American universities are facing what some people call a “perfect storm.” The cost of universities is rising, and there is not enough work to complete all courses of study.
One solution could even be found within the growing number and quality of online classes, such classes might revolutionize colleges the way the online has already changed music, publishing, sales, and other businesses.
“This is pretty amazing.” that’s David Evans of the University of Virginia, he’s teaching a computing class on the web .
Many top universities now offer online classes, they teach everything from programming to the science of cooking. Many classes are at little or no cost, they’re restructured more often than traditional college programs.
That’s important to the many students who learn technical and other skills from Lynda.com. Lynda Weinman helped to launch the web site , she spoke to VOA on skype.
“”We can plug in quickly, we will teach transient skills, so many software is constantly changing, new software is being invented, something that people cannot do. ”
“In most universities, professors or assistant churches teach students, and then they independently conduct research, study, and homework.”
Student and blogger John Haber said that online courses have changed everything around them.
“They are watching lectures, as homework, and recorded lectures. Once in class, they will have a more active discussion, or interact with the teacher, or perform a project performance.”
John Harber said on skype that he’s taking enough online classes to earn a four-year college degree in only one year. Experts say the new technology will have a serious effect on colleges. Some predict future classes could also be a mixture of online lectures and professors helping students run through difficult problems face to face .
Georgetown University labor economist Tony Carnevale says he would welcome these changes, he says a university education has got to be less expensive , then to skills needed by employers.
“It is very obvious that more and more people need post-secondary education and training, many of whom are not catching up. And, if they are catching up, it will not bring paid employment. Otherwise it will bring jobs Chances are they didn’t make the most of their talents, and we don’t have enough money to buy our answers.”
Chris Cullen may be a college marketing expert, he says competition from online schools, and concerns about costs, will change universities.
“Consumers ask you to simply tell me why, please give me a reason, believe my money, tuition is best spent on your institution. What is my return on investment? What is your value proposition?”
Chris Cullen said that top universities with a strong public image may expand in the Internet world, but he said that schools with less discrimination and fewer prestigious schools may have difficulty inspiring scholars.
