As for online degrees, though, mine from University of Texas at Arlington was tougher than any other course I have taken in person or otherwise. If you go to a university that gets respect in person, the online program will be of the same quality because they do not want a weak link. Be proud in your work. I am.

—They don’t know that online education is a spectrum. At one end, course work is nothing more than electronic correspondence–convenient but a poor way to learn. At the other end, course work is very interactive and dynamic. On our end of the spectrum, online learning is a very effective way to learn–not because of the technology interface but because of the instructional design.

—They don’t know that some online programs are “accelerated” and some are standard 15-week semesters. Accelerated means students cram and don’t have time to develop projects that test their ability to demonstrate the skills they’re learning. They don’t know that many accelerated programs are more theory oriented than skills oriented. And they don’t know that Boise State graduates are holding great teaching, technical, and academic leadership jobs all over the country because they know theory AND skills.

They don’t know about online education, Chris. It’s up to you to tell them. Or, put me together with them; I’ll tell them.

—And they don’t know that we grade students on authentic assessments. Students don’t take many tests where they guess the answers; they demonstrate what they know by DOING IT in the form of a project in every class. And now, students submit a portfolio for a culminating activity.

Jerry.

JERRY FOSTER
Associate Program Developer
Department of Educational Technology
Boise State University
208-426-1966
edtech@boisestate.edu