Research: Distance Learning Not for Everyone

Recent research from a University of Missouri study shows that not everyone is cut out for online learning. Students with certain qualities such as responsibility and determination are more likely to be successful when learning online. Here's what the study found:

"Correlations between learning styles and success in distance education have shown to be inconclusive," Strickland said. "However, one common theme reappears: the successful traits of a distance learner are similar to the successful traits of an adult learner in traditional educational settings."

With a mere 30 percent of distance learners actually completing their courses, learning more about the characteristics of these students would help educators structure online courses to be as beneficial as possible. Considering the lack of institutional support and isolation involved in the nature of online courses, success in these courses requires a person that is determined and responsible, Strickland said."

Obviously, online schools can improve their retention rates by designing courses to be more interactive and offering ample support. However, there is no panacea. Many students thrive in online classes, some never will.

See full article.

Related Entries:

Online Research Paper Help for Distance Learners - 12 May 2007

Many Traditional Colleges View Virtual Learning as Revenue Source - 29 September 2007

Study Shows Distance Learning as Effective as Traditional Learning - 11 October 2007

Yale Classes Now Available to Students Worldwide...For Free - 15 November 2007

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Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com.
(Via www.onlineuniversities-weblog.com)

Research: Distance Learning Not for Everyone

Recent research from a University of Missouri study shows that not everyone is cut out for online learning. Students with certain qualities such as responsibility and determination are more likely to be successful when learning online. Here's what the study found:

"Correlations between learning styles and success in distance education have shown to be inconclusive," Strickland said. "However, one common theme reappears: the successful traits of a distance learner are similar to the successful traits of an adult learner in traditional educational settings."

With a mere 30 percent of distance learners actually completing their courses, learning more about the characteristics of these students would help educators structure online courses to be as beneficial as possible. Considering the lack of institutional support and isolation involved in the nature of online courses, success in these courses requires a person that is determined and responsible, Strickland said."

Obviously, online schools can improve their retention rates by designing courses to be more interactive and offering ample support. However, there is no panacea. Many students thrive in online classes, some never will.

See full article.

Related Entries:

Online Research Paper Help for Distance Learners - 12 May 2007

Many Traditional Colleges View Virtual Learning as Revenue Source - 29 September 2007

Study Shows Distance Learning as Effective as Traditional Learning - 11 October 2007

Yale Classes Now Available to Students Worldwide...For Free - 15 November 2007

Advertisement

Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com.
(Via www.onlineuniversities-weblog.com)

Guest Lecture: Michael Spencer, Composer, University of Leeds; Monday, March 24 at 11 am (from School of Music News)

Monday, March 24 at 11 am, Room 280 Composer Michael Spencer will discuss his music and exciting opportunities for exchange study with the University of Leeds in England. Spencer is a composer of new music, a lecturer in critical musicology, and also is on the board of associates for the Search Journal and New Music and Culture. For more information on Spencer, visit his website. ...
Source: blog.lib.umn.edu

Guest Lecture: Michael Spencer, Composer, University of Leeds; Monday, March 24 at 11 am (from School of Music News)

Monday, March 24 at 11 am, Room 280 Composer Michael Spencer will discuss his music and exciting opportunities for exchange study with the University of Leeds in England. Spencer is a composer of new music, a lecturer in critical musicology, and also is on the board of associates for the Search Journal and New Music and Culture. For more information on Spencer, visit his website. ...
Source: blog.lib.umn.edu

Scholar Saluted

Dr. Barbara Beyerbach, a professor of curriculum and instruction at SUNY Oswego, will be honored as one of 20 SUNY Outstanding Researchers/Scholars at a dinner April 14 at the SUNY University at Albany.(Via www.oswego.edu)

Scholar Saluted

Dr. Barbara Beyerbach, a professor of curriculum and instruction at SUNY Oswego, will be honored as one of 20 SUNY Outstanding Researchers/Scholars at a dinner April 14 at the SUNY University at Albany.(Via www.oswego.edu)

Education News - 22 Mar 2008

University of Queensland researchers will be at the forefront of fighting cancer thanks to a new $3.2 million grant from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF).
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com

