The Future Of Education: On-Line Classes Essays -- School Internet Tec

The Future Of Education: On-Line Classes "The future is outside the traditional campus, outside the traditional classroom. Distance learning is coming on fast," says management philosopher Peter Drucker (qtd. in Ebeling and Gubernick). One form of distance learning, on-line education (courses offered over the Internet), has caught the eye of the public and is forcing educators to reevaluate the present state of the educational system. Because of their convenience, cost, and amount of and access to readily-available information, these on-line classes, specifically those in math and computer science, are becoming more and more prevalent throughout the Internet community. TARGET TECHNOLOGY Description On-line math and computer science classes are educational courses offered over the Internet. They differ from traditionally taught classes in that they offer a wealth of information which can be easily and quickly accessed with the right equipment (i.e. a computer and Internet connection) and knowledge. They also allow the user to log on to and participate in the class at any time of day at his/her convenience. This may prove advantageous to those with strict work schedules, to those with families, or to those who learn best at their own rate or at different times of day. "This format [on-line classes] is really good for older, nontraditional students who work full-time and have families," says Xeturah Woodley-Tillman, an on-line instructor at Metropolitan State College of Denver (qtd. in Brown). History The presence of and participation in on-line math and computer science classes has been rising ever since the Internet became readily available to the public. For example, four years ago Peterson's college guide li... ...lemented and fully utilized. While they alone may not change the current state of the educational system, on-line math and computer science classes should be a welcomed addition and should continue to grow in use far into the future. WORKS CITED Brown, Jacquelyn A. "Big Modem On Campus." Essence Oct. 1997: 150. Brown, John Seely, and Paul Duguid. "Universities In The Digital Age." Change July/Aug. 1996: 11+. Ebeling, Ashlea, and Lisa Gubernick. "I Got My Degree Through E-Mail." Forbes 16 June 1997: 84+. Natale, Jo Anna. "On-Line School For Home Learners." Education Digest Dec. 1995: 36+. Schutte, Jerald G. "Virtual Teaching in Higher Education: The New Intellectual Superhighway or Just Another Traffic Jam?" [http://www.csun.edu][/sociology/virexp.htm][30 April 1999]. Tillson, Tamsen. "High-Grade Opportunity." Canadian Business Dec. 1996: 53+.