06-26-2021, 10:01 PM
(06-26-2021, 09:16 PM)ss20ts Wrote:(06-26-2021, 09:12 PM)Alpha Wrote: Perhaps they feel it's not just about the money. Perhaps it's about creating a model of higher education that enables institutions to move into the future. So perhaps they feel that they do need to offer online degrees in order to hang onto their high status positions. I'm just guessing but it seems to be a strong trend and I'm guessing they're not doing it just for the fun of it. I'm just saying it based on observation.
Part of what you're going to an Ivy League school for is the networking. You won't network the same online. Being on campus is also a huge part of the experience. Yeah I know everyone doesn't care about the on campus experience but it is different at an Ivy school. They also now have a full year plus of remote learning so they can see what worked and what didn't. I know many students were very UNhappy with remote learning and wanted to be on campus. My neighbor is the VP of academic affairs at the colleges in our town and overall the students did NOT like remote learning. Almost every student came back once campus opened.
Yes, I'm sure a lot of those students were unhappy to be pushed online. It wasn't their choice. They wanted to get away from mom and dad and have that college experience, etc. but they wound up back in their old bedrooms taking online courses in the middle of a pandemic. Of course they were unhappy. But online programs were really never developed for them. They were designed for non-traditional students. Older students returning to finish degrees, mid-career professionals looking for a competitive edge and younger students who need to work and then, of course, the small percentage of people who actually prefer online study. Most of the "experts" seem to think that the future lies in hybrid programs. There is clearly a demand for these courses and programs. Harvard just unveiled their second online grad degree. I'd be willing to bet they did a lot of research before taking that step and they're pretty certain they can fill those slots on a ongoing basis.