Online learning gets a new feature: clubs
Posted on 3/12/2010
Studying for an online graduate degree or a distance learning degree offers a lot of convenience. No waking up early to get to class, no long, traffic-riddled commute to get to campus and no rickety old desks in drafty buildings.
But the one thing online colleges and universities can't offer is the camaraderie students experience from joining clubs on campus and meeting others in their field.
Until now, that is.
According to a report published in USA TODAY, several colleges and universities are creating online clubs and organizations for their distance learners to leap into and enjoy. These clubs can host video chats and forums with career advice, guest speakers and good old-fashioned socialization.
"When you're on campus, you have opportunities to engage your faculty and your peers," said Debra Ann Mynar, who started one such club through Pennsylvania State University's online campus, quoted by the news provider. "When you do distance education, you don't have those similar opportunities," she added.
The online education sector grew by nearly 17 percent in 2009. Approximately 4.6 million students were enrolled in at least one online course in the fall of 2008.
But the one thing online colleges and universities can't offer is the camaraderie students experience from joining clubs on campus and meeting others in their field.
Until now, that is.
According to a report published in USA TODAY, several colleges and universities are creating online clubs and organizations for their distance learners to leap into and enjoy. These clubs can host video chats and forums with career advice, guest speakers and good old-fashioned socialization.
"When you're on campus, you have opportunities to engage your faculty and your peers," said Debra Ann Mynar, who started one such club through Pennsylvania State University's online campus, quoted by the news provider. "When you do distance education, you don't have those similar opportunities," she added.
The online education sector grew by nearly 17 percent in 2009. Approximately 4.6 million students were enrolled in at least one online course in the fall of 2008.
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