Actually I don't think online learning is better than classroom, I wrote two blog posts (the more recent is http://williambswift.blogspot.com/2009/04/overcoming-bias-an... and links to the earlier) claiming that the Web is NOT adequate for serious study. Books are the thing.
The nonsense was a bit strong, but I have seen this claim over and over, and equipment suitable for learning is much less expensive than tuition. If you REALLY want to learn, you can even build large amounts of the equipment yourself (that is also the ultimate test - Pass/Fail - does it work or not). I don't know if they still do, but the UMCP had a required physics shop course where you learned to use machine shop and electronics tools to make specialized equipment you may need.
Your blog posts are comparing surfing the Internet and using Google to reading/studying textbooks tailored for college courses. You're comparing Apples and Oranges.
The general Internet is only the access point for serious online education - the actual teaching happens within private web applications. Furthermore, online courses or degrees still require the same books, you just might buy them (for a lot less) off Amazon or Chegg instead of the college bookstore.
Comments
Actually I don't think online learning is better than classroom, I wrote two blog posts (the more recent is http://williambswift.blogspot.com/2009/04/overcoming-bias-an... and links to the earlier) claiming that the Web is NOT adequate for serious study. Books are the thing.
The nonsense was a bit strong, but I have seen this claim over and over, and equipment suitable for learning is much less expensive than tuition. If you REALLY want to learn, you can even build large amounts of the equipment yourself (that is also the ultimate test - Pass/Fail - does it work or not). I don't know if they still do, but the UMCP had a required physics shop course where you learned to use machine shop and electronics tools to make specialized equipment you may need.
Your blog posts are comparing surfing the Internet and using Google to reading/studying textbooks tailored for college courses. You're comparing Apples and Oranges.
The general Internet is only the access point for serious online education - the actual teaching happens within private web applications. Furthermore, online courses or degrees still require the same books, you just might buy them (for a lot less) off Amazon or Chegg instead of the college bookstore.