Certainly in my clinical practice it’s been mentioned more than a few times,” says Jay Lebow, a psychologist and professor at the Family Institute at Northwestern University. “It’s stimulating, it’s provocative, and it gets people thinking ...
Source: www.msnbc.msn.com

The number of school leavers is expected to plummet over the next 10 years, leaving the equivalent of nearly six universities unfilled
Source: education.guardian.co.uk

"I bet you there will be a few concerned parents in Epsom who are not appreciating ACT selling their kids at Auckland University harmful drugs at a cheap rate." Moves by young ACT supporters to boost membership by selling cut-price party pills are "grossly irresponsible", Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton says. via Manawatu Evening Standard
Source: www.topix.com

The site offers free video, audio, and print lectures and course material taken straight from the university's classes.
Source: www.edweek.org

University Greed Creates Disadvantages to Online Learning

A recent editorial in the UM-St. Louis Current charges that many of the reasons universities start online classes are harmful to student learners. Instead of starting online courses for student convenience or as a viable learning alternative, some universities do it because they can save money on facilities and can squeeze 200+ students into a single class. Here's a blurb from the editorial:

"An online class can hold up to about 200 students, where as an average sized-classroom (not lecture halls) can only seat about 25. However, for the students to get the most out of a professor, a good student-to-teacher ratio needs to be about 15-to-1.

Instead of providing a quality education, professors are now shoveling students through each class just so they can meet their requirements. It is very cost-efficient.

The bottom line is that online classes require fewer professors, less space, and most of all, less money, meaning less money to pay for faculty salaries and lower costs to maintain a classroom.

That last part about money is ironic in that students, particularly in the communications department, pay supplemental fees for distance learning to cover the costs for all of the technology and software needed to run an online class."

It's unfortunate that many colleges still see online learning as a money-making venture rather than focusing on student needs. Hopefully, as online learning becomes more mainstream, schools will change their focus.

See full article.

Related Entries:

Choosing a Distance Learning Program Based on Your Learning Style - 14 April 2007

Many Traditional Colleges View Virtual Learning as Revenue Source - 29 September 2007

Study Shows Distance Learning as Effective as Traditional Learning - 11 October 2007

University of Colorado Offering Online Degrees to Military Personnel - 06 February 2008

Advertisement

Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com.

Source: www.onlineuniversities-weblog.com

Gift supports visiting professorship in Human Rights

The College will bring a senior-level scholar in human rights to the University of Chicago campus through the Pozen Visiting Professorship in Human Rights, which has been newly endowed with a $1 million gift from Richard Pozen (A.B.'69) and his wife, Ann Silver Pozen.(Via news.uchicago.edu)

Colorado State University to Open New Online College

Colorado State University is planning a new online college aimed at helping non-traditional students and college drop outs complete their degrees. The Denver Post reports:

"CSU president Larry Penley said he envisions the online school reaching those people who have been working or raising families and can't easily attend a traditional college.

"The rates for younger people to go to college are not as high as they are for people my age," Penley said. "There is a need to turn this around. . . . And we don't have the money across the country to provide the kind of bricks-and-mortar institutions to deal with all these people."

CSU Global Campus will have its own faculty who will tailor work to individual students. What makes the school unique is its emphasis on reaching at-risk populations. Courses will be timed, and tests scheduled. Degrees will be created based on the marketplace demand - like a master's in online learning."

The new online public school is planned to offer lower tuition rates than many private programs. It will primarily serve adult learners who did not attend college after high school or who dropped out before completing a degree.

See full article.

Related Entries:

Distance Learning Agreements Between State Colleges - 26 March 2007

CSU to Launch New Online University - 29 August 2007

San Diego State University to Provide New Online Health Care Courses - 26 September 2007

New Profile: Charter Oak State College - 09 November 2007

Advertisement

Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com.

Source: www.onlineuniversities-weblog.com

'Images of Prayer, Politics and Everyday Jewish Life' opens at the University of Chicago Library on March 10

The University of Chicago Library presents "Images of Prayer, Politics and Everyday Life from the Harry and Branka Sondheim Jewish Heritage Collection," in the gallery of the Special Collections Research Center from March 10 to July 6, 2008.
Source: news.uchicago.edu

University disaster course a world first

A pioneering disaster management course from the University of Salford is to help train professionals to prepare for global events such as earthquakes and floods - and help rebuild damaged areas once they have occurred.

