One important quote from Caplan and Graham in the Development of Online Learning, "one way to address concerns about inferior pedagogy online is to dictate the same educational standards must apply to the development of instruction for the Internet," this statement will be the foundation of this blog (p. 251). Distance education courses have always had a perception from many people as being the easy way around a hard class. Obviously, this is an error in the notion. However, I often wonder why it came to be that online learning was thought to be easier? Many of us who take online courses, certainly, would not agree that online learning is easier. In fact, my opinion is that online courses require more participation and self direction.
Anyway, what Caplan and Graham are saying is the two types of pedagogy need to instill the same standards to keep the online education system on the same set of standards as the traditional education system. The goal of an educational institution is to ultimately educate the students on the educational pursuits that they so choose. However, with the institutionalization of online learning the institute needs to make sure that the online courses share the standards that are set forth for face-to-face institutions. This will in the end, eliminate the question of "inferiority" amongst the different methods of learning. I hope this all makes sense. Comments are welcome.
References
Caplan, D., & Graham, R. (2008). Technologies of Online Learning (E-learning). In T. Anderson. T. (Ed.), Theory and practice of online learning (Second Edition). (pp. 143-165). Retrieved July 18, 2008, from http://www.aupress.ca/books/Terry_Anderson/mcgreal.pdf
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I agree that distance education classes should follow the same standards and requirements as traditional classes. I think online classes are perceived to be easier since it would seem that at all times you have all the information you would need in front of you (no closed-book tests). However, in a distance education class you have to be your own motivator. There is no one watching you asking you why you weren't prepared for that weeks lecture. Even though there may not be any proctored or closed book exams (depending on the institution, UMUC has proctored finals for many of its undergrad classes) the tests or papers may require more critical thinking or explanations to show that you have truly learned the course materials.
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