Changing the Face of Online Education (continued)
Another student mentioned that "[online discussions] made it easier for me to think of things to say. I didn't feel stressed to think of something at that moment." This student was usually silent in class. Even when she was called on to read or present with other classmates, her anxiety was visible. Her opportunity to shed this worry and add her ideas to the online discussions allowed her to both practice her writing and participate in a discussion that would normally be intimidating. The same thing can be said for many other students who have experienced online discussions and classes.
Universities and educational institutions can be reminded that the scope of online education should not be limited to distance students; the use for educational technologies can be expanded to enhance the education of resident students just beginning their college or university experience. Opportunities for learning through written interaction with others provide students with a writing focus and an understanding of audience that will allow them to understand the practical uses for written communication. Although many institutions are now using online components and online courses for their resident students, prejudices remain in both instructors and students about the second-class education that technology provides. Only continued research and learning about technology will change many prejudices about its educational properties.