The postgraduate Disaster Mitigation and Reconstruction course will address the growing demand for countries such as Sri Lanka and India to plan for natural and man-made disasters by reducing risk and improving infrastructures, as well as managing post-disaster issues like reconstruction and insurance.

It is aimed at professionals already working in government relief agencies, private sector companies, civil and military services, and insurance - and already has the backing of the construction industry in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Course leader, Dr Richard Haigh said: "With recent events such as the Boxing Day tsunami, the New Orleans floods and the earthquake in Pakistan, there is a real need for practical study in this area.

"Salford is the UK's leading university for the built environment and we have gained input from many international aid agencies which have real-life experience of planning for disasters and rebuilding communities after they have happened."

From January 2009, the School of the Built Environment's course will be delivered full-time on campus and by part-time distance learning via an interactive 'virtual learning environment' that enables students across the world to take part in regular online lectures.

Professor Dilanthi Amaratunga added: "We hope our teaching will help make a positive difference to the lives of those who live in parts of the world that are at risk of being affected by disasters, or have already been ravaged by them."

Ends

Notes to Editors
To find out more about studying Disaster Mitigation and Reconstruction at the University of Salford email Dr Richard Haigh at r.p.haigh@salford.ac.uk or Professor Dilanthi Amaratunga at r.d.g.amaratunga@salford.ac.uk

For more information on the University of Salford's School of the Built Environment go to www.sobe.salford.ac.uk

To find an academic expert for informed comment on a wide range of subjects, go to www.salford.ac.uk/press_office/experts/

To get all the latest news from Salford subscribe to our RSS feed www.salford.ac.uk/press_office/rss_news/

For further information or photographs contact:
Jamie Brown / Rachel Conway
Press and PR
The University of Salford
Room 113, Faraday House
Salford, Greater Manchester
M5 4WT, UK

T +44 (0)161 295 5361
F +44 (0)161 295 4705
j.brown@salford.ac.uk

 

(Via www.salford.ac.uk)

Educational Procrastination

Wendy Boswell at Lifehacker posted this amazing article on the great dot-edu sites out there and what bastions of mind-blowing information they are. She does point out, however (and I agree) that the time-suckage factor is astronomical: you can fritter away hours perusing university art gallery sites. It’s just so easy to [...]
Link - www.educatednation.com

MULTICULTURAL KICK-OFF AMBASSADOR (from Wallin Scholarship Program at the U)

Do you work well with groups? Do you consider yourself to be a student leader? Want to work with incoming freshmen? If you answered yes to any of these, then apply to be an MCAE Ambassador. To qualify you must be a University of Minnesota student enrolled in any full-time program, have resident hall or group living experience, are interested in communities of color, have knowledge of Multicultural issues, have prior leadership experience and a 2.5 cumulative G.P.A. As ...
Source: blog.lib.umn.edu

For Monday, March 24 (return from Spring Break) (from University Writing 1301)

Hi, folks. For the first class after Spring Break you'll spend time prewriting for the Proposal for the Inquiry Project (assigned Wednesday, 3/12). Come prepared to write, share your writing, and comment on others' work in a round-robin session lasting most of the period. The first draft of the Proposal is due Wednesday, 3/26, for an in-class Workshop--more on this later. Skim pages 188-195 in Longman. ...
Source: blog.lib.umn.edu

For Monday, March 24 (return from Spring Break) (from University Writing 1301)

Hi, folks. For the first class after Spring Break you'll spend time prewriting for the Proposal for the Inquiry Project (assigned Wednesday, 3/12). Come prepared to write, share your writing, and comment on others' work in a round-robin session lasting most of the period. The first draft of the Proposal is due Wednesday, 3/26, for an in-class Workshop--more on this later. Skim pages 188-195 in Longman. ...
Source: blog.lib.umn.edu

