?) the other day on the radio.  (I was very disappointed to hear Bill Bennett to be so supportive.)  The guy was explaining how virtual ed worked, the advantages, etc.  Of course, he pointed to none of the questions surrounding it.  In fact, a caller to the radio show, with specific instances he knew of, asked how "rampant cheating" was going to be stopped with the online courses.  The CEO (?) merely brushed aside the concern with an almost, "Oh, no, we won't let that happen."  He gave no indication of any steps to stop it or prevent it, just the dismissal.

I remember about half a dozen teachers who took that same online course, oh, maybe ten years ago.  Once a week they'd meet together and cheat like heck on the assignments, etc.  When I expressed some concern, I just got a smile that said, "Nobody will ever know."  Oh, OK--I guess that makes it all right.

I've spoken to several students who've taken online courses.  One, a particularly bright fellow, fully admitted, "They are jokes."  But he added, "But they got me a raise!"  Yep, the real colleges must compete with the growing number of "McColleges."  "Get your four-year degree in one year?"  "Take your required courses without taking off your pajamas?" 

I've spoken to teachers who've taught online courses.  Some try to defend them, at least their quality, but not convincingly.  One was candid enough, when I asked if the online courses matched the rigor of regular/traditional classrooms, to admit, "Oh, Good Lord No!"

I think of classes with the likes of Profs Romer, Havighurst, Turgeon, Ratte, Petropoulous, a whole list of them, and can't imagine being deprived of face-to-face meetings with each of them several times a week.

I understand the competition is fierce and the economics is inviting.  But it seems to fly in the face of our politicians' cries for more rigor and greater quality and accountability while they push for this "virtual education," making things easier, less rigorous.  I think I smell money, as many of the so-called reforms in education have been about money.  Some slick-talking folks hoodwinked easily hoodwinked administrators into these new-fangled, but ineffective schemes and programs, only to return a few years later with a newer bottle of snake oil.

I think, in many instances, much of this online education is a fraud, perpetrated more for opportunities to make money that to improve education.  Gee, do you think the Governor would listen to such heresy?  Nah, neither do I.

After all, I still roast my turkey in the oven, not zap it in the microwave.