My university starts the Fall semester today. I love this time of year. People who are lucky enough to have jobs doing what I do have something uniquely positive – we are allowed to experience an annual return to youthful enthusiasm. No matter what the age of your body, each year brings the opportunity take on new challenges and to do so in the company of many others on similar journeys.
I find myself caught between what I think are some of true benefits of the “college experience” and trends that may be moving us in a different direction. The ideal for me is a full-time face-to-face experience. I regret that tuition costs require that some students must water down the experience with a heavy work schedule or attend part time. Despite my commitment to instructional technology, I am not willing to argue the equivalence of distance education. I think what students or parents pay for is an environment. The environment is as much a function of the diversity and capabilities of the other students as it is of the instructors. Class time is a small part of the experience and the curriculum is much broader than those topics listed by instructors.
If you are lucky enough to be “full time” and “live”, I hope you appreciate the experience. I do.
Welcome back!