Education News - 20 Mar 2008

The Graduate Student Advisory Committee will present Graduate Professional Development Day this Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Western Michigan University's Fetzer Center.
Source: www.westernherald.com

It would take further study to sort out what the results mean for long-term health, said Holt-Lunstad, an assistant psychology professor at Brigham Young University.
Source: www.msnbc.msn.com

The number of school leavers is expected to plummet over the next 10 years, leaving the equivalent of nearly six universities unfilled
Source: education.guardian.co.uk

"I bet you there will be a few concerned parents in Epsom who are not appreciating ACT selling their kids at Auckland University harmful drugs at a cheap rate." Moves by young ACT supporters to boost membership by selling cut-price party pills are "grossly irresponsible", Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton says. via Manawatu Evening Standard
Source: www.topix.com

The site offers free video, audio, and print lectures and course material taken straight from the university's classes.
Source: www.edweek.org

Scholar Saluted

Dr. Barbara Beyerbach, a professor of curriculum and instruction at SUNY Oswego, will be honored as one of 20 SUNY Outstanding Researchers/Scholars at a dinner April 14 at the SUNY University at Albany.
Link - www.oswego.edu

Education News - 20 Mar 2008

CBS 11 has obtained a list of recommendations by a task force designed to give Southern Methodist University greater control over students who drink.
Source: cbs11tv.com

"I bet you there will be a few concerned parents in Epsom who are not appreciating ACT selling their kids at Auckland University harmful drugs at a cheap rate." Moves by young ACT supporters to boost membership by selling cut-price party pills are "grossly irresponsible", Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton says. via Manawatu Evening Standard
Source: www.topix.com

The site launched last fall on seven college campuses and recently expanded to 50 more, including Princeton University. Free to use and supported by advertising, JuicyCampus promises total anonymity to people who post on it.
Source: www.msnbc.msn.com

UK universities lack funding to adequately maintain laboratories housing dangerous pathogens, such as HIV, says advisory committee
Source: education.guardian.co.uk

The site offers free video, audio, and print lectures and course material taken straight from the university's classes.
Source: www.edweek.org

Enhancing Quality Staff in Changing Times (from The LIBRARY MEMO)

Professional Development Opportunity for Library Staff Enhancing Quality Staff in Changing Times: The 16th symposium for library paraprofessionals and support staff presented by the University of Minnesota Libraries May 20, 2008 at the Radisson University Hotel, Minneapolis The $75 registration fee is waived for University of Minnesota Libraries registrants. The complete program and registration form are available at: http://staff.lib.umn.edu/eqs ...
Source: blog.lib.umn.edu

University Greed Creates Disadvantages to Online Learning

A recent editorial in the UM-St. Louis Current charges that many of the reasons universities start online classes are harmful to student learners. Instead of starting online courses for student convenience or as a viable learning alternative, some universities do it because they can save money on facilities and can squeeze 200+ students into a single class. Here's a blurb from the editorial:

"An online class can hold up to about 200 students, where as an average sized-classroom (not lecture halls) can only seat about 25. However, for the students to get the most out of a professor, a good student-to-teacher ratio needs to be about 15-to-1.

Instead of providing a quality education, professors are now shoveling students through each class just so they can meet their requirements. It is very cost-efficient.

The bottom line is that online classes require fewer professors, less space, and most of all, less money, meaning less money to pay for faculty salaries and lower costs to maintain a classroom.

That last part about money is ironic in that students, particularly in the communications department, pay supplemental fees for distance learning to cover the costs for all of the technology and software needed to run an online class."

It's unfortunate that many colleges still see online learning as a money-making venture rather than focusing on student needs. Hopefully, as online learning becomes more mainstream, schools will change their focus.

See full article.

