"Nothing improves student performance more than one-on-one human tutoring"

Over the last few years student enrollment in online college courses has rapidly increased. Researchers cite the accessibility and convenience of these online classrooms as the reason behind the rapid gains. Although technology has become a great teaching tool in modern classrooms, I think that Gates and other technology "geeks" are stepping ahead of themselves. I have several recurring questions. 1) Who will address the academic defecits that some students possess? 2) If so many students fail on campus courses, what about those who do not meet in a traditional classroom? 3) From whom will students receive assistance when they do not fully understand a concept?

These are issues that colleges will have to consider when implementing online classrooms. Many students have difficulty navigating a class syllabus even when an instructor explains the content. Imagine those students being set adrift with only a username and password during freshman year!! I find it quite amusing that men like Bill Gates, who received traditional educations, are such passionate proponents of online classrooms. Perhaps they are trying to make college education more accessible to anyone who seeks it. Still, I see the financial gains to be made; far surpassing any monetary contributions billionaire technology magnates like Gates and others will initally make.

Lisa

October 30, 2010 8:20 PM