By Cindy Wolfe, University of Phoenix
December 17, 2009
Distance learning students must take a far more active role in learning and accessing information than traditional students in face-to-face classrooms. Written messages or posts from the professor and classmates replace other means of direct communication, and course materials are posted online. Rather than simply sitting through a class and jotting notes, you must take the initiative to download and read lectures and course materials."
Ms. Wolfe's excellent article has me thinking about student responsibility for learning. It's an interesting, but often overlooked concept. So, who is responsible for learning?
At the institutional level - we see universities contorting themselves to insure student "success". Fine. At the classroom level, we see courses designed and taught to insure student "success". We see a wide range of auxiliary and anciliary staff to support student learning (e.g. tutors, advisors, mentors). At the broadest levels of policy debate we see this concept playing out in the conversation about what role states and federal government play in higher education - through funding, accountability, and policy-making. Is it, in fact, the responsibility [or best interest] of the state to provide citizens with higher education [or make it accessible]? What responsibility does the individual citizen have when it comes to educating themselves beyond high school?
I don't have the answers here, but today's blog begins what I hope will be an ongoing exploration of these topics. Stay tuned...