Related Entries:

Choosing a Distance Learning Program Based on Your Learning Style - 14 April 2007

Many Traditional Colleges View Virtual Learning as Revenue Source - 29 September 2007

Study Shows Distance Learning as Effective as Traditional Learning - 11 October 2007

University of Colorado Offering Online Degrees to Military Personnel - 06 February 2008

Advertisement

Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com.
(Via www.onlineuniversities-weblog.com)

Learning a Second Language: More Important than Ever (from University of Minnesota Moment)

It used to be that learning a second language was only something done as an academic requirement. But University of Minnesota professor Elaine Tarone, director of the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition, has found that, in today's global economy, the advantages are increasing. Download fully produced :90 feature || Download raw audio ...(Via blog.lib.umn.edu)

"The Wiz" rehearsal blog is unveiled (from University of Minnesota Theatre and Dance News Feed)

The University Theatre has unveiled its new "rehearsal blog," which allows anyone to get a behind the scenes glimpse of the rehearsal process leading up to our April 11-19 subscriber series production of "The Wiz." Link to the blog and learn more about this musical production — where Oz is turned into a university campus — at www.theatre.umn.edu/thewiz ...
Source: blog.lib.umn.edu

Colorado State University to Open New Online College

Colorado State University is planning a new online college aimed at helping non-traditional students and college drop outs complete their degrees. The Denver Post reports:

"CSU president Larry Penley said he envisions the online school reaching those people who have been working or raising families and can't easily attend a traditional college.

"The rates for younger people to go to college are not as high as they are for people my age," Penley said. "There is a need to turn this around. . . . And we don't have the money across the country to provide the kind of bricks-and-mortar institutions to deal with all these people."

CSU Global Campus will have its own faculty who will tailor work to individual students. What makes the school unique is its emphasis on reaching at-risk populations. Courses will be timed, and tests scheduled. Degrees will be created based on the marketplace demand - like a master's in online learning."

The new online public school is planned to offer lower tuition rates than many private programs. It will primarily serve adult learners who did not attend college after high school or who dropped out before completing a degree.

See full article.

Related Entries:

Distance Learning Agreements Between State Colleges - 26 March 2007

CSU to Launch New Online University - 29 August 2007

San Diego State University to Provide New Online Health Care Courses - 26 September 2007

New Profile: Charter Oak State College - 09 November 2007

Advertisement

Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com.

Link - www.onlineuniversities-weblog.com

Education News - 18 Mar 2008

Police were conducting a death investigation this afternoon at the Lofts at Lakeview off Erwin Road near Duke University Hospital. No further details were immediately available.
Source: www.newsobserver.com

UK universities lack funding to adequately maintain laboratories housing dangerous pathogens, such as HIV, says advisory committee
Source: education.guardian.co.uk

"I believe that transitions are best made during times of real advance rather than times of crisis or neutrality, and so I believe that this is an ideal time to begin the transition process." Gonzaga University's 25th President Rev. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., announced Monday he will work with the school's Board of Trustees to initiate a transition of leadership over the next 16 months. via KREM-TV Spokane
Source: www.topix.com

The site offers free video, audio, and print lectures and course material taken straight from the university's classes.
Source: blogs.edweek.org

Education News - 18 Mar 2008

ORLANDO -- Lely High School graduate Ereck Plancher, a freshman wide receiver at the University of Central Florida, died following a workout on Tuesday, a school official said.
Source: www.floridatoday.com

UK universities lack funding to adequately maintain laboratories housing dangerous pathogens, such as HIV, says advisory committee
Source: education.guardian.co.uk

"I believe that transitions are best made during times of real advance rather than times of crisis or neutrality, and so I believe that this is an ideal time to begin the transition process." Gonzaga University's 25th President Rev. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., announced Monday he will work with the school's Board of Trustees to initiate a transition of leadership over the next 16 months. via KREM-TV Spokane
Source: www.topix.com

The site offers free video, audio, and print lectures and course material taken straight from the university's classes.
Source: blogs.edweek.org

Educational Procrastination

Wendy Boswell at Lifehacker posted this amazing article on the great dot-edu sites out there and what bastions of mind-blowing information they are. She does point out, however (and I agree) that the time-suckage factor is astronomical: you can fritter away hours perusing university art gallery sites. It’s just so easy to [...](Via www.educatednation.com)

Educational Procrastination

Wendy Boswell at Lifehacker posted this amazing article on the great dot-edu sites out there and what bastions of mind-blowing information they are. She does point out, however (and I agree) that the time-suckage factor is astronomical: you can fritter away hours perusing university art gallery sites. It’s just so easy to [...](Via www.educatednation.com)

