A web-based resource that I find highly interesting is completely online degree programs. Some of the most popular universities that offer these programs include University of Phoenix, Walden University, and Kaplan University. Click here to learn more about Kaplan University and online degree programs in general. Also, schools that are mostly on-campus, including Florida State and our rival University of Florida, are beginning to offer more and more distance programs. The online programs offer a wide variety of majors and specializations (also depending on the school) and at the associate, bachelor, and masters level.
I think this is a wonderful option for students who have families, busy work schedules, unreliable means of transportation, or do not live near a desirable university. I also think it is extremely beneficial for teachers who have these same issues or responsibilities. I would be very interested in teaching online courses. The majority of teacher education and training is based on classroom, face-to-face curriculum and learning. I think it takes a dedicated, organized, knowledgeable teacher to be able to construct a distance course that is as equally effective as traditional classroom learning. I have gained some knowledge and experience by setting up a course on Nice.net.org, as well as taking several online courses here at FSU. I hope to one day have more experience with online courses, both as a student and an educator.
I would love to see more teacher and educational meetings and conferences conducted online in a web chat type of forum. I foresee you being able to click on profiles of user to get more information on the person's school, position (i.e. administrator, teacher and their grade level and subject), and educational background. There would be a "host", likely a principal or administrator, that would bring up a topic and allow others to chime in and comment at will. If desired, there could also be a time limit set for each topic that would be recorded and displayed on your computer screen. This would keep conversations from getting off task or out of hand! Online conferences would be great because everyone could log-in from the convenience of their home or office, rather than struggle to make it somewhere in time for a meeting. Also, I feel that educators who are a little on the shy side but have some great thoughts and ideas would be more likely to speak up (or rather, "type up") in an online forum. Many people can also write more clearly and confidently than they speak. Plus, you can't take back something you verbally said, but you can backspace something you wrote! I think online meetings and conferences would not only be convenient and comfortable, but highly effective.
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