Internet extends limits of learning

By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer

It isn't unusual for Ted Peck, a student at Hawai'i Pacific University, to skip class. In fact, it's the norm.

Joe Schmiedl, distance learning coordinator, and Langley Frizzell, director of distance learning programs, review online course material at Hawai'i Pacific University, where the Internet is making inroads. HawaiÎi Pacific University

Taking no more than three courses a year, Peck figures to have his degree by around 2008 — which would be impossible if he had to attend regular classes.

"It would have been unrealistic," said Peck, who's married and has two young children. "It's difficult enough as it is."

Schools such as HPU and the University of Hawai'i increasingly are converting from classroom chalkboards to Internet chat rooms to boost student enrollment while alleviating demands on classroom space. Last year there were 7,111 registrations for 358 online courses offered by HPU, up from 3,320 registrations for 177 courses one year earlier. Still, the ranks of Internet students remains small at 5 percent of the university's overall registrations.

The trend is primarily driven by schools looking to open up access to education by offering classes that conform to the schedules of students rather than teachers. It's also a result of increased pressure by professionals for advanced degrees, particularly in the area of business, said Vicky Phillips, chief executive for online degree information resource GetEducated.com.

That means not just more online courses but a growing number of online degree and certification programs. Today there are 125 different degree programs available via the Internet in the United States. That's up from five in 1989, according to Phillips. Most are business-related followed by computer science and education degrees.

"It's because there's huge market demand," Phillips said. "These are careers that are more and more requiring higher levels of education."

At UH and HPU the cost of taking a class online is no different than traditional classes. Instead of attending classes to listen to lectures and assignments, Internet students listen to recorded lectures, which sometimes are accompanied by slide shows. Class discussions are conducted in online chats or via electronic discussion boards.

Online courses typically run concurrent with standard semesters.

"Anything you can do in the classroom you can do online," said Justin Vance, an adjunct faculty member who teaches an online history class for Hawai'i Pacific University.

For instructors, teaching an online course initially can be more work as lectures are recorded and presentations and lessons are posted on the Internet. Ultimately, though, online classes are more convenient, Vance said.

"It's nice not having to travel to class," he said. "It takes just as much time preparing, but of course it's much more convenient to do it from your own living room."

Carolyn McCarthy, an Army staff sergeant at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, agreed.

"The advantage is it gives you a lot more flexibility," said McCarthy, who started studying at Hawai'i Pacific University while stationed on O'ahu. She continued taking HPU courses online after being transferred to Maryland.

"The one disadvantage (of online courses) is you pretty much have to teach yourself," added McCarthy, who said she's five courses away from completing a four-year degree in criminal justice. "You have to be a lot more disciplined."

UH Internet courses make it easier to spread knowledge, particularly to Neighbor Island students, without placing added strain on campus facilities.

"It's about expanding access and developing quality learning for the student," said Paula Mochida, a special assistant for distance learning at the University of Hawai'i. "This is a way of expanding enrollments without it taxing the infrastructure on campuses."

At Hawai'i Pacific University's downtown campus, "classroom space is a big problem," said Langley Frizzell, director of distance learning programs for the university.

However, offering courses online doesn't necessarily cut costs, either.

"Instead of hiring janitors and renting space we employ technicians and buy servers," Frizzell said.

Despite the growth in registrations for online courses, few students take online classes exclusively.

Still, with the number of degrees available online increasing, that possibility exists. At the same time acceptance of an online degree is growing, experts said. At UH and HPU there's no distinction made on transcripts or degrees concerning whether a degree was obtained via the Internet.

"The online degree is the same as you get in the classroom," Frizzell said.

"You don't get an online degree. You get a Hawai'i Pacific University degree."

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8093.