Education News - 17 Mar 2008

Microsoft and Intel on Tuesday will unveil a plan to fund university research for devising ways to program software for multi-core processors.
Source: www.arnnet.com.au

Liu and his colleagues at Stanford University sought to find out if growth hormone really could improve performance. They looked for the best published tests, those comparing participants who got the hormone to those who didn’t get the treatment.
Source: www.msnbc.msn.com

"I believe that transitions are best made during times of real advance rather than times of crisis or neutrality, and so I believe that this is an ideal time to begin the transition process." Gonzaga University's 25th President Rev. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., announced Monday he will work with the school's Board of Trustees to initiate a transition of leadership over the next 16 months. via KREM-TV Spokane
Source: www.topix.com

Guidance released for universities to follow when dealing with 'trans people' who are changing their gender
Source: education.guardian.co.uk

The site offers free video, audio, and print lectures and course material taken straight from the university's classes.
Source: www.edweek.org

Education News - 17 Mar 2008

Chemical engineers at The University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new way to control the motion of fluid particles through tiny channels, potentially aiding the development of micro- and nano-scale technologies such as drug delivery devices, chemical and biological sensors, and components for miniaturized biological "lab-on-a-chip" applications.
Source: www.physorg.com

"I believe that transitions are best made during times of real advance rather than times of crisis or neutrality, and so I believe that this is an ideal time to begin the transition process." Gonzaga University's 25th President Rev. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., announced Monday he will work with the school's Board of Trustees to initiate a transition of leadership over the next 16 months. via KREM-TV Spokane
Source: www.topix.com

Guidance released for universities to follow when dealing with 'trans people' who are changing their gender
Source: education.guardian.co.uk

The site offers free video, audio, and print lectures and course material taken straight from the university's classes.
Source: blogs.edweek.org

Learning a Second Language: More Important than Ever (from University of Minnesota Moment)

It used to be that learning a second language was only something done as an academic requirement. But University of Minnesota professor Elaine Tarone, director of the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition, has found that, in today's global economy, the advantages are increasing. Download fully produced :90 feature || Download raw audio ...
Source: blog.lib.umn.edu

Learning a Second Language: More Important than Ever (from University of Minnesota Moment)

It used to be that learning a second language was only something done as an academic requirement. But University of Minnesota professor Elaine Tarone, director of the Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition, has found that, in today's global economy, the advantages are increasing. Download fully produced :90 feature || Download raw audio ...
Source: blog.lib.umn.edu

University disaster course a world first

A pioneering disaster management course from the University of Salford is to help train professionals to prepare for global events such as earthquakes and floods - and help rebuild damaged areas once they have occurred.

The postgraduate Disaster Mitigation and Reconstruction course will address the growing demand for countries such as Sri Lanka and India to plan for natural and man-made disasters by reducing risk and improving infrastructures, as well as managing post-disaster issues like reconstruction and insurance.

It is aimed at professionals already working in government relief agencies, private sector companies, civil and military services, and insurance - and already has the backing of the construction industry in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Course leader, Dr Richard Haigh said: "With recent events such as the Boxing Day tsunami, the New Orleans floods and the earthquake in Pakistan, there is a real need for practical study in this area.

"Salford is the UK's leading university for the built environment and we have gained input from many international aid agencies which have real-life experience of planning for disasters and rebuilding communities after they have happened."

From January 2009, the School of the Built Environment's course will be delivered full-time on campus and by part-time distance learning via an interactive 'virtual learning environment' that enables students across the world to take part in regular online lectures.

Professor Dilanthi Amaratunga added: "We hope our teaching will help make a positive difference to the lives of those who live in parts of the world that are at risk of being affected by disasters, or have already been ravaged by them."

