Virtual College: 'A real solution for saving time, money'

By: Steve Goa

Posted: 10/1/07

Are you an "on-the-go" person with the exhausting task of balancing life, school and work? Or, are you a parent unable to spend more time with your family because of traditional classroom times?

Like you, countless numbers have opted for enrollment in the Virtual College. They are students with a full-time job or adults eager to get back to school. Though the Virtual College could be the answer busy students are looking for, some remain undecided because of their apprehension about online classes.

Although many questions are raised about getting started with the Virtual College, it all comes down to this: Is the Virtual College environment right for "me"?

With another academic year underway, the time is right for an insightful look at DBCC's Virtual College and its enrollment, which is growing astonishingly. Thousands have already put their trust in distance learning.

The rate of online enrollment from 2003 to 2007 has increased at DBCC from 2,440 in 2003 to 10,290, in 2006 and 13,594 presently. These numbers include four types of Web classes, those entirely online, half-and-half, hybrid (75 percent Web) and mixed (physical class with Internet enhancement).

Virtual College Director Dr. Robert Saum believes the reason for such a tremendous growth concerns convenience first."The average student is 20 years of age. They have a full-time job and they are looking to go back to school," Saum said, adding that the need to save money is another reason. "There is also the problem of the mother who cannot afford babysitting," he said. "Consequently, she sees the Virtual College as the solution by allowing her to take classes at home."

Saum said the increasing rate is also an effect of a national trend. "National reports show that 99 percent of high school students have taken at least one online lesson before coming to college," said Saum, noting that most students are comfortable using both the computer and Web.

If so much faith is put in virtual education it is because it's such a suitable environment for distance-learning students. While courses cost a little more money, students save in transportation costs and time. Through the Virtual College, students can earn an AA degree or an AS degree for Business Administration and Criminal Justice. Business certificates are also available for those who only dsire new skills. But the college offers a variety of other courses, too, such as Business Ethics, Algebra, English Composition, Introduction to Health Care, Web Programming and Spanish I, II and III.

Though at the beginning some have difficulties getting used to it, students who have enrolled for online classes are unanimous - the Virtual College is a smart move. Alexia Trauscht, photographic technology major, has enrolled in two online classes at UCF and another at DBCC.

"My first one was the summer of '05. I took it because I did not want to leave home for the summer just for one class, so I decided to have it online. I knew that taking an online class was a good idea and it couldn't be worse than a face-to-face actual class. I did not feel anxious before enrolling for the Virtual College. I think I can manage my time pretty well. Mostly you just have to read to do well. That is probably my one downfall, but I manage," Trauscht said.

Jonathan Phillips, Hospitality major, is also a Virtual College student. He began in spring of 2006. Unlike Trauscht, he considers his online program challenging because it requires a lot of self-discipline.

"I thought that it would be a breeze. But it is actually challenging. Just as hard as it is to get yourself to go to class," he said. "You need the self-discipline to sign in, read your assignments and finish quizzes, tests and online discussions on time."

In addition, there are no bullies teasing others during class time, nobody harassing you for missing homework and Phillips thinks that the atmosphere of an online program requires more responsibility.

"For example, when I miss an assignment, I take it worse than a missed classroom assignment because with online classes it's at my own pace and I sometimes do not follow through."

Trauscht's attitude is more positive concerning her procrastination.

"I might be cutting it close to the deadline for some things, but they are still done and accounted for before midnight on the due date. Another good thing, you have usually until midnight to complete assignments."

Phillips knows he must practice self discipline to succeed and admits that enrolling for the Virtual College has been beneficial.

"With nobody behind you pushing you, you have got to realize it's all on you and if you can do that, then it is very easy and beneficial. I have been able to take classes from home, saving gas, miles on my car, and time to do other things around the house or at work."

So it goes for Trauscht, too, who said, "I can schedule the class work around my time and not vice- versa. Plus, when I go home for a weekend, I can still work on the quizzes or tests with ease."

Both recommend it to skeptical students, who still believe in BBB-Big Black Board-and UTD-Uncomfortable Tiny Desk.

Trauscht asks, "Would you rather wake up for a class or sleep in and do a couple quizzes from the comfort of your home, in pajamas? It's also true that it is not a face-to-face lecture, but the professor always has some kind of notes and/or online lecture. You just have to read it."

The one drawback, however, is that online students miss the opportunity to meet and network not only with other students, but also with professors. Those contacts might be essential to landing internships and jobs. Critics of online education say they are convenient, but that is the biggest compromise.