Analysis case with economics theory - Essay Example

Reserving Online s for Specialized, Graduate-Level Seminars And Concentrating On room Teaching The issue ofonline and classroom learning has recently become a serious one and one can’t avoid making a decision between the two methods of learning for such an institution. As the university president, it is my role to make a wise choice for this institution with regards to the mentioned methods. I choose to reserve online courses, though with many advantages, for specialized graduate-level seminars and concentrate most of our efforts to classroom learning.

My reasons for that include the affordability of classroom learning, the utility derived from a one-on-one interaction both between the students and with their tutors and employment opportunities that arise from physical learning institutions.Starting off with the costs, basic classroom learning doesn’t require any special equipment besides the usual paper and pen for the majority of the courses. Most campuses offer accommodation cheaply for their students besides subsidized meals. These ensure the costs are kept down so that more and more people can have the privilege of accessing university education.

Compared to online learning, lots of costs are incurred with reference to high-speed internet costs, powerful computers and having to rent a house at high costs if one isn’t lucky enough to study from home.The advantage of having many students enables economies of scale and thus most costs can be cut for affordability’s sake. It is an advantage in the sense that students stay on the campus and focus on studying and developing other skills being aware that their other needs are taken care of.

My second point for classroom learning is a lack of interaction among the students themselves and between the students and their teachers (Filimban 66). This leads to the students not developing their mental capabilities beyond what they know due to less challenges and the tendency to have ‘closed minds.’ Compared to classroom learning where students get to share ideas freely thus enhancing thinking capacities and developing better personalities through socializing with others, online learning only aims to impart knowledge and little else.

It should thus be left to specialized graduates who have already developed their characters accordingly and need the special knowledge to further their professions.Online learning removes the natural and traditional hands-on experience where one learns through practical settings that ensure the lessons are absorbed and kept well. The fact that classroom learning brings the students into direct contact with their tutors ensures discipline and hard work as they are monitored and given directions.

It also encourages healthy competition when questions are raised and students invited to participate. Through that they develop their confidence and quickness of thinking (Filimban 89).My third point is that of employment opportunities that arise from physical learning institutions. Bright students are usually retained by universities to serve as junior lecturers and in other sectors. This university has been doing that and has no reason for stopping. This has served to motivate students to perform well since it is a kind of job security.

Another area for employment is the non-teaching staffs that include librarians and others who find no place or nothing to do when there are only online learning institutions.Work CitedFilimban, Ghadeer. Factors that Contribute to the Effectiveness of Online Learning Technology at Oregon State University. New York: ProQuest, 2008.