Ends

Notes to Editors
To find out more about studying Disaster Mitigation and Reconstruction at the University of Salford email Dr Richard Haigh at r.p.haigh@salford.ac.uk or Professor Dilanthi Amaratunga at r.d.g.amaratunga@salford.ac.uk

For more information on the University of Salford's School of the Built Environment go to www.sobe.salford.ac.uk

To find an academic expert for informed comment on a wide range of subjects, go to www.salford.ac.uk/press_office/experts/

To get all the latest news from Salford subscribe to our RSS feed www.salford.ac.uk/press_office/rss_news/

For further information or photographs contact:
Jamie Brown / Rachel Conway
Press and PR
The University of Salford
Room 113, Faraday House
Salford, Greater Manchester
M5 4WT, UK

T +44 (0)161 295 5361
F +44 (0)161 295 4705
j.brown@salford.ac.uk

 

Source: www.salford.ac.uk

University Greed Creates Disadvantages to Online Learning

A recent editorial in the UM-St. Louis Current charges that many of the reasons universities start online classes are harmful to student learners. Instead of starting online courses for student convenience or as a viable learning alternative, some universities do it because they can save money on facilities and can squeeze 200+ students into a single class. Here's a blurb from the editorial:

"An online class can hold up to about 200 students, where as an average sized-classroom (not lecture halls) can only seat about 25. However, for the students to get the most out of a professor, a good student-to-teacher ratio needs to be about 15-to-1.

Instead of providing a quality education, professors are now shoveling students through each class just so they can meet their requirements. It is very cost-efficient.

The bottom line is that online classes require fewer professors, less space, and most of all, less money, meaning less money to pay for faculty salaries and lower costs to maintain a classroom.

That last part about money is ironic in that students, particularly in the communications department, pay supplemental fees for distance learning to cover the costs for all of the technology and software needed to run an online class."

It's unfortunate that many colleges still see online learning as a money-making venture rather than focusing on student needs. Hopefully, as online learning becomes more mainstream, schools will change their focus.

See full article.

Related Entries:

Choosing a Distance Learning Program Based on Your Learning Style - 14 April 2007

Many Traditional Colleges View Virtual Learning as Revenue Source - 29 September 2007

Study Shows Distance Learning as Effective as Traditional Learning - 11 October 2007

University of Colorado Offering Online Degrees to Military Personnel - 06 February 2008

Advertisement

Contents of this feed are a property of Creative Weblogging Limited and are protected by copyright laws. Violations will be prosecuted. Please email us if you'd like to use this feed for non-commercial activities at feeds - at - creative-weblogging.com.

Source: www.onlineuniversities-weblog.com

Patients say day surgery is “like McDonald’s”

Patients admitted for day surgery have compared it to going for a meal at McDonald's, according to a study by an academic from the University of Salford.

Dr Anne Mottram from the School of Nursing investigated patients' experiences of undergoing day surgery as part of her PhD research - and found that the efficiency and speed of the procedure reminded them of fast food chains or other retail outlets.

Anne said: "I interviewed 145 patients about their experiences of day surgery and the majority were happy with their treatment. They talked about the efficiency and speed of the unit, the professionalism of the staff and cleanliness, as particular areas of satisfaction.

"Many of them likened it to going McDonald's and several said the managers of the NHS should take a leaf out of the McDonald's' management systems to enable users to have a quick, speedy, clean service in health care."

A lot of the patients Anne interviewed were happier with the care they received in day surgery than that they had experienced as in-patients. They also liked the idea that they would be going back to their own bed at the end of the day.

"The popularity of day surgery is due to society's desire for speed in all aspects of our lives - fast food, speed dialling, speed dating, instant access to cash via cash machines and fast internet connections," she said.

"Patients seem to want surgery, like so much else in their lives, to be fast."

Ends

Notes to Editors

The School of Nursing at Salford: www.nursing.salford.ac.uk/

To find an academic expert for informed comment on a wide range of subjects, go to www.salford.ac.uk/press_office/experts/

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Jamie Brown / Rachel Conway
Press and PR
The University of Salford
Room 113, Faraday House
Salford, Greater Manchester
M5 4WT, UK

T +44 (0)161 295 5361
F +44 (0)161 295 4705
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Source: www.salford.ac.uk

Two University of Chicago students receive scholarships to study in England

University of Chicago alumna Liz Sefton and fourth-year Matthew Biancalana will be heading this fall to the University of Cambridge for graduate study - Sefton through a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, and Biancalana through a Churchill Scholarship.
Source: news.uchicago.edu

Educators Use Twitter to Continue Class Discussions

Some educators are beginning to use Twitter.com to take classroom discussions into the everyday world. Twitter allows users to post short snippets of information, which are then distributed to specified user via cell phone or website.

The Chronicle of Higher Education recently published an article describing how Twitter is used by Connecticut State University instructor Jason B. Jones:

"Last semester he required the 20 students in his "Introduction to Computer-Mediated Communication" course to sign up for Twitter and to send a few messages each week as part of a writing assignment. He also invited his students to follow his own Twitter feed, in which he sometimes writes several short thoughts - not necessarily profound ones - each day. One morning, for instance, he sent out a message that read: "Reading, prepping for grad class, putting off running until it warms up a bit." The week before, one of his messages included a link to a Web site he wanted his students to check out.

The posts from students also mixed the mundane with the useful. One student Twittered that she just bought a pet rabbit. Another noted that a topic from the class was being discussed on a TV-news report."

Some students find believe that Twitter is a useful way to stay in touch with their learning communities. Others resent the constant intrusion and the additional cell phone charges.

See full article.

Related Entries:

Online discussions and perceived learning - 03 August 2004

Why Twitter? (3): Twitter 与虹 (上) - 04 四月 2007

Why Twitter? (4): Twitter 与虹 (下) - 05 四月 2007

Study Shows Online Class Message Board Discussions Effective, Inconsistently Used - 12 April 2007

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Winning start for Reds and University partnership

The official launch of the community partnership between Salford City Reds rugby team and the University of Salford got off to the best possible start on Friday with a 70-6 win for Salford over Swinton.

And, as part of the new link-up, the University gave t-shirts and rugby balls to local schools - and free match tickets from the Reds boostered the crowd to a bumper 6,000.

The University's community partnership with the Reds has already helped the team by giving them access to sports science staff and students as well as high-tech fitness testing facilities.

In return, the University has received coaching and kit for student rugby teams, and coaches and players have delivered lectures and worked with sports psychology students - as well as providing Salford students with the experience of working with professional athletes.

On the night there was also a valiant attempt to break the world record for the most number of passes of a rugby ball. Despite the atrocious weather conditions, the volunteers - including many under-tens, reached a creditable 170 passes - a mere 80 short of the record.

Graduate Chris Bamber, who is jointly employed by the University and the club to run the link-up, said: "This was a great night to launch the partnership. A local derby, a bumper crowd and a great win are all good omens for the future success of the project.

"We were disappointed not to break the world record and we're looking to have another go in the near future.

"But, by giving the balls to local schools and clubs, we're establishing a lasting link between local children and sport and opening their eyes to how higher education can help them succeed. I'm very much looking forward to the possibilities that this community partnership presents."

Ends

Notes to Editors

To find an academic expert for informed comment on a wide range of subjects, go to www.salford.ac.uk/press_office/experts/

To get all the latest news from Salford subscribe to our RSS feed www.salford.ac.uk/press_office/rss_news/

Salford City Reds: www.reds.co.uk/homepage.php

For further information or photographs contact:

Jamie Brown / Rachel Conway
Press and PR
The University of Salford
Room 113, Faraday House
Salford, Greater Manchester
M5 4WT, UK

T +44 (0)161 295 5361
F +44 (0)161 295 4705
j.brown@salford.ac.uk

(Via www.salford.ac.uk)

New target for cancer therapy may improve treatment for solid tumors

Targeting and killing the non-malignant cells that surround and support a cancer can stop tumor growth in mice, reports a research team based at the University of Chicago Medical Center in the March 1, 2008, issue of the journal Cancer Research.
Link - news.uchicago.edu

Education News - 16 Mar 2008

The University of Kentucky men's basketball team has the day off. That doesn't mean the Wildcats won't work up a sweat.
Source: www.courier-journal.com

White paper asks universities to play key role in making the UK the best place in the world to run an innovative business or public service
Source: education.guardian.co.uk

The site offers free video, audio, and print lectures and course material taken straight from the university's classes.
Source: blogs.edweek.org